An opera singer was performing at someone’s house. Fiona did not recall the specifics. She rose, as did Prudence, and remained that way until after the dowager departed.

“Well, she was an odd bird,” Mrs. Tucket said with a cluck of her tongue in the way she described a pudding that didn’t turn out properly.

“She’s a dowager countess.” Prudence made the statement as if it explained everything.

Fiona thought about not just the woman’s title but her family. “She’s also Tobias’s father’s mother.” And given everything she knew about the former earl, it seemed logical that his mother would be an intimidating, exacting force of nature.

Mrs. Tucket pushed herself to her feet. “Time to climb more stairs so I may have my nap.”

Fiona hated that she was another floor higher. She needed to be in a cottage with one level of living. “Why don’t you nap in my room?” she suggested.

“Nonsense, you need to start preparing for the ball.” Mrs. Tucket waved her hand toward Prudence before she could offer her chamber. “As do you. I’ll get a footman to help me up. I like that Baines fellow. He’s a strapping lad.” She sent them a wink and chuckled on her way out of the drawing room.

Fiona turned to Prudence. “It seems the dowager has come to manage me. Why?”

“I can’t imagine.” She looked at Fiona intently. “But the more pressing question in my mind is why you referred to his lordship as Tobias.”

Had she said that? Fiona hoped she appeared nonchalant. “I misspoke. How bizarre.”

“Quite,” Prudence murmured. “Shall we prepare for the assembly?”

“Yes, let’s.” Fiona was looking forward to donning her favorite and as yet unworn purple gown. No, she was looking forward to focusing her attention on something that did not involve her guardian, the ways he’d withheld information from her, or the manner in which just the thought of him made her quiver.

She needed to look forward to the life she would lead without him.

The line of carriages outside the Phoenix Club was quite long. Both entrances were open and thronged with people. Had it been like this all evening? Tobias was an hour late due to his business at Westminster. He’d rushed home but had missed escorting the ladies. Now he was quite anxious to get inside.

To see Fiona.

Since realizing he was in love with her, the anticipation of seeing her was almost painful. He kept smiling at odd times, provoking questions and puzzled stares.

At last, he was here. He only hoped he could find her easily with so many people about.

Avoiding the crowds at the entrance, Tobias slipped down to the lower floor, where the employees of the club bustled here and there. He had to sidestep someone more than once and apologized profusely. He’d thought this would be an easier entry and was clearly wrong.

When he finally reached the stairs, he hurried up to the ground floor only to find that he couldn’t really get into the house. So he went up one more and emerged on the first floor of the gentleman’s side.