“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” she asked as they stepped out of the shop into the street. Griffith glanced instinctively to either side, taking her arm and drawing her close to him. Her maid trailed behind, and Griffith looked back to ensure she was safe as well.

“Stop manhandling me,” she said as she twisted her arm away. “I am perfectly capable of walking down the street on my own.”

He took her arm again, glancing down at her with an amused expression on his face. “I believe that, my lady. Perhaps I want the comfort of you by my side since I am unfamiliar with London?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she replied, but she didn’t pull away.

“Thank you for your help today,” he said as they walked. Toward where, he had no idea. He only hoped it wasn’t to buy more clothing. “Do you have the proper attire for our upcoming adventure?” he asked.

“Sarah and I went shopping yesterday.”

Damn. He wished he could have seen her trying gowns on, offering his opinion as to which was the most appealing on her. By which he meant the one that would show off her curves and creamy skin the best.

“There is a stack of invitations for us at Frederick’s house.” He spoke in a rueful tone. “News of my return traveled quickly. I believe there is a party tonight, should you be prepared for it. Unless you need more time?”

“I do not,” she retorted, as he could have predicted. Lady Della was nothing if not predictably snappish, especially if it appeared one was questioning her being up to a task.

“Excellent. I will pick you up this evening, say around eight o’clock?” He glanced around them. “Where are we going now anyway?”

He saw her cheeks turn pink as she replied. “Since we are posing as an engaged couple, I thought it would be best if we have a ring. We’re going to a jeweler’s. Hopefully my mother won’t have decided to go shopping today as well,” she muttered, her tone as apprehensive as he’d heard from her thus far.

“A ring! I’d forgotten about that.” He grinned at her. “Are you certain you haven’t done this sort of subterfuge before?”

“You mean pretending I am betrothed to a duke’s heir? I am fairly certain I would have recalled,” she said in a dry tone.

He leaned his head back in laughter. She glanced up at him, a wry smile on her mouth, and then she laughed also, shaking her head.

This was already so much fun, and they hadn’t even gotten into the teeth of Society yet.

“That one,” Lord Stanbury said, pointing to a ring in the jewelry case.

Della frowned at seeing his selection. “That is far too large,” she said.