“I was not in distress,” she interrupted. “Merely impeded by a ruffian in pursuit of my goal. Not the first time that has happened,” she added in a rueful tone.

He wanted to know more about that, but he suspected she wasn’t the type of lady to reveal her secrets all at once.

“I was doing just fine without you,” she continued, crossing her arms over her chest.

In fact, he suspected she would reveal none of her secrets. Which only piqued his curiosity more.

“As I said, pre-ruffian, I am looking for someone,” she said, glancing around the pub again, a frown on her lovely face. “Perhaps you can help me find him?”

“I would be happy to.” Griffith took his hat off, sweeping low into a bow, as genteel and respectable as he’d been taught so many years ago. “Captain Griffith Davies at your service. What is the gentleman’s name?”

Her expression was puzzled, and then it cleared as she whacked him hard on the arm, her mouth opening into a wide smile. He was definitely not expecting that reaction. “You’re Lord Viscount Whateverhisname! You’re the person I’m after!”

Griffith hadn’t heard anyone reference his title in so long he nearly opened his mouth to deny it. Then realized he couldn’t, because it was true.

“I am.” He sounded as surprised as she looked. “What business do you have with me?” He tried not to sound dismissive, but it was unlikely she wanted him for any good reason. He’d left his title when he’d run off to sea, and he was damned glad not to be that person any longer.

The lady didn’t reply, just grabbed his arm and began to walk him toward the door. Or tried to walk him toward the door; when he wanted to, Griffith could be an immovable object.

She turned and pointed at his chest with the hat pin. “Don’t make me use this,” she said half-jokingly.

“You need to tell me what you want first,” Griffith replied, folding his arms over his chest. “And I am sorry to tell you, but a hat pin, no matter how skillfully wielded, is not going to persuade me.”

“It’s important.”

She spoke in an urgent tone, and he couldn’t help but believe her, even though he still had no idea what she wanted. Besides, he was entirely intrigued, so he was willing to accommodate whatever she wished.

He softened his expression. “Important, is it? Why didn’t you say so? Lead on, Lady Hat Pin.”

She nodded, and when she tugged on him now, he walked with her toward the door. Because why not? It would be an adventure.

They both halted when the door suddenly sprung open.

A phalanx of men poured in, all wearing the garb of the Royal Navy Police.