Dare glanced nervously toward the door. He hated leaving his sister alone, especially since his entire future hung upon the goodwill of the woman acting as her chaperone, but he had promised Charlotte he would be with her momentarily. The thought of what might happen should she stroll into the crowded ballroom and announce that she was awaiting his help with her codpiece made his flesh crawl. “I must leave. Give me your word you’ll stay here and wait for Mrs. Whitney until I return.”

“Not a gentleman investor, I think.” Patricia ignored his request, her eyes laughing as she tipped her head to better consider him. “For if you had an investor, it would not matter to you in the least whether or not Mrs. Whitney recommends you to her husband, and thus you wouldn’t be so worried about placating her. Not to mention keeping your scandalous past from her ears.” She tapped a finger to her lips, her eyes growing bright with interest. “If it’s not gaming and it’s not an investor, then it must be…good heavens, Dare, you’re not intending to have an assignation with a woman, are you?”

“Well, I’m not likely to have one with a man,” he snapped. “Now, will you—”

“It is a woman!” Patricia crowed.

Dare scowled as he abruptly shushed her. “If you can’t behave any better than this in public, I’ll think twice about giving my permission for you to attend any other such festivities.”

“After next week, you won’t have any say about where I go, but that’s neither here nor there.” She waved away her brother’s objections. “Tell me about this woman you’re meeting! Who is she? Do I know her? Are you courting her? Oh, Dare, I do so worry about who will take care of you after I’m married—please tell me you’ve fallen in love and are about to offer for a woman who will love you in return.”

“Love.” Dare snorted, momentarily distracted by that unwholesome thought. “That sort of foolishness is what comes from reading those novels you devour weekly.”

Patricia watched her brother steadily for a moment, the light of laughter dying in her eyes. “No, I can see you’re not in love with anyone, but I haven’t given up hope that someday you will find the woman meant for you. I know you believe yourself too scarred by past events ever to give your heart again, but truly, brother, not all women are like the one who hurt you. You must have hope. You must leave yourself open to loving again.”

The blank, shuttered look that accompanied any reference made to the events of ten years past left Dare’s face a cold, unyielding mask. “Yes or no, will you stay here and behave until Mrs. Whitney is free?”

There was no hope for it, he would not discuss the past. Patricia allowed herself an inner sigh of concern for him, but found a cheerful smile as she saluted smartly. “Aye, aye, mon capitaine. Hoist your mainsail and belay those worries, brother mine. I shall stay here becalmed until my own darling captain comes to hoist my anchor.”