Effie met his eyes. “I was unaware that anyone thought I was.”

“Many have presumed it to be the case. As it transpires, you are wholly reliant on the generosity of your sponsor.” Again, his fingers brushed hers. “Do you plan to marry?”

Her skin crawled at his touch. “I have no firm plans.”

“How, then, do you propose to support yourself when the season comes to a close?”

“I have not thought that far ahead, my lord.”

“You will naturally be in want of someone to look after you once you have left Lady Belwood’s care. For a young woman with no family or connections, the world can be a dangerous place.”

“Yes, quite dangerous,” she said solemnly. “People should really take care, shouldn’t they?”

His expression glinted with dry amusement. “You aren’t afraid of the future?”

“I have no reason to fear it. I’ve done no wrong, and I’ve made no enemies.”

“Show me a man with no enemies, and I shall show you a man who hasn’t truly lived,” his lordship quipped.

“Yes,” Effie agreed. “But I am not a man, my lord.”

He chuckled. “No, you most certainly are not, are you?” He touched her hand again. “If you find yourself in need of a protector, you must allow me to advise you.”

Effie’s stomach clenched. She had known the viscount capable of veiled flirtation, but she hadn’t anticipated an implied offer of his protection. It was an insult disguised as an honor. One she would never have been subjected to if she were truly a lady of wealth and breeding.

But she wasn’t.

Lord Compton believed she was unprotected. Entirely without resource.

He leaned closer, his breath a hot puff against her cheek. “A man like Mr. Royce may appear exciting on first acquaintance, but you would be wise to keep your distance from him.”

A flare of alarm took Effie unaware.

Good lord. How much did Compton know about what she’d been up to these past weeks?

“I have no interest in Mr. Royce,” she said evenly.

“You were observed leaving my library on the night of the ball,” Lord Compton replied. “He came out after you.”

Observed by whom? Parker, Effie presumed. How much else had the butler seen?

She shook her head. “It isn’t what you—”

“And my daughter mentioned that you and Mr. Royce were both absent again during the musicale. Not to mention his behavior toward you at Cremorne Gardens. He carried you off, my daughter claims.” He patted Effie’s hand. “You wouldn’t like to have your name linked to his, would you, my dear?”

“Rather it should be linked to someone else’s?”

“If you are so inclined,” he said. “You’re a charming girl. Choose your course correctly, and the future will be yours to make.”