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“What if I were to stop for ices?”

Her eyebrows went up. “I think I could enjoy a Gunter’s ice.” She flashed him a knowing look. “But I wouldn’t want to cause any talk.”

Had she noticed how much he disliked being the subject of gossip? Was she protecting him?

“You can stay in the carriage. We’ll draw the curtains all the way. And we won’t wait for a waiter. I will go inside myself.”

“Won’t people be curious when you return with two ices?”

“I’ll get only one, then. And if I meet anyone I know—”

“Of course, you will meet someone you know,” she interrupted.

“Then when I do, I will tell them I’m on my mother’s errand.” He watched her weigh this excuse. “Which is true, by the way.”

“Excellent point.” The wrinkle between her brows disappeared. “When you’re acting, it’s important to find the truth.”

“Pardon?” he tilted his head.

“Even pretense contains truth. Good acting is always honest.”

“Honest?” Acting was by nature, a lie.

“Yes, honest,” she insisted. “You must accurately reflect the way a person sees the world, even if you believe they are wrong.”

She appeared inexplicably earnest, and yet she was speaking of deception.

“I’ll keep your advice in mind.” Changeling.

She blushed. “I’m sure you don’t need my instruction.”

Perhaps not, but he found himself learning from her anyway.

He called for the coachman to stop the carriage as close as possible to Nos. 7–8 Berkeley Square, but not so close as to generate talk.

He didn’t want to give rise to speculation, but neither did he want either carriage or cargo, especially the inside cargo, completely out of his sight.

As he exited the carriage, Lenora turned her face away to avoid being seen. He hurried through the chilly October afternoon, feeling uneasy about leaving her alone.

He opened the door and the scent of baked goods filled the air. He crossed over to the counter, passing by a table of three people he recognized asLord Hampton and his children.

By letter, Lord Preston and Lady Amelia had accepted his mother’s invitation, but he’d been meaning to speak with Hampton, too. Word was, Hampton had a racehorse he was rumored to be selling.

Asquith had pored over The Racing Calendar, trying to figure out which of Hampton’s magnificent beasts he was planning to auction. Calder, he hoped.

What Asquith wouldn’t give for a chance to make one of Eclipse’s descendants his own! With luck, he too could raise champions.

“Ah,” Lord Hampton said. “Young Asquith.”

Now was not the time to conduct business—he glanced back at the carriage—Lenora needed something to eat. But he couldn’t escape pleasantries. He greeted the Earl, Lord Preston, and Lady Amelia.

“I’ve heard,” the Earl continued, “you are to accompany Preston and Amelia to the Exchange Monday next.”

“Yes,” he replied. “It will be my honor.”

“Amelia is looking forward to the outing,” Lord Hampton said.

Amelia, regal and contained as always, inclined her head. If she had been anticipating the outing, she gave no sign.