Chapter 23

“I must get back to my parents,” Avery said, standing. “I meant no offense, Dearborne. I just thought you should know.”

Although he didn’t know whether Avery was meddling for his own amusement or was genuinely concerned, Leander decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. “Thank you, but I don’t believe I have any cause to worry.”

Avery nodded and turned to go, nearly colliding with a couple who were on their way into the box. Leander suppressed a sigh when he recognized the couple. Lord and Lady Moorhouse were untiring busybodies—no doubt they would have something to say about Blackstone.

They did, and so did the rest of the visitors who stopped by his box. Leander was grateful when the curtain finally went up on the fourth act and that the intermission between it and the fifth act was too brief to allow any more visiting.