Chapter 25

“No,” Dearborne said immediately. “Not in the least. My own foolishness is nothing compared to how splendid the play was.”

“I don’t know that you were foolish,” Julien countered, surprising himself. It wasn’t like him to go to the effort of comforting or consoling someone he barely knew. “You’re simply unfamiliar with the city of London.”

“Or any city,” Dearborne admitted with a self-deprecating laugh. “The first time I was in a city was this January when I sailed for London from Boston.”

Little wonder that he was unaware of the dangers of London. “From now on it might be best if you sent for your coach.”

“I suppose. I just…feel that I should do such things for myself. If I’m able.”

“Too active and independent to be waited upon, are you?”

“Not hardly.” A fleeting smile crossed Dearborne’s face. “In fact, what happened tonight is probably because I haven’t done enough to accustom myself to London.”