Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane #4)(49)

Winter bowed in her direction. “I believe that civilized men can find ways to settle arguments other than with the use of violence, ma’am, so no, I would not.”

Miss Greaves smiled.

Isabel snorted under her breath, causing Winter to shoot her a sharp glance.

“What a noble sentiment,” Lord d’Arque drawled. “But I fear that when I saw the Ghost accosting Lady Beckinhall, I had more concern for her welfare than a philosophical argument.”

Lord Kershaw shot Isabel a pointed look. “I was not aware you were accosted by the Ghost, my lady.”

Isabel lifted her chin and met his gaze directly. “I’m sorry I had not informed you, my lord.”

“Your consideration becomes you, Lord d’Arque,” Lady Penelope continued, oblivious. “I’m sure Lady Beckinhall must’ve been near mad with fear.” Her brows knit in puzzlement. “How did you find yourself alone with the Ghost of St. Giles, my lady?”

Trust Lady Penelope to point out the most awkward part of the whole evening.

The earl arched an eyebrow and smiled. “You said once that you’d rescued the Ghost. Are you better acquainted than we know?”

Isabel cleared her throat. “I saw the Ghost sneak into a backstage passage and followed him.”

“On your own?” Lady Penelope’s lovely dark eyebrows nearly disappeared into her hairline. “How very brave of you, my lady, to confront him all by yourself. Did you mean to arrest him on your own or did you have another reason to follow him into a dark passage?”

“I fear curiosity overpowered my good judgment, my lady.” Isabel smiled through gritted teeth.

“Alas, curiosity has killed many a softhearted *cat,” Winter murmured.

Lord d’Arque’s eyes narrowed as he looked between Winter and herself. “Curiosity is certainly not worth your precious life, Lady Beckinhall. I trust you will rein in your more risky urges in the future.”

“You’re advocating prudence, my lord?” Isabel cocked her head skeptically.

“In the case of mad murderers, yes.” The viscount looked quite grim. “I don’t wish to cross verbal swords with you, my lady, but when I discovered you with the Ghost, you seemed… imperiled.”

Isabel drew in a sharp breath. Up until now, Lord d’Arque had been quite gentlemanly tonight. He’d not breathed word of the embrace he’d found her in with the Ghost, only hinting vaguely that the Ghost had threatened her. She’d been grateful for his circumspection—if knowledge got out about a kiss, her reputation would become notorious.

Now she caught a hint of an implicit threat from the viscount. Nevertheless, she couldn’t allow him to slander the Ghost. “I do not believe I was in any danger.”

“No?” the viscount murmured.

“No,” she replied flatly.

“How can you say that when the Ghost is a well-known murderer?” Lady Penelope cried.

“I believe the rumors of his murders are just that: rumors,” Isabel said. “The Ghost has never offered me harm.”

“How many times have you met him?” Mrs. Seymour asked.

Isabel felt heat climb her neck. “Once before. Now twice.”

“Many in St. Giles have run into the Ghost here or there,” Winter said vaguely. “From what I’ve seen of him, he seems almost gentlemanly.”

Isabel glanced at him skeptically.

His mouth twitched. “And whoever he is, the Ghost never threatened me. Quite the contrary, in fact. He helped to capture a dangerous murderer last year.”

“Then perhaps Lord d’Arque shouldn’t have fought him,” Miss Greaves said, sounding distressed. “Perhaps the Ghost is innocent of any crime at all and should not be pursued.”

“Ridiculous.” Lady Penelope snorted. “Your heart is too soft, my dear Artemis. Those who have done awful crimes do not deserve our sympathy. They belong either in bedlam or prison or hung from the gallows.”

Miss Greaves went suddenly white.

“In any case, I am not of the same opinion.” Lady Penelope shuddered dramatically. “Lord d’Arque’s courage and wonderful skill with the blade saved us from a tragedy, I think.”

The viscount bowed to Lady Penelope. “I thank you, my lady. ’Twas my pleasure indeed.”

“There’s one thing I don’t understand,” Lord Kershaw said.

Isabel raised her eyebrows. “My lord?”

“Why was the Ghost here tonight at all?” Lord Kershaw asked. “I was given to understand that he frequents St. Giles—hence his name.”

Isabel cleared her throat. “He did venture as far as Tyburn only a fortnight ago.”

“He’s a criminal. No doubt he planned to attack and rob all of us,” Lady Penelope stated assuredly.

“Or he could’ve come to save someone,” Miss Greaves said.

Lady Penelope rolled her eyes.

“Perhaps he was hunting,” Winter said.

“Exactly as I said,” Lady Penelope snapped.

“Your pardon, my lady,” Winter said, “but I meant that perhaps he sought someone who had done him wrong—or had done wrong to those he protects in St. Giles.”

“What a very odd idea,” Lord d’Arque said.