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attention to a young lady, he has other things on his mind.”
    “He might simply wish to converse with her about matters of mutual intellectual interest,” Prudence suggested hopefully.
    “Not likely.” Hester put down her teacup, her expression thoughtful. “One of the reasons Angelstone is so completely fascinating is precisely because he flouts Society’s rules. Treats the Social World with contempt, for the most part, just as it once treated his parents.”
    “But you said he’s invited to all the best balls and soirees.”
    “Certainly. There is nothing Society thrives on more than being treated with contempt by a titled gentleman who has money to burn and more than a hint of danger about him.”
    “I see. How very odd.”
    “Not at all. Only recall how Society has doted on Byron. Angelstone is very shrewd. He knows how to stay just this side of the boundary of what is acceptable. And since he assumed the title, every hostess in Town vies to lure him with an invitation to one of her affairs.”
    “He is certainly an interesting man,” Prudence said.
    “Yes, indeed.” Hester turned thoughtful. “And one of the most interesting things about him is why he has not used the power he acquired along with the title to crush his relatives.”
    Prudence frowned. “Crush them?”
    “It would be easy enough for him to do. He controls a fortune, after all. And he has great social power. Everyone assumes the reason he has not gotten his relatives banished from Society is simply that it amuses him to play cat-and-mouse games with them.”
    “I cannot believe he would deliberately hurt his family. I rather liked him,” Prudence ventured.
    “I’m sure he can be charming when he chooses. And he was no doubt more than charming when he asked you to dance with him. The thing is, Prue, Trevor is absolutely correct to be concerned about any connection between you and the earl. Angelstone is said to amuse himself in some rather odd ways. He might find it entertaining to ruin this Season’s most interesting Original.”
    Prudence bit her lip. “Come, now, madam. I am five-and-twenty, after all. A bit past the age of ruination.”
    “Not yet, my dear. Not yet. And if there is anything Society loves more than a Fallen Angel, it’s a good, juicy scandal. You are the talk of the Town at the moment. Every eye is upon you. If your name is linked to Angelstone’s, there will be no end to the gossip.”
    Prudence took another sip of tea. “The only reason I’m the center of attention is because of that business with the Pembroke family treasure.”
    “Of course, my dear.” Hester beamed with delight and gave an affectionate pat to the diamond pendant around her throat. It had been part of the cache Prudence had discovered. “Everyone knows you found my jewels when you investigated the Pembroke ghost. The
ton
is quite enthralled with the tale.”
    Prudence wrinkled her nose. “Too bad I did not locatethe Pembroke family ghost while I was at it. Encountering evidence of genuine spectral phenomena would have been far more interesting than discovering a bunch of jewels.”
    “But not nearly as useful, Prue. Not nearly as useful. You have changed my life, my dear, and I do not know how I can ever repay you.”
    “You know very well you have more than repaid me by bringing Trevor and me to London for a visit. Since the death of our parents, Trevor has been extremely restless in the country. Here in Town he is gaining experience in the ways of the world and he is having a wonderful time.”
    “It was the very least I could do to thank you,” Hester said. “I know how concerned you were about Trevor. But I would love to do so much more for you, my dear.” She frowned at Prudence’s demure, unfashionable muslin frock. “I do wish you would allow me to buy you a new wardrobe.”
    “Now, Hester, we have been through this before. I am not about to allow you to buy me a trunkful of gowns that I will never be able to wear