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information took her aback more than somewhat. “Never say so.”
    He gave her an impatient look. “There are any number of people who would be happy to tell you that
    the young lady in question had a narrow escape.”
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    “Hmm.”
    “What the devil does that mean?”
    “Nothing really. It just struck me that perhaps you are the one who had the narrow escape, sir. I had a
    similar escape myself, six months ago.”
    Cold curiosity gleamed in his eyes. “Indeed? And would that explain why you find yourself applying for a
    post as a paid companion today?”
    “In part.” She swept out a hand. “But given what I now know about my former fiancé, I can tell you in
    all truth that I would rather be looking for a new post this afternoon than married to a liar and a
    deceiver.”
    “I see.”
    “But enough of my personal life, sir. The thing is, I do, indeed, understand your dilemma. When word
    reaches Polite Circles that you are in town, it will be assumed that you have come back to try your luck
    again on the marriage mart. You will be viewed as so much fresh, raw meat by the matchmaking
    lionesses of the ton.”
    “I could not have put it more succinctly myself And that, Miss Lodge, is why I need a lady who can
    pose convincingly as my fiancée. It is really very simple.”
    “It is?” she asked warily.
    “Certainly. As I said, although I am here to conduct some extremely private business, Society will
    assume I have come back to shop for another bride. I do not want to find myself tripping over every
    young chit who has been brought to town to find a husband this Season. If I am perceived to be securely
    engaged to be married, the huntresses of Society will be forced to focus their attentions on other game.”
    She sincerely doubted that St. Merryn’s scheme would prove to be the least bit simple. But who was
    she to argue with him?
    “It sounds a very cunning plan, my lord,” she said politely. “I wish you the very best of luck with it.”
    “I can see that you do not think for a moment that it will be successful.”
    She sighed. “Far be it from me to remind you that many a man in your situation has underestimated the
    cleverness and determination of a mother who is intent on securing a good catch for her daughter.”
    “I assure you, madam, that I have the greatest respect for the female of the species. Hence my plan to
    parade a fraudulent fiancée in front of Society for the next few weeks. Now then, will you accept the
    post that I am offering?”
    “Sir, do not mistake me, I am not at all opposed to accepting the position. Indeed, I believe that I would
    quite enjoy it.”
    That comment clearly intrigued him. “Why do you say that?”
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    “My grandmother was a very fine actress who gave up the stage to marry my grandfather,” she
    explained. “I have been told that I resemble her to a striking degree. I have often wondered if I got a
    measure of her talent, as well as her looks. Acting the role of your fiancée would no doubt prove
    interesting, even challenging.”
    “I see. Well, then-”
    She held up a hand. “But we must be realistic, sir. The truth is, as much as I would like to tread the
    boards, as it were, and as desperately as I want those excellent wages you offered, the fact is that it
    would be extremely difficult for me to masquerade as your intended bride.”
    His jaw tightened with impatience. “Why is that?”
    Where to begin? she wondered.
    She moved a hand down her skirts to indicate her dull, gray gown. “For starters, I lack a proper
    wardrobe.”
    He gave her a long, considering look that took her in from head to toe. She felt like a prize mare up for
    auction at Tattersall’s.
    “Do not concern yourself with the problem of your wardrobe,” St. Merryn said. “I never expected that a
    woman who was applying for a