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When the mayor met Grace’s gaze, she laughed at him, earning a snarl and a sudden drop of his hands to his side as he turned away.

Grace laughed harder.

What did the mayor think wearing that neckcloth accomplished other than heat stroke? The September sun was sweltering today. There were no clouds to shield them.

A heavy sigh came from Lizzy, and Grace realized she’d been ignoring her friend again. Lizzy accepted the quiet, and leaned back, closing her eyes and letting the sun warm her whole face and neck. Grace shook her head and settled into a more comfortable position. She reached for a cracker and froze.

Lizzy, thank the heavens, still basked in the sun and didn’t notice a slip of white sticking out beneath the plate. It was anenvelope with a hand-drawn representation of the verdure cloak clasp in the corner.

“Grace?”

Grace slipped her hand over the letter, hiding it as she turned to Lizzy. The girl was staring at her, a small, uncommon crease between her eyebrows. “You are acting very strange today.” She reached for a piece of cheese.

Grace slid the letter under her skirts while swatting at Lizzy with her other hand.

“You’re the one being ridiculous.”

She snorted.

“I’m always a flirt. But you… asking James to walk with you, after making eyes at himandmaking eyes at Garrick.Twice. Don’t think I didn’t catch you looking over James’s shoulder. You’ve been awfully attentive to the men today.”

She snatched a piece of cheese from the plate and took a bite.

Grace shook her head, heart dropping. Making eyes at Garrick? Rot and rust, she had to set Lizzy straight. “I wasnotstaring at Garrick Clairmont. You think any attention given to a man, be it intentional or not, is ‘making eyes.’”

After a moment of consideration, Lizzy seemed to let her suspicion drop. “Well, what’s intention got to do with it? You take the opportunities life gives you.”

Grace thought of the letter beneath her legs. She’d been wanting to communicate with the Rogue, and now she had what she believed was a letter from him.

“That, I can agree with.”

Now Grace just had to maintain enough self-control to wait to read the letter until she returned home. This was going to be a long day.

Chapter 8

Lady of the Silent Protests,

I’ve attempted to compose this letter more times than it is flattering to admit. The need for anonymity and the desire to convey my sincerity war with each other. No words have seemed adequate. I must know. Was it you who left a warning?

Few would risk their well-being to help me. In truth, only three of whom I’m aware. If only I could join you during the soirées, but I fear my defiance must remain cloaked. Should you wish to do more than sit, I hear the copse of maple trees near the northern pasture makes for a good climb at night. Tomorrow, say?

With gratitude,

The Man in Green

P.S. You have something of mine. I’d be obliged if you’d return it with your response.

Grace stared at the letter on her desk.

Just sat and stared, heart pounding.

Her parents couldn’t deny that she had seen the Rogue now.

She had proof in her hands. This letter and the clasp she’d hidden in her trunk.

All she had to do was take them to her parents, tell them what she’d been doing, and show them she was a Protector in the truest sense.

So why did she feel her temples beginning to ache?