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save you, Sarah. That he fell awkwardly was not your fault. Lord William wouldn’t blame you.”
    Sarah met Richard’s gaze before looking away. She wasn’t so sure the deceased earl wouldn’t blame her. Yes, he may have been trying to save her from falling, but she had stolen from his collection and engendered the reckless chase that ended his life. “I just want to get the mapping device and go home. I’ve already done so much damage to this family. Let’s work fast and get out of here.” Normally a woman who bungled her way through life being too candid and dull, it was going to be a Herculean effort to pull off playing a society queen.
    Richard sat forward to open the door as the carriage pulled up before their newly rented Mayfair home. Built in the classical Georgian design, it looked well pleased with its situation in life. Sarah followed Richard onto the sidewalk and started toward the front steps, a hired footman opening the front door before they had the opportunity to reach for the knob.
    They walked into the library that overlooked Berkeley Square. Sarah laid her pelisse over a chair and flopped into the chaise before the unlit hearth.
    “We will work as fast as we can.” Richard sat behind his desk and started to unfold the morning’s paper. “You’ll see, we’ll be home before you know it, our errors remedied and our continued employment with TimeArch ensured.”
    “I hope you’re right,” Sarah said, the awful dread still churning her stomach.

Chapter Four
    The Hendon House ballroom took Sarah’s breath away. Guests mingled before them, their heels clicking against the parquetry floor, the women’s gowns as bright as the jewels nestled about their necks. The grand chandeliers above glistened with a multitude of wax candles, casting a golden hue on the scene.
    It was amazing.
    The Earl of Earnston’s ballroom had been shrouded in a cloud of smoke by the time they had arrived the previous evening. Tonight the gamblers hadn’t yet graced the ballroom with their cigars.
    “Welcome to Hendon House, Lord Stanley, Miss Baxter,” Lady Cottlestone greeted them at the doors.
    Sarah curtsied. “Thank you again for inviting us, Lady Cottlestone. We’re so excited to be here tonight.”
    Lady Cottlestone smiled and nodded, her diamond earbobs catching Sarah’s eye. “My pleasure, my dear. Come,” she gestured toward the guests, “enjoy the ball. I believe you’ll find Lady Anita near the supper room doors with the Duchess of Winters.”
    Sarah thanked her ladyship and took Richard’s arm. Social approval made their journey from one side of the room to the other quite the opposite experience of Lord Earnston’s ball. Tonight, although no one stopped their conversations to speak to them, the ton still bestowed its smiles and acknowledgement.
    Sarah relaxed and set out to try and enjoy the grandeur of a nineteenth century ball.
    “Miss Baxter,” Lady Anita greeted, as she spied them approaching. “So glad you could come. Let me introduce you to my mama.”
    Sarah had never met a Duchess before, but the woman’s warm smile and welcoming manner, very much like her daughter’s, left her feeling accepted if not equal.
    “Anita mentioned you are recently from Rome, Lord Stanley. Allow me to welcome you to London.”
    Richard bowed. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
    “Miss Baxter, would you care to take a turn about the room?” Anita asked.
    “Yes, of course.” Sarah walked beside Anita as they headed toward the open French doors. Guests mingled on the flagstone veranda that overlooked the home’s extensive garden.
    “I’m so glad, Sarah, that Lady Cottlestone invited you here tonight. I find that always meeting the same people in society can cause stagnation. It is so refreshing to have you a part of our set.” Anita clasped two champagne flutes and handed one to Sarah. “Oh, I do love pink champagne.”
    “I agree. It’s a lovely beverage.” Sarah chuckled as she took in the scene.