Lawrence paced the hall. He and Avery had had a few minutes of quiet conversation, and both had apologized. He’d hugged his brother and sent him home, but he hadn’t gone back into the ballroom. He wanted to give Zehra some time with her grandfather. Everyone from tonight’s disrupted activities had made themselves politely scarce, which left him all alone to wait. At last, Zehra and her grandfather came out of the ballroom. Lawrence nodded respectfully at Denbruck.
“My lord.”
“Mr. Russell.” Denbruck nodded back. “My granddaughter has told me of you and the nature of your assistance to her. I cannot express the depth of my gratitude that you were there that night to render her aid.”
“It was a privilege, my lord.” Lawrence met his gaze. “And with your permission—”
“Heavens, boy, we have t
