The Devonshire ball was the social event of the season and not to be missed. All of London society that was worth knowing attended. If one didn't receive an invitation the slight was felt and remarked upon. Mikhail had wanted to refuse his invitation, after all he had shot the Duke of Shrewsbury, and even though it was understood that the two men had to act as though the incident had never happened, he was painfully aware that it had. When he suggested that Anya attend without him, she had pouted until he agreed to come.
Their arrival had been noted by every person of import, not only because of his infamous duel, but also because he hadn't been seen in society for over six months. His reappearance at his ex-lover's home with his mysterious fiancé set tongues wagging. Women looked at A
