TO CATCH A WOLF By Susan Krinard

“But surely you are being too harsh—”

“There is no need for you to lessen the blow,” he said. He turned back to her, all traces of anger hidden by a mask as expert as hers. “We were both taken in by her apparent innocence.”

Cecily rose. It was time to give him a few pushes in the right direction, and let him think the solution was his all along. “Perhaps she has simply gone to look after the injured girl.”

“You know that is not the reason. I may have been blind to the attraction before, but you were right. She has developed an inappropriate liking for Holt, and that is the true reason she has disobeyed me.”

Cecily dared to touch his arm in sympathy. “Whatever you may fear, Mr. Munroe, I am certain that Athena is not lost to all common sense. She may be driven by feelings she does not understand—so many young girls are—and her judgment is flawed. She has lived too sheltered a life in Denver, and at the same time she has a child’s confidence in her own invulnerability. When you bring her back, you will have a chance to set things right again.”

“Set things right.” A muscle in his jaw flexed. “I have not always listened to your advice in the past, Miss Hockensmith, but now I see that I must take direct action. Athena has grown to consider her position in Denver as unassailable. Her chair makes her safe from all censure. She does not believe that anything can change her world, even a flirtation with a scoundrel like Holt, and that is a conceit she cannot afford.” He bent his head. “I have let her have her own way too often, and yet I have tried to protect her by keeping her close. Sending her away may be precisely what she requires.”

Cecily gave a silent crow of triumph. “Indeed. I cannot disagree with you, Mr. Munroe.” She hesitated for a calculated moment. “You did say that you have cousins in New York. If I may be so bold—perhaps it might be best if you send her directly there rather than bring her back to Denver. Any rumors will be extinguished quickly, and she will be well out of reach of temptation. I will be able to complete preparations for the ball, so Athena’s efforts need not be undermined. I realize that it is very sudden—”

“No. Not at all.” He met her gaze with grim approval. “I will leave for Long Park as soon as possible—if the weather holds, on a good horse I can reach it by tomorrow morning. I will begin making arrangements immediately for Athena’s departure for New York.” He took her hand. “I know that I may continue to count on your help, Miss Hockensmith.”

“Always.” She poured her heart into her eyes. “I will make inquiries of my own and be ready when you call upon me.”

He lifted her hand as if he might kiss it. “You have been invaluable… Cecily. I will not forget.”

His use of her name was the crowning touch on her victory. “We understand each other so well… Niall.”

He smiled, but his thoughts were clearly focused on his imminent journey. “I will take my leave of you, for the time being.” He strode into the hall and took his hat and coat from the butler. “Good afternoon, Miss Hockensmith. I will send word when I have Athena in my care.”

After he was gone, Cecily sank onto a chair and caught her breath. Her good fortune had not only held, but doubled. Niall had already been prepared to think the worst of Athena. No matter what his sister might say now, he wasn’t likely to believe her.

And Athena wouldn’t be coming back to Denver. One major obstacle removed with little effort on Cecily’s part—and the remaining impediments in her climb to the top of society would fall, one by one, when the Winter Ball proved a grand success. All the snobbish, insular doyennes of Denver would flock to her door once they realized just what Cecily was capable of.

Especially after she became Mrs. Niall Munroe.

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