At least her mystery assailant was treating this situation with the same level of caution as she. Verity could think of at least three rakes who given the chance would have used her scandal and the darkness of the hour to leverage her for some unforgivable acts. Acts that, dependent upon the demand and consequence, she likely would have had to follow through upon.

Finally, they arrived at the stairs and Verity withdrew from the polite touch. "I thank you, sir, for your chivalry." Even if the chivalry was only required due to his clumsiness. Shrugging the jacket from her shoulders, Verity pressed it back into his hands and without further ado hurried up the stairs.