It was dark and foggy in the streets of London. Marcus pulled Ellen close to him as they exited the warmth of the theater; their breath turning to puffs of white in the cold air. He glanced down at her, smiling. She looked up at him, cheeks flushed red. She shivered slightly.

"Wait here, Ellen, and I will get us a cab," Marcus said after surveying the number of people all attempting to find a warm way home.

Instead of agreeing, Ellen held tight to his arm, making him turn back to face her.

"No. Don't leave me. Let's walk a little. It might be easier to find a hansom on the next block."

His brows furrowed, "Are you certain? It will only take a moment or two."

She reassured him with a smile and a nod. "Yes, I am certain. There is no rush to get back to the Montverre house."

Marcus could not help but smile and so relented. He pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders and then nodded, satisfied.

"Your wish is my command, Mrs. Wingham. Stay close and I will keep you warm."

Slowing they walked away from the theater and left the crowd behind. The street lamps were lit, beacons of light in the fog. They spoke of inconsequential things, their discourse broken now and then with laughter that was quickly swallowed by the swirling fog. Neither of them paid much attention to their surroundings, both caught up in a closeness that the London fog can create. From dark shadows to circles of light, arm and arm they walked, their steps quickening only when crossing the path of a dark alley.

Marcus suddenly felt a cold chill run down his spine. He lifted his gaze from Ellen and glanced around. He has had this feeling before. In an instant the hairs stood up on the back of his neck as his heart beat faster. He felt every sense heighten as he peered into the darkness all around them. Not noticing the change in Marcus at first, Ellen continued talking about the latest disappearance at Delmonte, her home with the Earl. She broke off abruptly when she noticed Marcus frowning.

"What is it?" she asked.

Her question interrupted his distraction. "I - I am not sure," he admitted. "I thought I saw someone in the alley we just passed. I don't like this part of town."

Ellen's face turned white. Marcus instantly regretted his hasty words. He did not wish to alarm her. "Come, Ellen. It is probably nothing to worry about." He pulled her close to him and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I am a cad for frightening you."

"You don't need to frighten me to steal a kiss, Major Wolverton." Ellen smiled wide and her checks flushed despite the cold.