He watched her climb the steps to the guest chambers.

Oh, you'll help me, Miss Matthews. If you know anything about William, you won't have a choice.

It took Austin several minutes to locate Miles Avery in the crowded ballroom. When he finally spotted his friend, he wasn't surprised to see the dashing earl surrounded by a bevy of ladies. Damn it, he hoped he wouldn't have to drag Miles by the hair to wrest him away from his adoring audience.

He was saved from that unpleasantness, however, when Miles spotted Austin bearing down on him. Leveling a pointed look at his friend, Austin jerked his head toward the corridor leading to his private study, then made his way to the room, confident Miles would arrive close behind him. After more than two decades of friendship, they understood each other well.

He'd barely finished pouring two brandies when a discreet knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

Miles entered the room, closing the door behind him. A crooked smile curved his lips. "It's about time you resurfaced. I've been looking for you everywhere. Where were you hiding yourself?"

"I took a stroll in the garden."

"Oh? Were you admiring the flowers?" Miles's eyes danced with mischief. "Or were you perhaps partaking of nature's delights in some other… oh, shall we say, lusty way?"

"Neither. I simply took myself off in search of some peace and quiet."

"And was your search successful?"

An image of Miss Matthews flashed in his mind. "I'm afraid not. Why were you looking for me?"

The teasing gleam lighting Miles's eyes grew more pronounced. "To give you a piece of my mind. What sort of friend are you, deserting me in such a manner? You hardly ever attend parties and suffer your portion of the wedding-minded virgins who pursue us, and even when the ball is in your own home, you're nowhere to be found. Lady Digby and her numerous daughters trapped me behind a potted palm. Thanks to your departure, she foisted the chits on me. They're all cabbage-headed nincompoops and horrid dancers as well. My poor abused toes will never be the same."