He shrugged. “There is always the possibility some hot-headed clot will do something incredibly stupid and draw everyone’s attention away from us.”
“It would have to be something rather spectacular in its idiocy, I should think. Your Grace, what shall I do? I am at a loss when it comes to thesetongames. I think even Eloise and Phoebe are at a loss as to how to respond. The worst part is that I have blemished Eloise’s sterling reputation. I can never forgive myself for that.”
“She will survive the temporary setback.”
“And what of Phoebe? I have besmirched her reputation, as well.”
He laughed lightly. “She is viewed as a witch, a bat, a feared avenger. You have only enhanced her reputation and she is delighted.”
Adela shook her head. “It is so galling to be bested by that horrid girl. Phoebe and Eloise have now called in the Farthingale ladies to help. They are trying to plan battle tactics. Fortunately, our next engagement is not until Friday. Lord and Lady Knightly’s ball. Will you be there?”
“Yes, I’ll escort you and Eloise.”
“Assuming I go. The Farthingales insist I must attend.”
“I agree.”
“I don’t. I just want to hide. But they think I have to show my face or the repercussions will be worse. Did you see them when you entered? Daisy, Dillie, and their mother, Sophie? They have kindly promised to support me. Not only them, but they have assured me a horde of Farthingale cousins will come to my assistance. I am so grateful for that family. They are wonderful, don’t you think?”
He nodded.
She emitted a sigh and continued. “As for our situation…although, it is mostlymysituation andmyproblem, not yours. Did they send you out here to calm me down?”
“I came of my own accord, but I expect they are hoping I can do something to fix this ridiculous scandal.”
“What can you do? I doubt there is anything to be done other than ride out this mess of my own creation. I am such a coward. I cannot face that crowd. I just want to hide away. Do you know the worst part?”
“Another worst part? Besides besmirching Eloise’s sterling reputation?” He took her hand in his and shifted closer. “Tell me, Adela.”
“I am probably the only one among this year’s crop of debutantes who has never even been kissed. Yet, here I am ruined when I have never once taken a step out of line.”
He glanced toward Eloise’s parlor and saw all eyes on him.
Well, he knew what needed to be done.
Had he not come here specifically for this purpose?
“Would you mind if I kissed you?” Ambrose said.
She stared at him in confusion. “You? Why would you want to kiss me? Especially now? I did not mention it to give you ideas. I was merely stating my lack of experience as fact. Ugh, what if everytonwastrel, scoundrel, lecher, and dissolute now thinks I am available and starts making advances? I much preferred it when they treated me like wallpaper.”
“No one is going to touch you.”
“Who is to stop them? Lady Felicity Rose is going to whisper in their ears to goad them.” She grunted in dismay. “And I handed her the opportunity on a silver platter.”
“All the more reason why you must kiss me now.”
“Why are we still talking about kisses?”
“Why do you think?”
“Here? Now?” She glanced at the faces peering back at them from inside the parlor. “While everyone is looking at us.”
“Yes, that is entirely the point.”
“But will I not be ruined? I mean, worse than the gossip rags already imply that I am? And will that not put you in a compromising position?”
“It is generally the young lady who is considered compromised, and then the gentleman is required to do the honorable thing.”
