“Very enterprising,” Kynaston said, but in an odd tone.
Ariana wanted to protest that Ethel had done nothing but show some leg. But even that seemed too much and Ethel was smirking. She wasn’t at all ashamed.
Ariana turned back to Kynaston. “You are not to call out Churston.”
“I’ll do as I think best, but I’m more likely to take him to court if Inching will stand evidence.”
“You can’t depend on that, and if Inching and Yarby keep their mouths shut, you’ll have no case.”
“Damnation,” he muttered, and no one complained.
“We have to do something,” Norris said. “Let it stand and Ariana is ruined.”
All the fighting spirit drained out of her. “I dislike fleeing the field of battle, but Mama and I must leave Town for a while. I’m sorry if this touches your sister in any way, Kynaston.”
“If it does, it’s not your fault.”
And what will become of Norris’s hopes?Ariana wanted her brother married for the sake of Boxstall, but above all, now she knew love, she understood the painful necessity. She must do her best for him. She stood and said, “I must prepare to leave Town, but I would like to speak to you alone for a few moments, Kynaston, before we leave.”
He’d risen but clearly didn’t relish the idea. Her wild emotions were not reciprocated. She wouldn’t let that deter her. Ethel, Norris, and her mother decided they had work elsewhere, leaving them alone together. As if in accord, they both moved closer to the fire, but farther apart.
“Your maid should have stayed,” Kynaston said.
“Are you afraid to be alone with me?”
She meant it as a tease, to lighten the moment, but he astonished her by replying, “Yes.”
“You think I’ll do youharm? I’ve only ever tried to help you, Kynaston.”
“Good intentions don’t always absolve you of guilt.”
“True. I wanted to apologize fully for embroiling you and your sister in this disaster. It is all my fault.”
“The last thing I expected from you is an oversensitive conscience.”
“It’s a fact, as I explained, though why not wanting to dance with a short man and being a bluestocking should be offenses enough for this I have no idea.”
“They aren’t. And it’s possible that Churston only intended a small piece in a minor newspaper, and that my anger at Yarby caused the cartoon.”
“Perhaps, but I believe we’re responsible for the consequences of our actions, even the unintended ones.”
“That’s harsh.”
“I don’t mean it so, but people will say that they never meant any harm as if it should absolve them! Often a little thought would have prevented all.”
“Come, come. You think you should have realized that refusing to waltz with Inching would lead him to such malice?”
“Perhaps not. But I might have realized that being so abrasive with Churston would anger him.”
“Stop this. It’s his sin, not yours.”
“But you’ve become embroiled through no fault of your own when you already have more than enough problems on your plate. I ask that you not make it worse by dramatic action.”
She expected agreement, and was shocked when he said, “I’ll not be shackled by you.”
“Not even when my life will be affected more than yours? I’m likely to beruinedby this, Kynaston, but you will simply continue to be a rake.”
“If I don’t deal with this, I’ll be the man who allowed a lady to be unfairly ruined.”
