If she wasn’t mistaken, the corner of his mouth jerked, as though she’d nearly caused him to smile.
It was ironic how some members of the ton went to great lengths to show up their contemporaries but usually skimped when it came to the drinks and food they served.
“What did your mother mean when she said I’ll wish the performance hadn’t begun?”
“You haven’t attended many recitals, have you?” Mr. Black drawled.
The earl, she noticed, took one sip from his glass and immediately discarded it.
“This is my first in London,” she admitted. “But I enjoy the music played at the balls and garden parties.”
Caroline wondered if she should remove her hand from his arm.
Again, that little tick along his jaw. “You enjoy it because those are paid musicians.”
“But this is a performance. Surely, they wouldn’t be performing if they hadn’t practiced—”
“Trust me.” He laughed softly. “You’re critical enough of the Gazette. Let’s see what you have to say about Lady Mann’s daughters.”
“Oh…” Caroline inhaled and almost lost her ability to think rationally when his subtle, spicy scent teased her nostrils. She was saved when a smattering of activity caught her attention at the front of the room.
Three young women of varying ages were arranging themselves on the small dais, removing stringed instruments from leather cases, obviously related if one went by their looks.
Surely, they couldn’t be as bad as all that.
Caroline felt her eye begin to twitch. She had actually been looking forward to the performance and yet she’d promised herself she would only write the truth. And the girls seated on the small stage, well, they were much younger than she was, and they were quite brave to play for such an esteemed audience.
What was Caroline going to write if they performed poorly?
She watched as the chairs began filling up. Lady Helton had been joined by the Duchess of Crossings and in a surprising turn of events, they’d made themselves comfortable in the row behind Goldie and her sister.
Which, considering the duke had disowned them, was interesting indeed…
“There’s your first story.” Mr. Black spoke softly.
“What do you mean?”
“I already know the headline. ‘The Duke of Crossings’ women reunite at the Mann sisters’ recital.’”
“That isn’t even close to the truth, and I refuse to sign my name to that kind of gibberish. Why… they simply took the best seat available.”
“What will you write, then?” He challenged her.
“The truth. I will always write the truth.”
“Hmph.” He didn’t sound impressed.
But this was the gossip section they were talking about, and if she wished to keep her job, she was going to have to keep it entertaining.
Forgive me, Goldie.
“...It isn’t a falsehood if the headline asks a question. ‘Has the Duchess of Crossings reconciled with her daughters?’”
“There you go.” He chuckled softly, causing an unexpected flush of warmth to wash over her. Caroline had only ever sought the approval of three men—her two brothers and her father.
She hadn’t expected to find pleasure in Mr. Black’s approval.
Her gaze trailed around the room until it landed on Goldie and her sister, both of whom were turned around in their seats, smiling and laughing.
