“Well then.” Reed straightened, turning to address Mr. Black directly. “You should have come to me first—before taking it upon yourself to court my sister.”
The arm beneath her hand tensed.
“Oh, but he isn’t—We’re not—” Caroline stuttered.
“This is between me and Black, Caroline.” Reed’s voice carried a stern tone she wasn’t used to. So much had changed since he’d become Standish!
Caroline turned to her employer, hiding her face from her brother as she mouthed an apology.
“We’ll discuss this later, Rutherford,” Mr. Black answered Reed, apparently equally intent on ignoring her.
“But he’s not—”
“I’ll be at home tomorrow morning,” Reed cut her off.
Caroline huffed, her irritation growing. What was happening? “That won’t be necessary,” she inserted crossly.
Both men finally turned to her.
“It won’t be necessary,” she repeated herself, this time with gritted teeth. She touched her brother’s arm. “Honestly.”
Reed looked uncertainly between them. “I—"
“Welcome!” Caroline was saved from a possible scene when Lady Mann stepped onto the dais, waving her hands before clearing her throat. Loudly. “Welcome! Now, if everyone would please find their seats, the recital will begin momentarily.”
The announcement could not have come at a better time.
Goldie appeared and took Reed’s arm. “Come sit with me, darling.”
As Goldie led her husband back to the chairs, Caroline let out a relieved breath—though she noticed he’d claimed her spot.
“Your brother obviously doesn’t agree.” Mr. Black whispered near her ear, and rather than be outraged by his comment, she allowed herself to be distracted by his warm breath on her skin.
She liked it.
“Does he?”
“Excuse me?”
“That you are an independent lady who doesn’t require her brother’s protection.”
“Be serious,” Caroline scoffed. “You needn’t meet with him.”
Mr. Black removed his spectacles and began cleaning them with his handkerchief, rolling his eyes at her for the second time that evening while he did so.
“Really,” she added. Dear lord, why did men have to be so confrontational?
“We’d best take a seat.” Mr. Black didn’t argue further, but began walking her toward the seating area. And since they’d waited until the last minute, the only place left was the front row.
Lady Mann’s three daughters took up their bows, looking as focused and serious as any professional Caroline had seen.
Mr. Black nudged her elbow with his, and then whispered, “Brace yourself.”
Caroline smiled but shook her head. How bad could they be?
It didn’t take long, however, for her to realize that Lady Helton had had the right of it, and Caroline flinched when the most awful racket she’d ever had the misfortune to hear began right in front of her. Within five seconds, Caroline wished it was over.
“Now you see why I don’t attend these things?”
