She shuffled her feet. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Not if Standish sees that bruise. The thought didn’t bring the relief he’d expect.
Watching until she’d entered safely, Maxwell stretched his shoulders forward, conflicted by his own feelings.
He shouldn’t keep her on his staff, and yet, he already looked forward to seeing her the next morning, going over the paper with her, reading the articles she would write for the next edition.
He’d give her one more week before letting her go.
Perhaps two.
Maybe longer.
HOME LATE
Caroline closed the door, locked it, and then pressed her back against the cool wood.
He’d almost kissed her. Hadn’t he? But then he’d changed his mind.
Or, even more likely, she was wrong. He’d been concerned about the bruise on her head. That was all.
Still, she shivered.
“My apologies for not meeting you. I didn’t hear a carriage.” Stepping into the foyer, Mr. Long greeted her in a near-whisper, accepting her hat and gloves even as he sent her an accusing look. The ageless gentleman who had performed butler duties for Caroline’s family wasn’t dressed in his usual attire, but wore a cap and long dressing gown as he slid the lock into place on the door behind her. “Your mother retired hours ago.”
“Were you asleep? You needn’t wait up for me. I’m more than capable of locking up.”
“It’s my duty, my lady.”
Before Caroline could argue, movement on the staircase caught her attention.
“Mother thinks you were visiting Reed and Goldie.” Melanie, who was nine and ten, looked even younger in her white mob cap and a pale pink dressing gown. “You were at the Gazette, weren’t you?”
Caroline glanced at Mr. Long and then back up the stairs.
“Why would you think that?” she asked in a hushed voice. But it was no use. Mr. Long had heard and if Mr. Long knew, so did her mother.
He dipped his chin. “If that’s all, I’ll return to my chamber.”
“Of course. And thank you, Mr. Long. Good night.” Caroline smiled awkwardly, feeling her sister’s curious and disapproving stare.
Caroline didn’t begin climbing the steps until they were alone. “Who told you?” she asked. Before Melanie could answer, Caroline exhaled. “Goldie?”
“Mother insisted I join them at the theater this evening. I assumed you were going as well, and when you didn’t show up, I asked where you were. Goldie had no choice but to tell me everything.”
“Does Reed know?” At the landing, Caroline turned to go to her chamber and her younger sister followed.
“No. And she explained why… But, Carrie. Don’t you think it could be dangerous? If the ton discovers you’re working for Mr. Black at the Gazette, won’t we all be ruined?”
“I’m doing it to protect Reed.” And then she remembered—the Scotland Yard article. She’d forgotten to convince Mr. Black to pull it! How had she forgotten so easily?
That door.
It must have knocked it clean out of her head. “Oh no!”
“What?”
But they’d arrived at the door to Caroline’s chamber. She opened it and gestured for Melanie to follow her inside.
