And he could not leave until they’d cleared this up. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I ought not to have walked outside without a chaperone. I had a feeling… but I was angry. I didn’t think he would…” She dropped her lashes. “If anyone finds out… If he tells anyone.”
“He won’t.” Because Maxwell was going to make a visit to the baron’s residence.
Maxwell knew there were some amongst the ton who considered him harmless—safe. In fact, he liked it that way.
But there were enough who also knew he made for a dangerous enemy. Baron Dankworth would soon be one of them.
DUTY TO SHARE
The morning after the ball, Caroline shot out of bed the second she woke up, appalled at the predicament she’d gotten herself into.
Having spent the first half of the previous evening worrying over and watching Maxwell Black and then, after his abrupt departure, trying to convince her mother to leave early, Caroline had forgotten something very, very important.
She had failed to dig up any good gossip—let alone evidence—for the articles she needed to write that afternoon! Alarmed that she’d slept as late as she did, she tore around the room and by the time Eloisa arrived to assist her, Caroline was already fully dressed. She perhaps didn’t look as elegant as she ought to, but there was no time to waste!
“I’m so sorry, my lady, I assumed you’d have a good lie-in after such a late night.” Eloisa frowned. “Are you sure I can’t smooth that out for you? Or perhaps you would want to change in to one of your new ones?”
But looking perfect was the last of Caroline’s concerns. It wasn’t as though she had anyone to impress—but then she froze.
Maxwell Black had kissed her! And it hadn’t been a polite sort of kiss. He’d put his tongue in her mouth—he’d pressed his body against hers.
She took two steps backward and caught her reflection in the vanity mirror. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her hair looked like a few birds were making their home in it.
“Perhaps… you could help with this.” She touched her hair and then sat, bouncing one foot while Eloisa took her time brushing through the tangled mass and then twisting several lengths into braids to wind around Caroline’s head.
After the last pin went in, Caroline went to stand, but Eloisa put a hand on her shoulder and then cleared her throat… harsh lines forming when she frowned meaningfully at something on Caroline’s neck.
Caroline leaned closer to the glass.
Scratches. From Maxwell’s whiskers? And a small bruise. A tremor ran through her.
“Oh. Erm... Is there anything you can…?”
“Give me a moment.” Eloisa stepped away to pour a few oils into the washbasin and then quickly returned to hold a cool cloth over the irritated skin. “Are you… unharmed, my lady?”
“Of course. I’m perfectly fine.” And she was! As long as she didn’t think about it.
Over the course of one hour, she’d had her first kiss, disarmed the man who’d stolen it, and then kissed the man she’d wished had been her first.
Afterward, he’d escorted her to the terrace door and then ordered her to return to her mother.
His bossiness had been almost barbaric, and she’d have argued with anyone else who dared to take control like that, but with Maxwell…
It was different.
Despite his awful behavior throughout the ball, she’d forgiven him. Even after he’d said he couldn’t make an offer, she’d forgiven him.
He’d sounded haunted when he’d pulled away. Almost lonely.
“I need to go down, Eloisa.” Caroline tilted her head to the side while the maid finished dabbing something to hide the bruise and then slid off the chair impatiently. But then… Caroline froze, her gaze meeting Eloisa’s in the mirror. “You won’t tell anyone, will you?”
The maid rolled her lips together and then shook her head. “No, my lady. I’m your maid, so don’t you worry. Your secrets are safe with me.”
“Thank you.” Caroline exhaled. “I’ll be at the newspaper most of the day, so you should take the day off. I’ll let Mother know.”
“That isn’t necessary, my lady.”
