“No.” He just kept staring at her, squinting slightly. “This is a first for me.”
Caroline pushed herself up so she was resting on her elbows. “Really?”
And then he winced a little. “Well. It’s not the first time I’ve pleasured a woman, but it’s been a while. Certainly never here. And it’s never been… like this.”
The image of him with other women had her wishing she hadn’t asked. And yet, she couldn’t stop herself.
“How long?”
“Since before I bought the paper.”
“Is that normal?”
He laughed. “Depends on the man. I guess for me, it is.” He made a little smile, drew her skirts down so they once again covered her modestly, and while pushing himself to his feet, he helped her sit up.
“Are you all right?” His eyes held concern.
But she couldn’t help but notice the glistening of his lips and the way his thick black hair sprang out in all directions. Because of her.
“You must be a good swimmer,” she answered, eliciting a choked laugh from him.
“Why do you say that?”
Caroline gestured down, and then, flustered, circled one hand in the air. “I’d think one would require special… breathing techniques.”
His choked laugh turned into an uncontained one. He bent forward a little, shaking his head, and just when embarrassment finally threatened to set in, he took her in his arms.
“You. Are. Priceless.”
Riding home in the carriage that Max had sent for earlier that evening, exhaustion finally found her. Perhaps it was because of the rhythmic rumbling of the wheels, or because she was tucked against Max’s warmth, but she’d nearly fallen asleep during the short ride that took her to her mother’s house.
And although he pressed a kiss to the top of her head before assisting her onto the pavement, he did not walk her to the door. As soon as Mr. Long opened it for her, the carriage was already rumbling away.
She knew why. If anyone were to witness him returning her home so early, alone, he’d have no choice but to offer for her—something he’d said he couldn’t—wouldn’t?—do.
“I’ll tell your mother’s maid that you’re home. She waited up until she could hardly hold her eyes open.” Mr. Long’s voice was quiet in the hush of the early morning.
Caroline didn’t have to look at the butler to know he disapproved. But did he disapprove because he knew she was working at the paper, or because he thought she was acting without discretion? Either, she supposed, would be considered problematic amongst anyone who valued propriety.
“Thank you, Mr. Long,” she said, too tired to offer an explanation or apology as she handed her gloves off to him. “Good night.” Though, with the sun already halfway up, it could hardly be considered “night” any longer.
Climbing the stairs, her eyes felt gritty and her limbs heavy, but her heart was light—if not a little confused.
And when she opened her door, she was actually happy to see Eloisa waiting for her.
“You needn’t wait up for me,” Caroline said. But Eloisa dismissed the admonishment and went right to work unfastening the gown she’d tugged on… yesterday?
If she kept going like this, Caroline would lose all track of time.
But oh, what a magnificent night it had been!
Eloisa drew the gown over Caroline’s head, leaving her in nothing but her chemise and short stays, and steered her to sit at the vanity. Caroline’s entire body relaxed as the maid undid the messy knot Caroline had refashioned and then tugged a brush through her hair. “Should we expect the Gazette to be laden with the same usual errors?” Eloisa asked, because apparently nothing was secret in this household.
On this morning, however, Caroline didn’t care. “Not today.” She answered cheerfully, grinning at her reflection.
“Excellent. And the other part? Were there any stories about His Lordship?”
His Lordship? Caroline blinked. Oh, right. Reed.
