But Lady Varley was not amused. “I imagine no expense has been spared foryourengagement ball,” she replied, her tone just shy of cutting. “With so little time to prepare, even the finest hostess would struggle to pull off a proper event—let alone someone as inexperienced as your dear mother.” Her gaze settled on Melanie with pointed deliberation. “As ever, thetonwill be watching closely. I only hope you’re… prepared for the scrutiny.”
“As always, my lady,” Malum drawled as he drew Melanie a little closer. The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down her spine. “I’ve no doubt it will be an event thetonwon’t soon forget. Seeing as the guest list promises to be… more diverse than usual. My circle of acquaintances doesn’t typically attend Society gatherings, but it is my engagement ball, after all.” He bared his teeth. “I highly doubt Lord Varley will mind, but will you?”
His words were perfectly civil, yet the underlying implication—that Lady Varley’s husband might be familiar with some of theDomuscourtesans—was unmistakable.
He knew precisely where to aim, and his remark struck with perfect accuracy.
Lady Varley nearly dropped her fan this time, concern darkening her face as she absorbed his meaning.
She dipped her chin. “Good day.”
With that, the woman who’d insulted Melanie’s mother at every opportunity sharply ordered her driver to move on. Before disappearing, however, the matron sent one last glance in their direction—a glance filled with more than a trace of anxiety.
Curious eyes had seen everything. Curious ears had heard every word.
Melanie, who was holding Malum’s arm with both hands now, waited until they were driving again before turning to him.
“Have you really invited your… colleagues?”
“God no,” he answered.
“Because it would embarrass my family?”
“Because my colleagues would be bored silly,” he corrected, his tone velvet smooth. “I’d never ask them to suffer a night in Society unless they were getting paid for it.”
If she didn’t know him better, Melanie might have been insulted—as any lady would be—but she was getting to know this man rather well. So instead, she shook her head. “Well, either way, I must admit that was rather masterful,” she said.
“Likewise, my lady.” He sent her a conspiratorial glance. “Likewise.”
As they continued along Rotten Row, Melanie’s confidence grew. Those who dared to greet them were far more cautious, no doubt having already learned how Lady Varley’s attempt at a proper set-down had gone.
And if anyone was foolish enough to comment on the article or the hasty nature of their engagement, Malum effortlessly put them in their place. All the while proving he could be more than affectionate, occasionally covering her hand with his, whispering words to make her laugh, and once, in between greetings, he’d rested his hand on her leg.
Melanie found herself growing bolder as well, lacing their fingers together and even laying her head on his shoulder at one point, all while engaging in casual conversation with their various acquaintances. It was surprisingly… easy.
At the few events she’d attended, Melanie had always clung to her mother’s side, expending all her energy reining her in, feeling anxious, and struggling to summon the words for one apology after another. That is, when she wasn’t hiding behind trees or escaping to convenient libraries.
But navigating this gauntlet with Malum at her side was… different. A revelation. For the first time, she felt as though she was beginning to understand how this game was played.
It was empowering—almost intoxicating.
Still, as they rounded yet another corner, Melanie all but slumped in relief to see that the approaching barouche was a familiar one, with four familiar faces riding inside it.
Apparently, she and the duke weren’t the only ones to face thetontoday. Reed and Goldie, along with Lord Helton and Caroline, had decided they too ought to make an appearance.
As the vehicles drew alongside each other and the horses came to a halt, Caroline and Goldie, though remaining seated intheir barouche, leaned forward. Caroline’s gloved hand reached across the space between them, her fingers clutching the edge of the curricle as if she might somehow pull Melanie to safety. Goldie wore an anxious smile, and her eyes scanned Melanie’s face, searching for any sign of distress.
Helton and Reed, meanwhile, rose to greet them with steady nods. Helton gave Malum a look that was both watchful and approving.
“Malum,” Reed said, his eyes flicking to Melanie. “It seems the two of you have more than weathered your first appearance together,” he murmured, his tone carrying a hint of surprise.
“I tried,” Melanie said, but before she could add anything else of substance, Malum’s hand moved to clasp hers.
“They’ll be eating out of her hand in no time,” Malum said, and when he turned to her, his eyes caressed her face in a way that she could only describe as…
Loving.
“I told you, didn’t I?” Helton smirked in Reed’s direction. “Never underestimate Malum.”
