She stared at him, clearly taking his measure. Behind the lenses of her spectacles, her eyes were a rich whisky-brown and would be rounded in shape, he guessed, if they weren’t narrowed in suspicion. She didn’t loosen her grip on the penknife.
“I mean you no harm,” he said. “I came to offer assistance since I heard you cry out.”
“That wasn’t me,” she said.
Her voice was steady, almost detached. They might have been discussing the weather. Yet noticing the bone-white of her knuckles and the rapid surges of her bosom, he felt a tightening in his chest.
Turning to Lord Thaddeus, he raised his brows. “That was you, sir?”
“The ill-bred creature stabbed me, Manderly,” Thaddeus snapped. “She drew blood.”
“Here.” James offered his handkerchief. “Wrap it with this.”
Thaddeus snatched the linen and bound it clumsily around his hand, which James noted had already stopped bleeding.
“You’re going to be sorry for this, Evelyn Ashewood.” Red-faced with outrage, Thaddeus glared at the blonde. “You have worked your last day under this roof and that of any respectable household. By the time I am finished, no one will hire you. You will never find employment in London again.”
The woman—Miss Ashewood—said nothing. She kept her chin up and shoulders back, and she didn’t let go of the knife. A warm sensation spread in James…admiration, he realized. For her pride and courage.
“Do you really think threatening this lady is necessary?” James inquired.
Thaddeus shifted his pale and spiteful gaze to James.
“She is a household employee and she attacked me, her master,” he spat.
“You are not my master.” Miss Ashewood spoke up, her voice trembling. “I work for Lady Thurston. And I did not attack you: I acted in defense of my virtue when you would not take no for an answer.”
Thaddeus sneered. “Why would I bother with you, you common chit? I have my pick of the crème de la crème—ladies with beauty, breeding, and fortune. No one would believe that I would take an interest in a nobody like you.”
“Nonetheless, it is true.”
Touched by Miss Ashewood’s raw dignity, James cut in.
“Why not let bygones be bygones, sir,” he said. “There is no use in sullying Miss Ashewood’s reputation.”
“Are you defending the blasted female?”
The scoundrel had the gall to act like the wounded party. Perhaps he even believed he was. James was acquainted with Thaddeus’s sort: cads so accustomed to privilege that any deviation from their desires felt like an assault on their liberties.
“I heard the lady refuse your advances,” James said evenly. “She asked that you unhand her and warned you to steer clear. You did neither.”
The color rose on Thaddeus’s high cheekbones. “Think carefully, Manderly. Is our friendship, the friendship between my family and yours, worth sacrificing for the likes of her? I am giving you the chance to walk away. To enjoy the party my parents are throwing. I do believe Mama plans to do some matchmaking as well. You’ve met my lovely cousin Lavinia, the Duke of Stafford’s eldest daughter?”
James had met Lady Lavinia and partnered her for a polka. She had looks and fortune…and was blander than a bowl of blancmange. She was also entirely beside the point.
“I think it would be best if you attended to your guests,” he said. “This ball is, after all, being thrown in your honor. There is no reason for a celebration to end in scandal, is there?”
Thaddeus gnashed his teeth. “Have it your way. Our friendship is over, do you hear me? I hope she is worth it.” He stomped toward the exit, pivoting to deliver a parting shot. “Rescue her all you like, but she’s not the sort to part her legs in gratitude. She’s colder than a nun in winter.”
James waited for the door to slam before addressing Miss Ashewood.
“My deepest apologies,” he said.
“You needn’t apologize, sir,” she replied quietly. “You came to my assistance.”
“Forgive my manners.” Bowing, he did the formalities. “James Harrington, the Earl of Manderly, at your service.”
“Miss Evelyn Ashewood.” Her curtsy was as neat and unaffected as she was. “I am Lady Thurston’s companion. Or was, rather.” She exhaled shakily. “After tonight, I shall no doubt be given my marching orders.”
