Her mother leaned in, adjusting the blankets with frantic tugs. “You are very pale.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“And your voice is quite hoarse.”
“Indeed, Mama.”
Satisfied she had done her duty, Dorothy smoothed her skirts and swept toward the door. “May! June! Come along!”
May lingered for a moment, giving April a knowing glance, and as she stepped through the door, she winked over her shoulder.
April waited until the last footstep echoed down the hallway before she sat up at once, flinging off the covers. Suppressing a giggle, she darted to the window. Peeking through the heavy drapes, she saw the family carriage rumble down the drive and disappear into the night.
“They’re gone,” she whispered, hurrying to her dressing room.
Inside, Miss Evans, her lady’s maid, stood ready with a simple but elegant pale blue evening dress.
“I suppose your cough has miraculously improved, My Lady?” Miss Evans said, her mouth twitching.
April grinned. “A complete recovery.”
The maid helped her into the dress with quick efficiency. “Are you certain about this?” Miss Evans asked, fastening the last button. “Sneaking out to meet a gentleman?—”
“Not just any gentleman,” April replied, adjusting her sleeves. “The Duke of Stone.”
Miss Evans lifted a brow. “And Her Grace—your mother—must know nothing of the engagement?”
“No,” April said, smoothing her skirts. “She mustn’t. At least, not yet.”
The maid looked at April through the looking glass as she took a seat before the vanity. “If she found out?—”
“She would insist I marry him immediately,” April explained, fastening her pearl earring. “I need to be certain it is what I want.”
Miss Evans nodded. “Very wise, My Lady.” She finished styling April’s hair into a chignon and stepped back. April glanced at her reflection. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with excitement.Freedom,she thought,was indeed a rare, precious thing.
“Slip into bed after I leave,” April instructed as she stood, and Miss Evans wrapped a cloak around her shoulders. “If anyone checks, pretend you are me.”
Miss Evans laughed softly. “I shall snore convincingly.”
“No, cough profusely, and good luck,” April whispered before slipping out into the darkened hallway.
Downstairs, the butler, Mr. Whitley, waited by the front door. “The carriage from Stone Hall is ready for you, My Lady,” he said, opening the door with a slight bow.
April smiled warmly.Everyone in this house is a conspirator,she thought fondly. Arranging this with her sister and the servants had been very easy, and she was confident not a soul would tell her mother.
Mr. Whitley had always indulged her and her sisters—quite like an uncle—and he would help them hide sweet treats they got from the kitchens whenever their mother would not allow them. To have him agree with her plan tonight, April had to explain why she did not want her mother knowing and getting excited about the Duke.
Stepping outside, she saw the Duke standing beside a sleek, closed carriage, dressed in dark evening clothes that only emphasized his striking presence. As she approached, he inclined his head slightly, and to her astonishment, he took her gloved hand and brushed his lips lightly over her knuckles.
April’s breath hitched.Heavens, why does a simple courtesy feel so dangerous when he does it?
“Where is your chaperone?” he asked, releasing her hand.
April lifted her chin. “I thought it best to leave society behind this evening.”
Something like approval glinted in his eyes though his expression remained as unreadable as ever. Without a word, he helped her into the carriage, his hand firm and steady at her back.
They settled into the plush interior, and April, feeling both bold and reckless, decided to probe further.
