“Not another word,” Lady Chimes said, then stopped without turning. “Not tonight. We shall talk in the morning. But you should count your blessings before you lay your head upon the pillow. You still have your reputation and a fiancé. You could have been left with absolutely nothing.”
And then her mother continued toward her own room, entered, and slammed the door.
Caroline had faced the evening with such anticipation and delight. Now, she dreaded what the morning would bring.
Chapter Nine
Geoffrey stormed through his house, wanting to throw something, anything. Mostly he wanted to plant a facer directly into Mangue’s sappy, concerned visage.And why didn’t the man’s valet trim his ridiculous single eyebrow?Surely someone ought to tell him he looked like a monkey.
And yet Caroline had an understanding with him!
That fact, Geoffrey could simply not fathom. Her words, “Yes, I knew,” continuously crashed down upon him like a wall of crumbling bricks.
How could she possibly have said yes to Mangue?At the same time, she continued to keep furtive company with him, enjoying every clandestine meeting.
For two people meant to stay apart, they’d managed to kiss many times.And more!
Shaking his head, he stalked through his silent townhouse, unable to sit. He’d only pleasured her in the butler’s pantry because he believed they were going to figure out a way to be together. Never would he have let himself get carried away if he had truly thought she was already spoken for.
Regardless of his father’s outrageous past, Geoffrey didn’t go around ruining ladies! Not even ones who all but begged to be ruined.
Why would she do such a thing if she was promised to Mangue?
Unless she was being forced.
He stopped.Of course!She didn’t want Mangue. The man was titled and had a good fortune, but that was all that recommended him. Geoffrey had jumped to conclusions, and now it would be even harder to get close to Caroline to speak to her.
Hastening to his study, he picked up a piece of cream-colored paper. Then he dropped it. He couldn’t risk putting anything in writing. Without regard for the time, he donned his jacket and left for Trent’s house. If he didn’t find him at home, he would track him to their club.
A half hour later, he was satisfied Jasper would get a message to Caroline.
“Simply tell her to return to Hatchards tomorrow at the same time as previously.”
“Ridiculous,” Jasper said. “I cannot even promise to see her tomorrow. And if I do, I highly doubt she can drop everything and go to a bookseller. You had best make it the following day.”
“Very well.” Frustration welled in him.
“But don’t expect too much,” Jasper added. “After all, I may be refused entrance.”
“Why would you be?” Geoffrey realized he was running his hands through his hair like a madman.
“If your lady-friend is in disgrace and has been forced to accept an offer,” Jasper said, “then maybe she won’t be allowed to see any other man, including me.”
In disgrace!Geoffrey felt his heart sink. If she was, it was because of him. He should have been more careful.What a clod pate!
“Do your best,” he said. “Whatever it takes to get a message to her, I suppose, even if you have to write a missive. I cannot imagine a note from you would be suspect.”
“You are in love with her,” Jasper concluded.
Geoffrey nearly naysaid him on the spot. Then it dawned on him what the pain in his chest was and why his heart felt like a solid lump of brass. He wouldn’t deny he loved her.
“I believe it crucial to my future happiness that I halt any marital plans being made for Lady Caroline with that dratted Mangue.”
“Agreed,” Jasper said. “Life is hard. For some it’s short. We shouldn’t squander something as precious as love.”
He spoke like a man in earnest. Geoffrey stared at him.
“Are you in love?”
