“I might have to do that later. The lords who paid me to drive for them this evening, don’t know how long they will stay, so I must be ready at all times for whenever they wish to leave.”
She arched an eyebrow. “What? They are not going to stay for one of Aunt Dorthea’s famous masked balls? Why, her gatherings are the talk of the season.”
“These lords do not live around here. They are only here on holiday.”
She hitched a silent breath. She knew of two lords who were on holiday in this area. What were the odds... “By chance, is one of these men Lord Hanover?”
Simon’s eyes widened. “Indeed, that is one of them. The other is Lord Kentwood. Do you know them?”
She laughed lightly, trying to mask the excitement rushing through her. “My family met them two days ago.”
A look of concern crossed his face. “Take care, Adeline. These men are rogues and nothing less. I pray you do not get tangled in their wayward lifestyle.”
She caught her breath again.Rogues?Why hadn’t she thought of that before? But now everything made more sense. That was why Lord Kentwood had been so chatty with her family – especially her and Olivia – and why Collin had been so bold to present her with a lavender rose. How foolish she’d been to think any differently about him.
“I thank you for your warning. I’ll certainly be more cautious.”
“Adeline, dear,” her mother’s voice was loud behind her only seconds before the woman grasped Adeline’s arm, “what are you doing?”
She met her mother’s worried gaze. “Mother? Do you not remember Simon?”
Her mother’s eyes widened. “Oh, heavens. Itisyou.” She patted his hands. “It is so good to see you again.”
He bowed. “And it is good to see you and your daughter.”
“Come dear.” Mother handed Adeline her mask. “We are ready to go inside now.”
Adeline gave her mother a nod before looking back at Simon. “I wish you much success with your new employer, and I hope we see each other again.”
“As do I.” Simon bowed again before hurrying back toward his coach.
Adeline adjusted the gold mask trimmed with black lace over her eyes as she followed her family up the rock stairs and into the manor. Everyone would be wearing masks this evening, but she was certain she would recognize Lord Hanover. And yet, if she did, would she take Simon’s advice and keep her distance? He was a rogue, after all.
She scanned the crowded ballroom, searching for a tall man with brownish-blond wavy hair. Immediately, she saw him dancing with a woman wearing a mask with peacock feathers. A sigh escaped Adeline’s throat before she could stop it. He was devilishly handsome in his black coat and trousers, with a red-gold waistcoat and white cravat. Indeed, this was Collin. Even his mouth looked familiar.
“Adeline, dear,” her mother whispered, grasping her elbow. “You must doallyou can to attract the attention of one of these wealthy men. I fear your father has left us in dire straits, and it’s up to you to charm one of these men.”
Panic filled Adeline as she stared into the shadowed slits of her mother’s mask. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that tonight you need to target your future husband... and do what is necessary to make him offer marriage.”
Do what is necessary...Adeline’s mouth turned cotton dry. Her mother couldn’t possible mean what she thought. Why, doing something likethatwould cause a scandal.
She glanced toward her father who was talking with Jacob. The frown on her brother’s face made her wonder if her father was giving Jacob the same kind of talk that mother had given Adeline.
Inwardly, she groaned. Indeed, it was up to her and Jacob to make the best out of a rotten situation.Thanks for ruining our lives, Father!
She took a deep breath and nodded. There was no other choice. If she wanted to get married, a scandal would be the only way. So much for her dreams of falling in love... And yet, what if she could accomplish both?
Finding Collin once again in this crowd wasn’t difficult. He was strikingly handsome, and incredibly muscular. What if she could get him to fall in love with her? After all, he had given her a rose two nights ago, and they did have one thing in common – music. Perhaps she could use this to win him over.
And if that didn’t work, she’d have to create a scandal one way or another.
