“Adrian,” Evie said brightly.“Allow me to present Miss Carmichael.Miss Carmichael, this is my brother, Mr.Adrian Croft.”
“A pleasure.”Color spread through Miss Carmichael’s cheeks.She averted her gaze, conveying a shyness that struck him as uncommonly charming.But was it real?
He clasped his hands behind his back and gave a short bow while making a very deliberate effort to school his features.It would not do for this woman to glimpse his thoughts as Eldridge had done.
“Indeed, the pleasure is mine.”He collected a glass of champagne and clinked it against the one Miss Carmichael held before doing the same with Evie’s.“It’s rare to meet new people in London Society these days.I must confess, I find it refreshing.”
“I was just saying the same exact thing,” Evie remarked.
“How come we’ve not met before?”A question intended to get at the truth.Adrian took a casual sip of his drink.
Miss Carmichael cleared her throat then drank some champagne as well.“There’s never been cause for me to participate in these kinds of events.I…am not exactly eligible to marry into the upper ranks of Society.But I’ve always dreamed of attending a ball, so that’s what I wished for on my last birthday.”
Adrian frowned.“And Mr.Harlowe agreed?”
“He’s a wonderful man – extremely kind, thoughtful, and giving.”She took another sip of her drink, as though needing to quash her nerves.
“Thank goodness for that,” Evie said.She sent Adrian a pointed look.Do not ruin this for me.“I’m of the opinion that every young lady should have the chance to put on fine clothes and enjoy an evening of splendor.”
A lovely sentiment, though not one likely to offer additional insight.He tilted his head.“As I understand it, Mr.Harlowe took you in when you were a child.”
Evie gasped.“For goodness sake, Adrian, that’s hardly the sort of thing one mentions immediately after being introduced.”
Miss Carmichael produced a timid smile.“It’s quite all right.I don’t mind talking about it.”
Was it just him, or had Miss Carmichael’s eyes hardened a little?“How old were you when you arrived at Clearview House?”
“I was seven.”
“Where were you before?”
“St.Christopher’s home for foundling children.”
“Quite a change then.”An observation he tucked away with all the others.
“I count myself lucky.”She raised her chin.“I went from sharing a room with nine others to having one of my own, from being cold and dirty, to being warm and clean.”
“Heavens,” Evie murmured.“I can’t even imagine.”
“I’ll wager you also received an improved education,” Adrian said, digging deeper.It was impossible to tell from Miss Carmichael that her beginnings had been so humble.Her attire, the way she carried herself, her very mannerisms and speech belonged to a gently bred lady.It was unnerving how impossible it was to discern her true background, even when he knew about it.
“There were governesses,” Miss Carmichael explained, “besides which, Mr.Harlowe and his late wife taught us.”
“And what—”
“Adrian,” Evie chastised once more, grabbing his arm this time and chuckling.“I’m sure Miss Carmichael would like a reprieve from all your questions.You must forgive him, Miss Carmichael, but he’s always had an inquisitive nature.”
“I only wished to learn what her favorite subjects might have been.”A lie.He’d been meaning to ask about the other women in Harlowe’s care and what exactly he’d taught them.
Miss Carmichael responded with a weak smile.“Perhaps we can continue this conversation some other time.At present, I’m afraid I must go and find my next dance partner.”
Evie turned on Adrian as soon as Miss Carmichael had walked away.“What is wrong with you?”
Crossing his arms, Adrian met her critical gaze.“How do you mean?”
“You cross examined her as though she were a criminal.”
“It’s my job to protect you.”
