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Therewas the sharp-tongued harpy she’d been hiding under a demure demeanor.

Thecold ire in the haughty gaze she leveled at Araminta could have frozen molten lava. However, when she turned those big brown eyes on Darius, she appeared wounded and delicate, even turning her plump mouth downward into a pout.

How many hours had she practiced that artifice before the looking glass?

Whata consummate actress.

Aramintacould not regret her uncharitable thoughts.

Itwas as obvious as night from day what Eudora was really like.

Whycouldn’t Darius see the truth when it battered him in the face?

“What can you be thinking, LordDarius?” Eudora asked, laying her palm on his forearm and brushing her hand up and down its length. “Araminta is not worthy of such an honor.”

What a hypocrite.

Angerburgeoned behind Araminta’s breastbone.

Shecouldn’t use Darius’s given name, but Eudora could caress him in public?

Displeasuredrew his raven brows together, and something that might’ve been distaste or scorn turned his navy blue-eyed gaze flinty.

“I assure you, MissClarke, that if I give someone leave to use my given name, they have earned the privilege.”

Aramintashouldn’t have grinned at his declaration or, at the very least, only permitted the merest nascent smile. ButDarius coming to her defense was truly marvelous, as was observing the flabbergasted expression whisking over Eudora’s features.

Regardless, gloating was a sin.

Itseemed Araminta had much to repent of tonight, so why did today feel like such a glorious triumph?

“Come, MissClarke. Let us make our way to my office, where we can converse privately.” Darius’s expression remained unperturbed, but censure still flashed in his eyes.

Aramintawould bet SirWaddlesby it wasn’t toward her.

Thatknowledge sparked highly unchristian-like gratification. She’d atone for her pride later. At this moment, she wanted to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing Eudora put in her place.

Eudora’sstation was no higher than Araminta’s, yet she behaved as if she were nobility, and Araminta was a workhouse pauper born on the wrong side of the blanket. Such haughty and superior airs, Eudora and her intimidating mother put on.

La di da.

“MayI impose upon you to oversee the bookshop for a few minutes, Araminta?” Darius asked, as if she would be doing him the greatest of favors.

Eudorapursed her pink lips at his deliberate use of Araminta’s given name.

“Of course…Darius.”

Hisanswering grin could’ve lit a midnight sky.

Eudorascowled openly, not attempting to hide her displeasure. Her heated glower—meant to incinerate Araminta—merely amused her.

Whata petulant, spoiled chit.

Mayhap, the MissesMulbury were correct.

Dariusshould know about Eudora’s true nature. Although it would be far better if he recognized her shortcomings on his own.

Hegrasped Eudora’s elbow and guided her away but halted after a handful of steps.

“I nearly forgot, Araminta. I think you’ll be pleased to know that MadamQuillheart’s publisher responded to my invitation for her to join the other authors at the grand opening. They think it is a splendid idea and promised to notify her of the date and time and strongly encourage her to take part. One of her publishers even offered to venture to Woodhaven himself.”

SweetJesus on Sunday.

Araminta’sheart and stomach plummeted to her feet.

Whata fine pickle she was in now.