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Agentleman wouldn’t utter the words parading through his head. His ungentlemanly impulse would disappoint Mother and Father. Yet sometimes, the truth needed saying.

Thiswas such a time.

“I’ll wager a gentleman compromised your daughter long ago, but nothing occurred in this office that can be construed as untoward.” He canted his head toward the quartet near the doorway. “Ask these upstanding witnesses.”

“Witnesses?” Mrs. Clarke whispered in a deflated voice as she took in the bystanders.

TheMulbury sisters wiggled their gloved fingers in a little wave. Cassius saluted, and Araminta gave a firm nod.

“Mother, I want to go home,” Eudora snapped before shoving past the other enraptured onlookers who had eased into the office. “I told you this wasn’t a good idea. Now see where it has led us, you stupid cow? I shall never be able to show my face in Woodhaven again.”

Despicabledidn’t begin to describe Eudora.

Anamazingly subdued Mrs. Clarke followed her daughter.

Eudora’strue colors hadn’t shown until now, and they weren’t pretty.

You, DariusEthanTrentWestbrook, have been spared a lifetime of misery—all because a lovely girl wearing a hideous gown had chased her goose down the street and knocked him off his ladder.

SurelyGod had a sense of humor.

“Thank you. I don’t know how to express my appreciation.” Darius scraped a hand through his hair as he took in each onlooker. “Please go about your business. I shall return to the bookshop momentarily.”

Thespectators shuffled away, murmuring amongst themselves.

Cassiusextended an elbow to each MissMulberry. “Allow me to escort you, delightful ladies.”

“Young scamp.” Garnet gave him a cheeky smile.

“Indeed,” Opal agreed. “But very charming.”

Aramintaturned to leave but hesitated at the threshold and gave Darius a searching glance. Compassion softened the gentle edges of her face and radiated from her emerald-green eyes.

“I’m sorry, Darius. That was awful. I know you regarded Eudora highly.”

Apolite way of saying Eudora’s beauty had blinded him; therefore, he hadn’t seen her superficiality or deviousness.

“Yes, it was, but I’m glad I finally saw her true nature.” Darius offered a wry grin. “I have you to thank for that.”

“Me?” Confusion whisked across her pretty face. “How so?”

“IfI hadn’t met you, Araminta, I’d never have understood that your inner beauty composed of goodness, kindness, and generosity outshines Eudora as brightly as the sun does a candle.”