Sebastian pivoted sharply, his scowl deepening.
The earl’s intrusion felt brazen, especially here, in the open setting of the opera hall. Freddy and Edward exchanged glances, their curiosity palpable as they waited for me.
“Lord Chudley,” I acknowledged with a cool nod. “You have caught me at a disadvantage.”
“On the contrary, I count myself fortunate,” he said, stepping closer, far closer than was proper in such a public setting, and worse, drawing attention from nearby patrons. “Might we speak privately?”
Embarrassment heated through me. Lord Chudley’s voice, unnaturally loud, seemed to draw even more attention.
“If you’ll excuse me—” I told Sebastian. He did not move away from me, but instead flexed his fingers as if itching for a sword hilt.
I edged a step toward the column, trying to put space between them before the confrontation grew worse.
“Lord Chudley, I really would prefer not to be late for the second act.” I lowered my voice.
The earl appeared unfazed, although he darted a glance at Sebastian. “Dare I hope you received my notes and flowers? I—”
“I did,” I answered as flatly as I could. “I have nothing more to say on the matter. Do not waste your funds on me.” I turned away from him.
“You misunderstand me,” he said quickly, reaching a hand toward me as if to detain me. “Wait.” Lord Chudley’s voice dropped, though not enough to keep others from hearing the urgency in his tone. “I understand certain rumors regarding our attachment have circulated through the ton. I assure you, my suggestion of an engagement stemmed solely from my ardent admiration for you. I had no idea my affection would interest all of London. But since the ton expect us—”
Such a grandiose claim! My jaw tightened. “Then allow me to clarify, my lord. Any rumors of an attachment are entirely unfounded.”
His mouth dropped open. “Miss Grenville, if you would but allow it, Iwouldseek your hand in marriage with the colonel tomorrow sinceyou have clearly not accepted Mr. Sinclair’s suit. Have I been so misled by your attentions? Katherine?”
The familiarity of my name on his lips felt like a slap. “You have misled yourself.” I backed away from him. “And this conversation is beyond improper, as I’m sure you are aware. You should be more careful with your admiration, Lord Chudley. Such words have consequences. You have done irreparable damage to me to assure the world I accepted your proposal.”
For a moment, his polished demeanor faltered, and something flickered in his eyes. Anger? “I merely thought to—”
“To give me no choice,” I interrupted. “Please don’t mistake me for someone so easily swayed with your pretty speeches.”
Before he could reply, I pivoted and rejoined Sebastian, who waited only a few paces away. My pulse roared in my ears as I returned to my seat, but I kept my expression calm, ignoring my friends’ concerned glances.
“Do I insist on pistols at dawn to deal with Chudley once and for all?” Sebastian asked with an edge.
“Oh, do be serious,” I answered quickly, resisting the urge to swat him with my fan.
But from his fierce expression, something far more dangerous than what I’d seen at the disastrous garden party, I had the distinct impression that he was not jesting with me at all.
As I looked out over the crowd, I realized many faces were turned toward me—not the stage. A ripple of laughter moved through the audience as more heads turned to see what had caused the stir.
The applause for the next act had barely begun when I leaned toward Freddy. “I’d like to leave,” I whispered.
She hesitated and glanced at Edward, who gave me a questioning look. Sebastian, however, rose without a word.
“I’ll see to the carriage.” He sounded rough.
The ride back to the house was silent, save for the rattle of wheelsagainst cobblestones. Freddy and Edward exchanged whispers, but I kept my eyes fixed on the passing streets, my heart still pounding as Freddy explained what we had overheard.
“I’ll take down Chudley myself,” Edward muttered as he glared out the frosted window of the carriage.
“You’ll do no such thing, Edward,” I responded.
“He took advantage of the situation, hoping to secure his fortune by the end of the season,” Edward folded his arms across his chest. “I’ll do more than scratch his cheek, I promise you that.”
Sebastian remained silent. Disturbingly so.
“None of it matters now,” I whispered. “Word will spread through London, and I’ll be ruined. Scathmore’s cartoon ensured that much already. No one will think twice before believing the rumors.”
