Page 106 of Silver Angel

Derek couldn’t believe what he was hearing, and it didn’t stop there. Caroline got angrier, and Marshall became even more insulting, and they both seemed oblivious that he was in the room, the sparks flying between them hot enough to singe the carpet. It occurred to him that he and Chantelle behaved in much the same way when they couldn’t come to terms with their feelings, and suddenly he burst out laughing.

He received two furious scowls that choked off his humor, and he managed a very conversational response. “Would this antagonism end if I left you two alone?”

Caroline was the one to answer, her voice still sharp. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Actually, I believe you do. Perhaps I should have asked instead if a broken engagement might improve the situation.”

She blushed, but it was Marshall who replied. “You can’t expect her to answer that. The woman doesn’t know her own mind.”

“I do so!” Caroline snapped.

Derek crossed the room to put an arm around her shoulders. It was all he could do to keep from grinning.

“Perhaps you were a bit hasty in accepting my proposal, Caro.”

In a ridiculous emotional about-face, she glanced up at him meekly. “Do you think so, Derek?”

He nodded. “I’m a cad and a scoundrel, but I’m going to ask you to beg off.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Don’t argue with him, Caroline!” Marshall said impatiently.

She threw him another scowl before she smiled at Derek. “Very well.”

He finally let the grin loose and leaned down to whisper, “Don’t let him get away, love. I think this is the one you’ve been waiting for.”

“But how did you know?” she whispered back.

“Intuition—and the same problem.”

“Chantelle?”

“You guessed it.”

“I like her, but I don’t think she likes me.”

“She will, love, once she hears you’re going to marry someone else and not me. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to tell her now.”

“Of course. And, Derek, thank you.”

“Not at all.” Then he turned to Marshall, “You should have said something, old man.”

“I—ah—I thought I did,” Marshall replied in embarrassment now.

“Not seriously enough. And don’t just stand there like a clod, or you’re liable to lose her again. Talk about indecision.”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Caroline agreed with a grin.

Chapter Fifty

Chantelle was just about to extinguish the last lamp in her room when the door burst open. “She’s in love with Marshall!”

Chantelle jumped, startled, even though she recognized that voice before she saw him. The very reason she was going to bed so early, just so she wouldn’t have to think ofhimanymore. And more annoying, he was all smiles as he stood there waiting for her to say something.

Despite herself, she asked, “Who is?”

“Caroline.”