Page 29 of One Night with an Earl

“Nothing,” she snapped.

Ana became aware of pedestrians walking down the street. None had overheard their conversation so far, but when a well-dressed lady glanced their way, her interest obviously piqued, Ana didn’t want to take any risks.

“Come.” Ana took Penelope by the arm and urged her toward their carriage.

Once seated inside, Ana waited until the jingle of harness sounded and the carriage was on its way before speaking. “We mustn’t ever speak of this.”

Penelope ignored her. “Ana, you have become my closest confidant and know my secrets. You may disapprove of my correspondence to Lieutenant Smithfield, but you have never whispered a word to my mother. You can trust me.”

Ana’s mind raced. A friendship had blossomed between them, and their relationship was much more than mere chaperone and charge. Still, Ana kept her past from her, and Penelope only knew her as Miss Gardner.

Concealing her identity never bothered her. She’d acted out of necessity. But her relationship with the Earl of Drake was different. How could she confess she’d struck a deal with Madame Crescent, donned a scandalous red dress, and acted as a courtesan for one night?

Ana’s desire to experience one night of passion before it slipped from her fingers wasn’t easy to explain, especially to a young innocent like Penelope. But Ana had to tell her something. By questioning Penelope about her during their dance, Oliver had made it difficult to concoct a lie.

“I did know the earl,” Ana confessed. “But I did not know he was the gentleman who was to arrive at your home that first day. It was a shock.”

“You both hid it well during our ride in the park.”

That’s because he had no idea who I was that day.

“You find him attractive?” Penelope asked.

It was a statement more than a question. “I did, but no longer. I would never interfere with your future, darling,” Ana said.

“Posh! I have no romantic interest in Lord Drake.”

Ana regarded her kindly. “Penelope, you must know your mother would not approve of your soldier.”

The girl’s face fell. “I know. But that is why I want to be sure you are happy.”

Warmth spread across Ana’s face. Her fingers clutched the padded bench. If only Penelope knew the truth, she’d stop trying to make a match between her and the earl. “I am older and employed by your family whereas you are a lovely, young lady. My future is set, yours is bright.”

“So? You are very dear to me. There is no reason you cannot find happiness.”

A trickle of warning made her spine straighten. “Oh, no. You cannot be thinking what I think you are thinking.”

“Why not? Ana, you can be with Lord Drake!”

“No. I cannot.”

“Why?”

“First, I am a chaperone. Women such as I do not marry earls. Second, I do not like him.” Not to mention the scandal of her father’s suicide or society’s prejudice regarding her mother’s Middle Eastern roots.

“Well, I’m not sure I believe that chaperones cannot marry above their station. I believe it would be wonderfully romantic.” Penelope pressed a hand to her heart, and a dreamy expression crossed her face. “As for your second argument, I do not know why you dislike him, but I do know he is intrigued by you.”

“He is not intrigued.” More likely furious that he’d been fooled.

“Nonsense. Why else would Lord Drake inquired about you?” Penelope asked.

Ana needed to end this before it grew out of hand. “I have no idea what he was thinking, and nor do I care.”

Penelope arched an eyebrow and gave her an I-don’t-believe-you-for-a-moment look. “Mother says we are to attend the exhibition at the Royal Academy. Knowing her, she will find another excuse to meet with his grandmother to ensure your earl’s presence at the exhibition as well.”

Penelope was most likely right about Lady Malvern’s efforts. Ana swallowed hard and tried to manage a strong enough argument. “He is not my earl.”

“I sense there is more you are not telling me, but I respect your secrets. You have helped me with Lieutenant Smithfield and have become a good friend. Please know that I’d be honored to help you.”