Page 40 of An Enchanting Dare

“Thank you, Browning. I rely upon your discretion.”

“You may do so,” he replied with a nod, before picking the crate back up and hurrying away.

Aisling listened to his retreating footsteps and then waited in the cool, dimly lit corridor. Words flitted in her mind, and she let them come, sending a prayer that she could find a way through this.

Moonrise above, earth spread below.

Protect me always from my foes.

Guard my loved ones, give me the power

To endure this fateful hour.

“Do no harm,” she whispered aloud, clenching her fists. “Do no harm.”

In the darkness, a clock chimed the hour, and Aisling made her way to the library.

“Monsieur!” Evie’s eyes lit up at the sight of him and something in Louis’ heart eased at the pleasure he saw there.

“Bonsoir, ma belle mademoiselle,” he said, bowing over her hand. He raised her gloved fingers to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

“Goodness, Louis, you are dashing tonight. Who are you trying to impress?” she demanded.

Louis sighed. “You, ma petite, as always.”

Evie laughed and took his arm. “Whatever for? That’s the wonderful thing about friends. You don’t need to try so hard. Are you having a lovely time? I believe the entire world is here tonight. What a crush it is.”

“Non, I have had a very dull evening so far, but now I think my luck has changed. You saved me two dances, I hope? You promised.”

Evie grinned at him. “Papa isn’t here, so yes. Of course I did. I don’t think Mama will tattle on me.”

“And if she does?”

“If she does, I shall endure another scolding, I suppose. I don’t know why he worries so about you,” she mused, shaking her head. “Good Lord, if he knew how often we’ve been alone together and you, a perfect gentleman. Even when I was in my nightclothes. I almost told him about that the last time—”

“What? Mon Dieu, Evie!”

Evie stared at him and then gave a snort of laughter. “Don’t look so horrified. What’s the trouble? Afraid he’ll force you to marry me?” She put her hand to her heart and adopted a tragic expression. “Good Lord, a fate worse than death!”

“Non!” Louis took her hand and clasped it in his. His heart had picked up speed and Barnaby’s words rang in his ears. “I am not afraid of any such thing. Not in the least. Only that you not get into trouble with your father, whom you esteem so highly. I should not wish this for you, Evie, but… but as for marrying you, I should be—”

“Louis! How do. Are you having a splendid time?”

Louis cursed as the Marquess of Blackstone barged into their conversation and hooked an arm over his shoulder, leaning into him so heavily that Louis staggered. The wretched devil grinned inanely. He was half seas over already, damn him.

“Splendid,” Louis managed through gritted teeth.

“Jules! Do go and drink some water. You’re drunk as a wheelbarrow,” Evie protested.

“No, I am drunk as a lord,” Jules replied with offended dignity before saluting them both and staggering away.

“Daft creature,” Evie said, laughing softly. “He’ll have a dreadful hangover in the morning.”

“One can only hope,” Louis muttered.

The country dance being performed with some enthusiasm whilst they spoke finally ended and Evie consulted her dance card. “Our waltz is next.”

Louis offered her his arm. He wished the rest of the world would go away, so he might have some peace to figure out how to make this work. He thought perhaps he would try for a little honesty to begin with.