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And when it was time, she’d do exactly as he’d suggested and toss him to the dogs in front of God and all of creation.
Her mind worked, piecing the plan together. As long as their public interactions were conducted with all due propriety, it would work. If he ever grossly misbehaved, however, she’d have no choice but to end all visible association. A chaperone who allowed a man to take liberties with her person might signify a possible lack of chastity in her charge, and that was something she could not allow. The stain of such a scandal would never be fully washed off.
“Should the circumstances warrant it, I swear to you that I will ask that Charlotte be removed from my house,” Mélisande countered. “I will request her relocation before I allow my actions to endanger her good name. You have my word. I have no desire to be the cause of her ruination.”
“Ruination?” asked Charlotte. “Reggie, David—what on earth is she talking about?”
In the pitch black of the carriage’s interior, Mélisande touched the tip of her slipper to David’s foot in warning. “His Grace has asked permission to court me, Charlotte. And I have given it. His reputation is the source of David’s concern.”
“But, but—you hardly know the man!” Charlotte gasped. “You’ve only just met! How can you even consider accepting?”
“Actually, I met him years ago, in Versailles.” Mélisande patted the concerned little hand that had found its way onto her arm. “Upon meeting again tonight, we discovered our feelings for one another remain unchanged.”
Charlotte’s mouth hung open. “You never mentioned an unrequited love to me.”
Mélisande winced at her assumption of love, but let it go. “My parents had commanded me to stay away from him, Charlotte. I was terrified that he would speak of me to his friends and reveal my disobedience, so I gave him a false surname. Then I couldn’t figure out how to tell him the truth. We left Versailles so quickly that I never had a chance to do so. I dared not tell Maman and Papa about him. I held my tongue out of cowardice.”
“How awful,” whispered Charlotte.
“He told me tonight that once he realized I was gone, he searched for me, but to the few people in Versailles who knew of my existence, I was Mademoiselle Compton, not d’Orleans.” Mélisande patted Charlotte’s hand again, laughing a little. “I can only guess that heaven must intend for us to be together, for Providence has reunited us against all odds. I could not accept his proposal immediately, of course, but I have given him permission to court me.”
“And how do you intend to avoid Charlotte’s becoming caught up in your scandalous romance?” David interrupted, spoiling the moment. “The man’s reputation is well-known.”
“Really, David, you worry overmuch,” Mélisande answered, wanting to throttle the sarcasm right out of him. “As long as he behaves properly, there is no danger. I shall speak with him and explain the situation. He is a gentleman, and I’m certain he shall conduct himself appropriately.”
David’s disbelieving chuckle sounded across the blackness. “It isn’t his behavior that concerns me, Melly. He’s predictable, at best. However, your actions tonight, specifically your little disappearing act, bespoke an extreme lack of good judgment,” he admonished. “You’ll be lucky if you aren’t painted a strumpet in tomorrow’s papers.”
“Word of his suit should remedy any untoward presumptions,” Mélisande countered. “As for my conduct, I shall be a paragon of proper behavior, I assure you.”
David’s soft, derisive laughter floated back to her from the shadows. “Yes, I can well imagine. But you’d best be careful when not in public, as well. If you get caught—”
“Then I shall deal with the consequences!” Mélisande aimed a swift kick at his shin with the pointed toe of her jewel-encrusted shoe. His responding grunt of pain was most satisfying.
“What do you mean ‘get caught’?” asked Charlotte.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Reggie answered her. “They intend to become lovers, Charlotte. Before the wedding takes place.”
“Reggie,” began Mélisande, “I don’t think it quite—”
At the same time, David growled, “That isn’t precisely how I’d have p—”
“What difference does it make?” Charlotte’s irritated voice rose above the hubbub. “They are to be married, after all.”
“What difference?” exclaimed her brother, sounding much put out. “Clearly, our mother left several gaps in your education. Important ones!”
“Winifred’s sister told her that it’s quite common for couples to indulge in certain intimacies before the vows are spoken,” Charlotte said in an urbane manner, dismissing his concerns.
“Winifred’s sister is a complete—”
“Why should Melly be held to a different standard than half the people we know, including our own parents?” she continued, ignoring him. “I can count, you know. A few years ago, I realized your birthday came a good deal earlier than it ought. By some two months, I believe. I’m no fool to believe you were simply ‘eager for this world,’ as mother put it when I asked.”
“Charlotte.” His voice had taken a definite edge.
“I know you think me a sheltered ninny, Reggie, but the truth is that I’m not nearly as ignorant as you think. I’ve grown up with you and David, after all,” she laughed, sounding far older than her years.
“I’m not entirely sure what you mean, Charlotte, but if you imply that I have been anything less than a shining example of gentlemanly behavior in your presence, I shall take great offense,” Reggie huffed. “And if you imply that Pelham has behaved inappropriately, I shall be forced to call him out, so think carefully before you speak.”
“I imply nothing of the sort,” Charlotte admonished. “Reggie, I’ve been hearing of David’s adventures since I was ten. Our parents whispered about his behavior when they thought I wasn’t listening, my friends have relayed all manner of interesting tales, and if that isn’t enough, his mistresses were the talk of the powder room at tonight’s ball! At least until the waltz,” she added peevishly.
