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She struck the final blow before he could counter. “You ought to know your own conduct of late hasn’t been viewed favorably, either. Winifred told me tonight that your reputation is almost as bad as David’s now.”
“Me?” Reggie sputtered. “What have I ever done that could possibly even begin to measure with Pelham’s level of degeneracy? If you’re going to make comparisons, choose someone other than the devil himself for my rival!”
“Have a care,” said David.
“You bloody well know it’s true!” Reggie retorted.
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“How either of you can dare criticize Melly for falling in love is beyond reason!” Charlotte shouted over the men. “Hypocrites, the both of you! And don’t give me any nonsense about it being different for men!”
Stunned silence followed her outburst.
“Now then, gentlemen, if you please,” Charlotte continued, having once more gained everyone’s attention. “We are all adults here. If Melly wishes to discreetly sample the pleasures of marriage before the vows are spoken, that is her choice. Once her engagement is announced, it won’t matter in any case.”
“Charlie, I’m afraid it isn’t quite as simple as you think,” David said as Reggie let out an indignant croak.
“I’m afraid it most certainly is,” she shot back. “And you needn’t take that patronizing tone with me. Why just last Season, Lady Willoughby was caught in a terribly compromising situation with Lord Willoughby, but once they announced their engagement, everyone was falling over themselves to have her at their parties. She was in no way ruined. Why should Melly be any different?”
Mélisande choked. While alarmingly humorous, Charlotte’s innocent misunderstanding could prove useful. If anyone did dare comment, she would jump to squash any ugly rumors.
“Charlie, you’re absolutely right,” said David, sounding contrite. “I’ve been terribly unfair in all this. After all, Melly certainly deserves to be given the same leniency as everyone else. I suppose we need not worry as long as you and Gravina are discreet, right, Melly? After all, you will be man and wife as soon as decency allows.”
“Indeed, and as such, there is absolutely no need for any further upset,” cut in Charlotte. “I should remain with Melly until the wedding as a show of support.”
“You’ll make a lovely maid of honor, Charlie,” David drawled.
“Indeed, I would have no one else.” Mélisande forced herself to sound cheery as she prepared to launch another swift kick at David if he so much as breathed. If he thought there was any place where he was safe, he’d soon think differently! “And I do appreciate your support. All of you. I’m afraid I did lose my head a bit tonight. I shall endeavor to be more cautious in the future.”
“One can hope,” grumbled David.
Mélisande drew back her foot.
“As for that business matter we discussed earlier this evening,” he added, “I shall begin gathering information immediately.”
“Thank you,” Mélisande replied, mollified. The carriage finally arrived at her residence, and she and Charlotte bade the gentlemen farewell. Now she only needed to escape to her chamber without being interrogated. As soon as they stepped inside, she held a hand to her brow and sighed, immediately drawing a concerned look from her companion.
“Are you quite well?” inquired Charlotte.
“Just a headache,” Mélisande told her. “I was unprepared for such emotional turmoil—I truly never expected to see him again. I thought he’d forgotten me long ago.” That part was true, at least.
“Poor dear! You should go and rest,” Charlotte said with an encouraging smile. “We can discuss it all tomorrow. And I’ll help you with the plans as much as I am able.”
Feeling like a complete heel, Mélisande played along. “Thank you, Charlotte. I appreciate your support, truly I do. I believe I will retire now.” She let out a long yawn. “Good night, and thank you again. You really are a true friend!”
Making good her escape, she ascended the steps without looking back. Charlotte wouldn’t be getting any details tonight.
Mélisande had only just sat down to breakfast when David was shown in, waving a flag of truce in the form of a sheaf of papers.
“Steinberg was certainly surprised to see me this morning,” he announced, tossing the bundle down in front of her. “I thought the poor man was going to faint when I walked in.”
Eagerly, she snatched up the stack and tore at the twine.
“This morning’s visit was the first time I’ve ever actually stepped foot in his offices. Hopefully the last, as well.” He shuddered. “Ghastly place. One would think that with as much as I pay the man, he could afford to maintain a decent office in which to receive his clients.”
“Mmm-hmm,” she replied absently.
“I hope you appreciate my efforts. I was up practically all night writing letters, taking care of your ‘business.’ And my visit to Steinberg required me to be up at an ungodly hour. I barely slept at all,” he added, a little louder. Leaning over, he tipped down the top edge of the papers with a finger. “It appears you’ve had even less sleep than I. You look the very devil. Did you not find rest last night?”
