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Her words angered Henry, but he knew he could say nothing, lest he put Sabrina at further risk. She’d already faced down enough censure tonight because of him. He listened as Chadwick took up the gauntlet.
“I should keep my viper’s tongue behind my teeth if I were you, Mother. This is Montgomery’s doing! Sabrina is innocent of any duplicity, an unwitting victim of his cruel manipulation.”
Cruel manipulation? Henry nearly chuckled. He was only half responsible for that kiss.
“Yes, well, according to Lady Carrington, your precious innocent practically had her skirts hiked up to her ears!” Lady Chadwick shot back. “Perhaps you’d better leave the judgment of a woman’s character to one who knows women better than you.”
Henry couldn’t help himself. He turned just enough to see them out of the corner of his eye.
Chadwick towered over his mother, his face hard. “If I may be so bold as to remind you, Mother, less than an hour ago you were quite pleased to welcome her into our family. Clearly, your opinion is utter bollocks.”
Henry turned away and clapped a hand over his mouth to cover a surprised laugh.
“Be warned,” continued Chadwick, “for if I find you’ve spoken one ill word against her to anyone, I’ll have you packed off to the country for the remainder of the Season. Do I make myself clear?”
Henry heard her mouth shut with an audible pop. Obviously, the threat carried some weight.
“I shall be in the smoking room for the remainder of the evening,” Chadwick announced. “I would leave this very instant, but if I am to ever show my face in public again, I’ve no choice but to face this with dignity. Should you wish to leave, you may take the carriage. I shall find my own way home tonight.”
Henry looked down as Chadwick walked past. He contemplated the interchange. Likely, he would be questioned by his own father regarding tonight’s petite scandal, just as Lady Aylesford would no doubt question Sabrina. He had a perfect explanation for his behavior—one that would be immensely pleasing to his marriage-minded father. He could not help but wonder what excuse Sabrina would give.
I suppose I’ll discover that soon enough…
“I am astounded at your lack of propriety, Sabrina,” said her mother the instant the serving girl left. “You know how fragile a young lady’s reputation is.”
Sabrina repressed a weary sigh. She’d been expecting it all morning. Mama had been simply too upset to speak of it last night on the way home. “Yes, Mama,” she answered. “And I assure you that it was not my intention to grant him liberties of any sort.”
Her mother’s gaze remained fastened on the plate before her. “Yes, well. From the way I heard it told, you were not exactly protesting. I need to know every detail—and I expect the truth. Was it indeed only a kiss?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“How long were you alone together?”
“Less than half an hour. Perhaps twenty minutes?”
Her mother frowned, clearly unhappy. “Not long enough for ruination, given the short amount of time that passed between Lady Carrington’s announcement and your reappearance.”
Sabrina twisted the napkin in her lap. She simply could not let it alone. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were displeased.”
“I won’t say I wouldn’t have been happy to pair you with Henry, but I would much rather it be under better circumstances,” replied her mother. “You are absolutely certain she was the only one to see you?”
“Yes.” It came out angry. “I thought I was to choose my husband?”
Now her mother looked her in the eye. “That promise is only as good as your restraint. If you allow yourself to be ruined out of recklessness, you’ll have no choice but to marry your accomplice—because no other man will have you.” She sawed viciously at a piece of ham. “Your behavior last night was enough to jeopardize your good name. You cannot afford to let it happen again. Have I made myself perfectly clear?”
“Yes, Mama.” She waited, expecting the tirade to continue, but it appeared her mother was finished—at least for the moment. Her stomach growled, and she looked to the food on the table with renewed anticipation.
The butler appeared in the doorway. “Pardon the intrusion, your ladyship, but Lord Montgomery has arrived.”
The savory bacon in her mouth turned to ash.
“What? At this hour? Show him in here,” said her mother.
It was all Sabrina could do to swallow past the knot in her throat. Did the man possess no compassion whatsoever? For him to show up on the heels of her interrogation was not to be borne. She jumped up to flee before his blasted lordship appeared—only to find the exit blocked by the broad chest of her nemesis. A colorful oath slipped out before she could shut her teeth on it.
“And good morning to you, my spicy little sailor,” murmured Montgomery sotto voce. “Sleep well?”
Furious, she hissed back at him, “I’m sure that is none of y—”
