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Her brother-in-law knew.
Theyallknew what she’d done.
What she had asked a nameless stranger to dotoher!
How utterly humiliating.
“I can explain–” she began, but Eloise cut her off.
“Was it terribly exciting?” her sister asked in a rush. “What thoughts ran through your head? Did you try to fight them off before you found out who they really were? I would have kicked one right in the throat, and another in the groin.” She gave a satisfied nod. “Immobilize your enemy at the first opportunity before they can do you harm. Especially if you haven’t any weapons at your disposal. Did you? Have a weapon, that is.”
Lenora stared at Eloise. “I’m not even going to ask where you learned that,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m sure I wouldn’t want to know the answer.”
“She’s joined a class,” Bridget supplied. “They meet twice a week.
“A class? What sort of class?” Lenora asked suspiciously. “Why haven’t I heard of it?”
“Yes, what class?” Annabel said, more than happy to divert the attention away from herself. “It sounds dangerous.”
Eloise snorted. “Only if you consider defending yourself dangerous. It is a class for women who do not want to stand idly by while they are being assaulted. We meet in an empty room attached to the tea shop on Bloom Street. ‘Tis all on the up and up.”
“Nothingwith you is on the up and up,” said Lenora. “I will be attending the next class.”
“But–”
“That’s final. Now, Annabel–”
Annabel groaned.
“–are you all right?” Her face a mask of concern, Lenora sat on the other side of Bridget and took Annabel’s empty hand in a firm grip. “You must have been frightened half to death. I’m so sorry that happened. What an awful prank to play on someone! Perth is already investigating the matter. His driver was able to describe three of the four men who accosted your carriage, and we’ve sent out inquiries. We should find out who they are soon enough.”
As Annabel met Lenora’s distressed gaze, she realized two things. The first–and most important–was that her kiss remained a secret. The second–and potentially more alarming–was that she could soon have a name for her Adonis. Arealname, complete with a full background, because while he had proven that he wasn’t a highwayman, the quality of his clothes had betrayed him as a nobleman.
Had she attended the last two Seasons, she would have probably recognized him on sight. But given that he had not been at their summer house party, or any balls that she had been at, his identity remained a mystery. And maybe…maybe that was preferable. Maybe that was why she’d dared to do what she’d done. Because they were both hidden by a shield of anonymity. But if Perth found out who he was, and he learned whoshewas, that shield would disappear.
Annabel didn’t know how she felt about that.
“I’m fine,” she said with a forced smile. “I was scared. Of course, I was scared. But no one hurt me, and they went quickly on their way once it became clear that it was just a big misunderstanding. Perth really shouldn’t trouble himself with the matter any further. I’m sure it won’t ever happen again.”
“You’re right, it won’t,” Lenora said firmly. “But that doesn’t mean those scoundrels are going to get away with their behavior! Theywillbe held accountable. I’ll make sure of that.”
5
A Most Unwanted Neighbor
For Christmas, all ofthe Rosewoods, even those with husbands and country estates of their own, went home to Clarenmore Park. Courtesy of a devoted household staff who were delighted to have their beloved young charges return after leaving them for the first time in two years, the manor was beautifully decorated in ropes of garland, wreaths tied with red ribbons, and a tree so large and so grand that the top of it nearly scraped the vaulted ceiling in the drawing room.
The air smelled pleasantly of pine, and rang with the sound of the pianoforte, as Bridget played an array of cheerful, spirit-lifting carols fromIt Came Upon a Midnight Clearto the more somberSilent Night. Occasionally, Eloise lent herself to singing harmony (a volunteer position, as no one would have dared risk their eardrums byaskingthat she accompany Bridget) and whenever that occurred, the music room had a way of mysteriously emptying.
Two days before Lenora was opening the house to three dozen of their friends and neighboring acquaintances for a holiday feast, she shepherded her sisters into the local village to finish their Christmas shopping. Annabel, never one turn down a chance to walk through a store while gazing at pretty trinkets, was happy to go, but Eloise and Bridget were considerably less enthused.
“I’d rather be napping,” grumbled Eloise, blue eyes flashing with resentment as she dragged her feet behind them.
“And Ijuststarted a new book,” Bridget complained, raising her arms and burrowing her nose into her fur muff when a gust of icy December wind whipped along the pavement. “How am I meant to finish it before Christmas Eve if I’m here?”
“Why do you need to finish it by then?” Annabel asked absently, her attention snagged by a display window showcasing a variety of beautiful wool scarfs and matching mittens. Every year, she liked to buy something for her lady’s maid, Sarah. Over the past two Christmases, money for such gifts had been nearly nonexistent. Lenora had never come right out andsaidthey were poor, but Annabel and her sisters weren’t blind. They’d noticed when their father’s racehorses were sold off one by one, until only a handful remained. They’d noticed when things broke and weren’t repaired. They’d noticed when the cuffs of Lenora’s sleeves were stained black with ink from the ledgers she’d stayed up all night studying.
