Chapter 26

Lady Emily Brooke was enjoying her evening enormously. How could she not when two of her dearest friends were finally able to attend a Society ball with her?

She turned to them, the newly minted duchesses of Westcliffe and Corwin. Both had danced excessively with their husbands and were now enjoying refreshments with her. Standing on a balcony above the ballroom, they sipped champagne while watching the revelry below.

“I’ve never seen so many spectacular gowns,” Harriet said, her voice filled with awe. “Or jewels.”

“It’s quite impressive,” Ada agreed. She eyed Emily. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

Intrigued, Emily nodded. “Go on.”

“It relates to a novel that’s due for publication toward the end of October. I’d like for The Lady Librarian to review it.”

Emily blinked. Only a few select people knew of her alter ego, and they rarely brought it up in conversation. Ada’s decision to do so suggested this book was important to her. Which had to mean... “Who’s the author? You or your husband?”

“Um…” The unease that filled Ada’s eyes spoke volumes.

Emily smiled. “Don’t worry. You needn’t tell me. I simply can’t wait to read it.”

Ada cleared her throat. “It’s a romance involving an earl and an innkeeper’s daughter.”

“Scandalous,” Emily said with a grin.

“The book will be published anonymously,” Ada muttered.

“Of course. That does make a great deal of sense.” Excited on her friend’s behalf, Emily said, “Writing a book is no small feat. Acquiring a contract is downright impressive. Please have a copy delivered to me as soon as you’re able, and I shall make sure The Lady Librarian writes an outstanding review.”

“An honest review,” Ada said. “No special treatment.”

“Of course. I can’t afford to ruin The Lady Librarian’s reputation. But, I’m fairly certain the book will be worthy of praise.”

“Thank you.”

“Any time.”

Emily smiled. As a self-proclaimed bluestocking, she centered her life around reading. Her book club, which had begun as a hobby, had turned into a monthly meeting accessible only by invitation. In between these meetings, Emily read and wrote reviews, which appeared in The Mayfair Chronicle every Sunday. Over the course of the past two years, The Lady Librarian’s fame had increased. A review written by her determined how well a book sold.

“They’re bringing more food,” Harriet observed. “Shall we return downstairs?”

“Oh yes,” Ada said, leaning over the railing. “That does look good.”

Emily grinned. She delighted in the excitement with which her friends approached everything she’d been accustomed to all her life. “Let’s go.”

They descended the stairs and joined the crowd milling about.

Emily grabbed Ada’s arm and drew her close to her side. “I’m going to visit the ladies’ retiring room first. I’ll meet you and Harriet in the ballroom immediately after.”

They parted ways, with Ada and Harriet continuing onward, while Emily disappeared through an archway that took her toward the front of the house. After receiving directions from a footman, she turned right and entered a narrow hallway. There she halted when she saw a man striding toward her.

Tall, with thick black hair, intense brown eyes, and angular features, he wasn’t someone she liked running into for any reason.

Callum Davis, the Duke of Stratton, was best avoided. Unfortunately he reached her before she was able to make her retreat.

“You,” she muttered. Not exactly the politest greeting, she admitted, but the annoyance of finding herself in his company was already getting the best of her.

“I could say the same.” He raised an eyebrow. “Not very clever, stating the obvious. Although—”

“Did you just call me stupid?”

“Um… No, I don’t believe so.”

She was fairly certain he had, not that it should surprise her. “Manners have never been your forte, Your Grace. If you’ll please excuse me.”

She moved with the intention of stepping past him, but he stepped sideways at the same time, blocking her path. “Are you calling my character into question?”

“Um… No, I don’t believe so,” she said, mimicking his response, even though she generally loathed such childish behavior. But Stratton had the annoying habit of bringing out the worst in her.

His eyebrows dipped. “I ought to challenge you to a duel.”

She rolled her eyes. “Knowing you, you’d probably trip and kill me before I got the chance to face you on the field of honor.”

“I’m not that clumsy.” His face had turned a bright shade of red.

“You’re right. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to suggest that you were.”

“I’m fairly sure that’s exactly what you intended to do or you wouldn’t have said it.” Having crossed his arms and firmed his jaw, he glowered at her.

She held his gaze, doing her best to ignore the effect the scolding look in his eyes was having on her. Rather than put her off, it seemed to accentuate his handsome features.

Of course she’d rather die than let him know how attractive she thought him. Besides, looks could only get one so far. Unfortunately, the rest of what Stratton had to offer was not impressive. It also posed a threat to her safety.

She smiled, or at least she attempted to do so while hoping it didn’t look like a grimace. “Let’s forget this conversation happened. Just permit me to pass and we can both be on our way. Please.”

He knit his brow and hesitated for a brief second. Eventually he nodded and stepped aside. But as she moved past, he turned. Too quickly, she’d later reflect. The heel of his shoe caught the hem of her gown, instantly halting her forward motion and sending her into a sprawl.

She landed on her knees, with her hands splayed out in a futile attempt at averting disaster. This was precisely why she wished to avoid the blasted man who presently rushed to her aid. She couldn’t go anywhere without him ruining what had begun as a perfectly good day.