11. Chapter Eleven

Awhirl of turquoise satin and delicate lace, Kat swirled in front of the full-length mirror in her chamber. Would it not be wonderful if Evan—nay, Alexander—thought she was the most beautiful woman at the theater? Sea bathing had brightened her complexion and accentuated the golden highlights in her hair. It was as if her mind, body, and soul had been invigorated in that life-affirming water.

How could something so terrifying also be euphoric? But, oh my, it was. Splashing in that bitter sea thrilled her from her fingertips to her toes. No wonder both Evan and Beth had exuded such joy during their dips.

"Are you sure you do not mind seeing the same show again tonight?" she asked Beth as she slid into turquoise gloves and wrapped a cream-colored shawl around her shoulders.

"I dare say I adore A Midsummer Night"sDream. Tonight, I plan to pay attention."

"Oh?" Kat asked.

"Frederick and I talked through most of the performance last night." Beth brought a hand to her heart. "He is such a fine conversationalist."

Beth seemed to be over her fascination with Evan. Not that Kat cared one way or another. So why was it difficult to keep the prickly edge from her voice as she asked, "How does Frederick feel about you attending tonight's show with Evan Eaton?"

"I am not attending with Evan. I am attending with you, Lord Wellspring, and Evan. 'Tis not as if we are courting. and I am not the one who kissed him." Beth shrugged. "I no longer favor Evan, for I see the way he looks at you."

Stars! "How does he look at me?"

"As if he means to pounce and devour you." Beth formed claws with her hands, growled, leaped toward Kat, and then tickled her.

Kat slapped Beth's hands. "For heaven's sake, we are dressed for the theater. We do not want to show up looking disheveled."

"Apparently, your dip did not cure you." Beth pounced again, tickling Kat until they both convulsed with laughter.

"I'm delighted to see you enjoying yourselves." Aunt Justine stepped into their chamber. "It seems you are over your little tiff from the masquerade."

Aunt Justine knew about their disagreement? Although everyone probably knew since they'd been snapping at each other quite a bit since the unfortunate night.

Clasping Kat, Beth wrapped her in a hug. "We shall be best friends forever, no matter what befalls us."

'Twas true. Despite their opposite personalities, Kat adored Beth with all her heart. And maybe, just maybe, she was hard on Beth because she secretly wanted to be more like her. She kissed her cousin's cheek.

"The men have arrived and are in the drawing room," Aunt Justine said.

"Our carriage awaits." Beth swirled her hand overhead.

Kat smiled as she linked arms with Beth. Thereupon, they followed Justine out of their chamber.

Mere moments later, Kat's high spirits plummeted. "Do you think Lord Greyson will be at the theater?" she asked as they navigated the corridor to the drawing room. And if he was, would he again threaten her? Confront her in public, outing her indiscretion?

Aunt Justine halted to face them. "Remember, neither of you, for any reason, is to ever be alone with that man. There are things about him you know not. I wish I could tell you…" A shiver racked her body.

"He is repugnant," Beth said. "He would think nothing of forcing himself on a woman."

Aunt Justine opened her mouth, closed it, and frantically waved a hand about.

How awful were the secrets about Greyson if her aunt couldn't say them out loud? Evan had better get Kat out of this jumble. And did he truly look at her as if he meant to devour her?

Kat might fret too much, and she might be a bit vain at times. Yes, she could be spoiled if she wasn't consciously being self-aware. But she was not gullible. What did it matter if Evan looked at her with heavy hooded lids and a sensual smirk? He probably looked at all women like that. She was nothing special—just a tally in his long line of conquests.

Stars, she was dramatic. Stolen kisses and fondling were not the same as conquests—that would involve so much more—sliding into his bed and crawling beneath his firm body. Inhaling his scent. Moaning his name in the throes of passion…

The cleft between her thighs tingled—and that was unacceptable. She needed to cease the wanton inclinations.

Aunt Justine's strides long, and her footfall now heavy, Kat and Beth struggled to keep up with her as she headed to the drawing room and Evan. Make that Alexander. Evan Eaton was only there to torment Kat.

Once they reached their destination, Aunt Justine exhaled an exceedingly loud huff. "Lord Greyson is the devil and worse."

What was worse than the devil? Tentacles of fear threaded through Kat's belly.

"We will stay away from him." Beth glared at Kat. "Won't we, Katrina Harrington?"

Kat swallowed. Merciful Jesus, please let Evan do something to protect her and fix their indiscretion before Greyson destroyed her.

As they entered the richly appointed room of peach and mint fabrics and textiles, Alexander, stunningly handsome in a periwinkle blue tailcoat, stood and beamed at Kat.

"How handsome," he said.

From behind him, Evan Eaton's gaze settled on her. Traveling the length of her body, his pupils seemed to catch fire. When he finally looked into her eyes, instead of smirking as he usually did, he smiled.

Kat tore her gaze from Evan's piercing green eyes to stare into the earl's kind golden brown eyes. "Thank you, Alexander."

"You look handsome as well, Miss Elizabeth," Alexander said.

"Since we all look handsome, we should be off," Beth said.

"I agree," Evan declared. "We should not deprive Brighton's elite from witnessing the four of us for one more second."

He swept his hand along his person. The gesture would have been beyond arrogant, but Evan"s laugh and twinkling eyes were filled with good humor.

Kat liked it better when he was an arrogant arse. At least then, she could shower him with disgust. Charming Evan befuddled her.

"Shall we, Miss Elizabeth?" He held out his elbow.

Beth nodded and took the offered escort before peering over her shoulder and mimicking a growl and a scratching claw.

Luckily, Alexander did not seem to notice the absurd gesture. He offered Kat his arm. She accepted as she scowled at the backs of Evan and Beth's heads.

"Gentleman, I will see you tomorrow afternoon for the cricket match and picnic," Aunt Justine said as they exited The Crown Jewel. "Ethan has assured me that with the two of you playing for my team, we will win the chalice this year. Last year's loss was a bit daunting. Mayhap you could take time off the portrait painting to prepare for the day?"

"I cannot wait," Evan said.

In her worrisome state, Kat had almost forgotten about the much-anticipated day. As a child she had loved watching her father play for her aunt and uncle's team. She sighed out the nostalgia and swallowed the lump in her throat. The loss of the two powerful men was still as raw as if their deaths had happened just yesterday. Hopefully, the day would still be festive without her father and uncle in attendance. As long as Lord Greyson was not in attendance, she could make the best of the situation.

Aunt Justine waved. "Have a wonderful evening."

"Oh, we will," Beth and Evan said simultaneously. They faced each other and giggled like dashed fools.

Kat should return to the inn. She could bring a hand to her forehead and sigh dramatically. "The sea and sun must have been too much for me. I fear I feel a fainting spell coming on," she could say. Everyone would surely believe that. Or maybe she could feign a headache. Yes, that would work. Then she could lock herself in her safe Greyson-less chamber.

Instead, forcing her most charming smile, she allowed Alexander to assist her into the carriage.