Fear held Caroline in its grip at the sound of the door opening. She didn’t pretend to understand what Richard was doing in Viscount Stafford’s library. She wasn’t so naïve as to believe he had no purpose here. Neither did she think he intended to steal from the lord. Then why?

From the surprise on Richard’s expression, he clearly hadn’t expected to hide a second time.

The urge to protect him and help keep his secrets astounded her. He was a grown man and surely didn’t need her assistance. Yet the urge remained.

When had she realized he was more than a cynical rogue but a man with a hidden agenda? What happened to her resolve to keep some distance between them?

The moment she’d seen him this evening, all that resolve had fallen to the wayside along with her doubt.

Now panic threatened as the doorknob rattled before their very eyes. Caroline did the only thing she could think of.

She shoved Richard, sending him sprawling into the wingback chair directly behind him, then slid onto his lap.

His shocked expression would’ve been entertaining under other circumstances, but there was no time for that.

Caroline kissed Richard as if her life depended on it. For all she knew, it did. Richard was a deep well, guarding his secrets closely. Definitely not a thief. But what other explanation could he have for being here?

Her curiosity dropped away as the feel of his lips penetrated her fear. Firm yet gentle.

His surprise seemed to disappear as he returned her kiss, running his hands along her back. The warmth of his body seeped into hers, and she shifted on his lap. His tongue met hers, the sensation surpassing her memory of the last time they kissed.

“What—”

Caroline jerked back at Stafford’s voice, chest heaving. She scrambled to her feet, not having to pretend her embarrassment.

Richard stood as well and placed a protective arm around her.

Stafford’s gaze flew from her to Richard and back again. Amusement crooked a smile on his face. “What do we have here?”

“Terribly sorry, Stafford,” Richard said as he glanced down at Caroline. “I fear Miss Gold and I took advantage of the privacy of your library.”

“Ah, the newly engaged couple. Congratulations.”

Caroline felt her cheeks heat as Stafford studied them. “Thank you,” she managed.

“Miss Gold, I must say I’m surprised.” His eyes narrowed as he looked at Caroline. “Who knew your usual reserve hid such passion?”

She closed her eyes briefly. Stafford wasn’t the only one astonished by that. Still, how rude of him to mention it. No wonder she’d never cared for him.

Yet Stafford didn’t appear to be completely convinced by the way he continued to stare.

Richard ignored the lord to raise her hand and press a kiss upon it. With a satisfied smile, he said, “We’ll be going now. My apologies for intruding.”

Stafford glanced around the room as though checking to see if anything was amiss.

Caroline hoped Richard hadn’t left any evidence to rouse the viscount’s suspicions.

“Were you in here earlier?” Stafford asked, his gaze swinging back to them.

Caroline felt compelled to do something—anything—to convince him they’d come to his library for a tête-á-tête. But what?

“Surely you’re not asking a lady to tell her secrets.” She smoothed the skirt of her gown then looked at Richard in her version of a flirtatious manner. She shifted closer to him, as though she couldn’t bear to not be nearer. “We should return to the ball before my mother starts searching for me.”

“Of course. We would be most appreciative if you’d keep this to yourself, Stafford,” Richard said, the steely look in his expression seeming to convince Stafford of the wisdom of doing so if the viscount’s quick nod was any indication.

Caroline kept a tight hold on Richard’s arm as they moved toward the door, bracing herself for Stafford to demand they halt. When they made it through and closed the door behind them, she drew a breath but kept walking to the stairs, noting Richard’s silence as well.

She waited until they made it down to the ballroom before saying anything more. “Please explain why you were in Stafford’s library.”

Richard frowned as he carefully glanced around. “No need to announce it.”

“I’m not.” She forced a smile in case anyone watched them before she continued quietly, “And stop avoiding my question.”

“I wanted to see his book collection. He has an impressive number of French volumes.”

She shook her head, well aware he lied. “Since I saved you, I think I deserve an answer.”

“Saved me? Nearly got me caught, you mean.”

“Ah-ha. So you admit you were up to no good.”

“No, I’m merely saying he wouldn’t have known I’d been in there if you hadn’t arrived.”

“My presence didn’t cause that. Admit it. He would’ve caught you.”

“Doing what?” Before she could answer, he added, “I’m parched. Shall we locate something to drink?”

He led her toward one of the footmen serving drinks before she could think of anything else to say. Pressing him further seemed pointless as he wasn’t budging.

“We shall see if Stafford decides to share what he saw,” Richard added. “Good thing we’re already engaged.”

Caroline gave a tiny gasp as his meaning sank in. Good heavens. Her bold act this evening would make it all the more difficult for them to end this engagement. If Stafford told anyone, and she guessed he would, that put even more pressure on them to go through with the marriage.

She couldn’t very well tell Richard she’d been hoping they’d be able to call off the engagement eventually. Yet she had to wonder if he thought the same thing. They had yet to set a date or talk about any of the specifics, for that matter.

“I can see the wheels turning behind your eyes.”

She met his gaze as he handed her a glass. “Merely running through the possibilities of why you were in there,” she lied. If he refused to tell her the truth, she could do the same.

“I already told you the reason.” He shook his head. “One would think you didn’t trust your own fiancé.”

“I trust you,” she admitted. “But I still want to know what you were doing.”

“What of you? Why did you follow me?”

She glanced away, uncertain she could explain the feeling that had come over her. She’d watched his progress across the room after they separated and realized he’d had a goal in mind. Wasn’t it natural that she wanted to know what he was doing?

But something more had propelled her forward—an uneasy feeling urging her to follow him. She couldn’t possibly explain that. “I should think you’d be thanking me, rather than questioning my motives.”

He opened his mouth to argue but seemed to think better of it. “I applaud your acting ability. That was quite the kiss.”

She closed her eyes as embarrassment again swept over her. She hadn’t expected him to comment on that. When she opened her eyes to berate him, the heat in his gaze stopped her. Her desire for him re-surfaced. The passion she felt for this man surprised her, just as Stafford had commented.

No matter how many times she told herself Richard was not the man for her, that marrying him wouldn’t save her family, something drew her to him.

Her mind recognized the logic of keeping her distance, but her body had other hopes. With a silent reprimand to herself, she lifted her chin. “I hardly want my fiancé caught in the host’s library, searching through his books.”

“Caroline, you should never put yourself in harm’s way on my behalf. You are far more valuable than a rogue like me.”

She studied him for a long moment, realizing he truly believed that. His disregard for his personal safety surprised her, as did her urge to make him understand he was wrong. “You matter more than you know.”

“It warms my heart to know you care.” The charm of his smile had her swallowing hard.

She glanced away, her heart twisting. What was she going to do about him?

~*~

“Do you have a dress in mind for your wedding?” Caroline’s mother asked at breakfast the next morning.

Caroline’s stomach dropped at the question. Deciding such details felt too real. Though she knew she either needed to find a way to end the engagement soon or start making plans, she found she could do neither.

“I haven’t decided,” she said at last, avoiding her mother’s gaze.

“I thought we’d have a small meal here after the ceremony.”

Caroline set down her fork, her appetite gone. She knew they didn’t have enough funds to provide such a meal, certainly not the elaborate breakfast a lady marrying an earl was expected to provide.

If she married Richard, the best chance of saving her family—her only chance—would be gone forever.

The idea of what might happen after the meal, that she’d leave her home with Richard, set her heart pounding. Each time they kissed deepened her feelings for him. She loved the feel of his body pressed to hers. The way he’d responded to her kiss in the library had astounded her. She’d felt powerful, as though she had the ability to make him feel the same things she did. In truth, it had been lovely and she would very much like to do it again.

That frightened her. Her attraction to Richard had to be stopped. She had to find a way to break it off so she could focus on finding a husband who’d make a difference to her family. Marrying a man only because she felt...something for him was a selfish, absurd reason.

“Mother, I’ve been thinking.” She glanced at Annabelle and Margaret to see how closely they listened with the hope she could convey her wish for them to support her. Their eyes were wide with interest.

“Oh?”

“I can’t help but wonder if the threat of scandal has passed. Several other interesting events have occurred in the past week. I don’t believe anyone even remembers what happened that night at the Southbys’ ball. Not that anything happened. Because it didn’t. Such a ridiculous misunderstanding.” She waved her hand as if she could wipe the incident from their memories. If only it were that easy.

She hadn’t seen the Duke of Wayfair since the night he’d left her on the terrace. While she held little hope he would offer if she were free, he wasn’t the only man with a fortune.

Her mother set down her cup and folded her hands in her lap, holding Caroline’s gaze. “All of that might be true.”

Hope rose in Caroline’s breast. At least, she thought it was hope. It couldn’t possibly be regret.

“Except for the fact that rumors are circulating of how Viscount Stafford discovered you on the earl’s lap in a chair in his library last evening.” Her mother leveled her a look that withered all hope.

How could she have forgotten that risk for even a moment? Yet she couldn’t contain her outrage. “Stafford gave his word he wouldn’t say anything.” No wonder she’d never liked the lord.

“So it’s true.”

“Well, yes, but only because—” She halted as she realized offering an explanation would cast a shadow on Richard and whatever he’d been doing in Stafford’s library. Besides, what could she possibly say?

Her mother gave a decisive nod. “I believe the time has come to move forward with the wedding plans.”

Caroline closed her eyes in despair.

“While the circumstances are less than ideal,” her mother continued, “we must make the best of them.”

Caroline’s eyes popped back open. How often had she said the same thing to her sisters? She didn’t care to have the phrase used on her.

“At this point, the most important thing you can do is make certain your actions don’t reflect poorly on your sisters. We wouldn’t want your behavior to reduce their hopes of making good matches, now would we?”

“Certainly not.” It had been a long while since her mother had spoken so sternly toward her. Caroline didn’t care for that either.

“I’m going to check on your father.” Her mother rose, leaving the room without a backward glance.

Caroline hadn’t seriously considered the ramifications of her actions last evening. Her only thought had been to save Richard.

“Truly?” Annabelle’s eyes couldn’t have gotten any wider. “You sat on the earl’s lap?”

Margaret frowned. “What on earth would cause you to do such a thing?”

“Don’t you dare put that in one of your stories,” Caroline warned Annabelle. “There were extenuating circumstances I cannot explain.”

“Humph. That sounds suspiciously like what you said after being discovered with the earl in the garden,” Margaret said.

“It wasn’t like that.” But Caroline’s protest sounded weak even to her.

“I believe you said that as well.” Margaret’s comment made Caroline wonder if her sister had taken notes on the conversation.

“What was it like?” Annabelle asked. “I can’t imagine sitting on a man’s lap. Does that mean you’ve kissed him?”

“Annabelle, what sort of questions are those?” Caroline shook her head, annoyed at how many times her cheeks had heated because of this incident.

“I’m curious. Who else would I ask?” Annabelle lifted a shoulder. “Certainly not Mother. And such things are not in any of the books I’ve read.”

“You’ll have to discover it when the time comes.” Caroline wanted to put her ship back on course, at least as much as she could, given the current state of affairs. “Now then, how are your projects progressing?” She lifted her chin, daring her sisters to protest her changing the subject.

Annabelle sighed, clearly not pleased with the lack of answers Caroline offered. “The editor of the news sheet has advised that interest in my weekly installments has increased significantly.” Pink rose in her cheeks, making Caroline wonder at the cause. “A publisher has approached him and suggested the chapters should be gathered into a book and offered for sale.”

Caroline gasped as she rose to hug her sister. “Why did you not say something sooner? That is fantastic news.”

Annabelle grinned. “I’m very pleased, though I would be happier if he’d offered more money, but I’ll continue to receive money from the news sheet as well.”

“Even more amazing is that people are at last recognizing your talent.” Caroline continued to be astounded at her sister’s imagination. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

“We’ve been telling you for so long how brilliant you are,” Margaret said as she hugged her as well. “I’m so pleased even more people will have the chance to see your work.”

“Thank you both for sharing my excitement. I told Mother earlier. Her enthusiasm wasn’t at quite the same level as yours.”

“But you know she’s proud of you,” Caroline insisted. She had no doubt of it.

“Yes, but she didn’t seem inclined to jump up and down with me like you both are.”

Margaret giggled. “What else are sisters for?”

Caroline resumed her seat as Annabelle shared more details. Though the advance she’d been offered was small, it would ease the next month or two. At this point, every shilling mattered.

“Will you review the contract with me,” Annabelle asked.

“Of course. I’d be honored.” Caroline couldn’t help the twinge of regret for having sold the sheep painting a few days ago that had graced her father’s library. He’d been fond of it, but they were running out of things to sell. She’d had Barkley replace it with another, hoping her father wouldn’t notice.

“I have news as well,” Margaret said, her gaze riveted to the tablecloth where her finger traced a pattern only she could see.

“Do share.”

“I’ve been requested to design three gowns for Lady Cavendish.”

“Truly?” Caroline waited, uncertain whether to be pleased. As a marchioness, the lady was quite influential and well known for her fashion sense.

Caroline hoped her sister had managed to keep her identity a secret despite this opportunity. While she was proud of Margaret’s abilities, most would frown upon the idea of a lady serving as a seamstress.

“All because she is impressed with our gowns and wanted to know who designed them. Her maid spoke to another servant who knows our maid, Lizzie. So truly, the thanks go to her. She managed to arrange it all without revealing my identity. Can you imagine?”

“How clever of her.” Lizzie, like Barkley, had been helpful in more ways than she’d ever expected. Caroline wished she could repay their kindness with something more than gratitude.

“I’m to sketch several designs and once Lady Cavendish approves them, payment will be provided. I won’t be sewing the gowns so I have no need to meet the lady. Again, it’s not much, but—”

“Everything helps.” Caroline didn’t want to belittle her efforts.

Once the money was received, she’d be able to pay a little toward their account with the doctor. While it would be a good gesture, she held doubt the doctor would pay a visit until she paid more. He had a family to feed and clothe as well.

“You’re both so talented, and I couldn’t be more proud. Well done, dears,” Caroline said.

As her sisters continued speaking, her emotions slowly sank. While thrilled for their success, she felt even worse for her lack of a contribution. In fact, rather than helping, her efforts might’ve caused more damage.

Creating problems had been the furthest thing from her mind last evening when she’d slid onto Richard’s lap. She’d been trying to help but look where it had gotten her.

From this moment forward, she had to put her family first and stop this attraction she felt for Richard.

But how?

~*~

Richard returned from his surveillance outside the Cock and Bull Tavern near Old Bailey, a foul mood threatening. He wore an old jacket, trousers, and a top hat pulled low over his brow in an attempt to keep his identity a secret.

The fog had yet to lift though midday had passed. The depressing weather matched his mood.

Waiting was part of his duties, but it wasn’t easy. Impatience often burned inside him on days like this, when he felt his time wasted. Taking action was easier than waiting and watching.

He waited and watched anyway. The only thing that saved the day was recounting the events of the previous evening. While frustrated at not being able to examine the contents of that locked drawer in Stafford’s library, the rest of the evening had been...interesting.

While initially annoyed at Caroline’s arrival, he couldn’t believe how she’d shoved him into the chair then climbed onto his lap. He hadn’t been able to think and had no desire to move. Then had come that heated kiss.

His worry over Stafford’s arrival had fallen away when her lips pressed against his. Perhaps it had been her fear in the moment, but the power in her kiss had sent him reeling. She’d tipped him sideways in that moment, and he didn’t think he’d be the same again.

When he’d woke this morning, her kiss had been the first thing he’d thought of, leaving his body throbbing.

Her behavior confused him, one moment fearful, the next bold. But with each day that passed, he became less convinced she was a spy.

Though he needed proof before he could determine the truth, he was no longer certain he could view that proof with objectivity. Caroline intrigued him on so many levels he couldn’t explain.

Involved in his thoughts, he gave a distracted nod to his butler who opened the door as Richard reached the top step.

“Your brother is waiting to see you, my lord.”

“Oh?” Richard frowned. Daniel rarely visited him, certainly not twice in one week unless something was amiss.

Richard pulled off his gloves and tossed them along with his hat on the table in the foyer before heading directly to the library.

“Actually, my lord, he’s awaiting you in the drawing room.”

That aroused Richard’s suspicions all the more. He entered the room to find Daniel enjoying a cup of coffee.

“Ah, there you are.” Daniel set aside his cup and stood, his smile reassuring Richard nothing serious had occurred.

“Daniel. What’s happened?”

“I came to ask that of you.”

“Oh?”

“Why are you dressed like that?” Daniel’s head tilted to the side as he studied Richard’s appearance from head to toe. “I’d be happy to lend you some money if you’re in such dire need.”

“Why are you here?” Richard asked, deliberately ignoring Daniel’s offer. Some days the ruse of being poor was annoying.

“I heard the oddest rumor last night as I was leaving the Staffords’ ball.”

Richard nearly groaned. Damn and blast Stafford for not keeping his mouth shut.

“Something about you and Miss Gold being in Staffords’ library in a compromising situation?” His brother’s grin told of his amusement.

Richard didn’t find it entertaining in the least. “I don’t know to what you’re referring.”

“I’m sure. I didn’t want you to hear it from someone else. Plus it gave me an excuse to enjoy more of your coffee. Perhaps if you and Miss Gold set a date for the wedding, it will calm the gossip floating about.”

Richard smothered a groan. He’d assumed Stafford would honor his word. Now he and Caroline had been “caught” in a compromising situation not once but twice. No wonder people were talking.

Society was annoying. With everything happening in the world, surely people could find another topic of conversation rather than he and his fiancée sharing a kiss. Why couldn’t they worry about the war or Bonaparte or the weather?

“Doesn’t she have sisters? I’d love to meet them.”

Richard only shook his head when his brother grinned.

“I like her, by the way.” Daniel’s comment pleased him more than it should’ve.

“I’m glad.” He turned to study his brother more closely, interested in hearing more of his impression of her. “Any specific reason?”

Daniel appeared surprised at his question. “The list of her attributes would be a long one. She’s beautiful, intelligent, possesses a fine sense of humor. But more importantly, she has eyes only for you, despite the circumstances that forced your betrothal.”

Richard could only stare at his brother. Of the qualities he’d expected his brother to mention, that last observation had not been among them. “What do you mean?”

“Even after I took my leave of you, I watched the two of you together. There’s an attraction between you that cannot be denied.”

Richard glanced out the window as that very attraction filled him once again, but it wasn’t merely physical.

“And after you stepped away, she visited with the other ladies around her but continued to watch you, as though she couldn’t help herself.”

Ha. It was that very curiosity that had gotten them both in trouble last night.

“What especially drew my notice was her expression as her gaze followed you,” Daniel continued. “Not as if she were watching jealously in case you spoke with someone of whom she wouldn’t approve. But more of a longing.” Daniel lifted a shoulder. “No doubt I’m wrong, as she couldn’t possibly be longing for you when she already has you, so to speak.”

Was it true? Did she long for something more than he’d given her thus far? Then again, he’d given her nothing. A few kisses along with his word. But with the knowledge that if there were any way to call off the engagement he would. The plan had been for her benefit. Or so he’d told himself.

Odd how little the idea appealed to him now compared to a few days ago. Where did that leave him?