Penny was attired for the gala that was occurring in the lower parlors, wearing an exquisite blue gown that enhanced the color of her hair and eyes. She looked like the pretty, rich heiress she was. She’d adorned her outfit with tasteful jewelry. A fan dangled from her wrist, and her curls were highlighted by a slim tiara that twinkled when she moved.
It was clear she’d planned to bluster inside, so Libby blocked any entrance with her body, letting the younger girl glimpse her robe and petticoat. Hopefully, good manners would prevent her from pushing her way in.
“Lady Penny?” Libby said. “I must admit I’m surprised to have you visit. Is there a problem down at the party?”
“The better question is: Are you all right? I spoke to Miss Fishburn, and she advised me that you were indisposed. I simply had to check on you.”
Libby forced a smile. “That’s very sweet. Thank you.”
“You’re not under the weather, are you? Or weary from your trip from town? Please tell me you’re not. Please tell me you’ll come downstairs. The guests are excited for you to join us, and I am too. It won’t be the same without you.”
Libby stifled a moan. “I am fatigued tonight. I had thought I might rest, then take part in the fun tomorrow.”
Lady Penny, for all her being rich and spoiled, really was charming. “May I be frank, Miss Carstairs?”
“Certainly.”
“I’m thrilled you’re here, and I’d like us to be friends. There’s something about you that makes me feel it’s our destiny to be cordial. I sensed it the moment you climbed out of your carriage.”
Libby could have validated Lady Penny’s sentiment. She was aware of what was causing it to flare, but she wouldn’t walk down that road. Probably not ever.
“I’d like us to be friends too.”
“Won’t you come down to the party with me?” Lady Penny said. “Say yes! Say you will.”
Libby was usually very stern in sticking up for herself, but from the minute she’d arrived at Roland, she’d been distraught. What sort of trembling ninny would she be when the visit was over?
“When you’ve asked so kindly,” Libby said, “I can’t bear to disappoint you. Of course I’ll come down.”
Proving her youth, Penny clapped with glee. “I knew you’d agree. I brought my personal maids to help you dress. Will you let them? They can have you ready in an instant.”
A thousand visions of disaster darted through Libby’s mind. Luke was a few feet away and stretched out on her bed. There was no rear exit, so he couldn’t sneak out.
“I’m flattered that they would volunteer,” Libby said, “but Miss Fishburn handles my clothes. She’s covetous of her spot by my side, and she’d be incensed if I allowed anyone else to assist me.”
“I understand.”
“Could you send her up? Would it be too much of a bother?”
“I’ll locate her immediately and tell her you need her.”
“I appreciate it, and I’ll see you soon.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you? You’ll be down right away?”
“I’ll be there before Miss Fish can button the last button.”
“Wonderful!” Lady Penny gushed. “I’m so glad.”
She spun away and glided off, her two maids trailing in her wake. Libby dawdled until they rounded the corner, then she shut the door and locked it again.
She marched to the bedroom where Luke had slithered off the mattress. He was over in the chair where he’d initially been sitting. He’d poured himself another glass of wine, and he sipped it casually, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
“I take it your presence is demanded downstairs,” he said.
“Yes, and you have to leave.”
“I suppose I should. Apparently, I’ve tempted catastrophe as much as I dare for one evening.”
He rose and went over to her. He pulled her to him so their torsos were pressed together all the way down. Sparks ignited, and she was practically weak in the knees from feeling how luscious it was to be so close to him.
“Lady Penny seems to like you,” he said.
“I have no idea why.”
“You fascinate her.”
“I’ll try my best not to. Once I depart Roland, it’s my specific intent that she never think about me again.”
He kissed her, and she struggled to not kiss him back, but she couldn’t keep from participating. He had that effect on her. Fate had shoved her into his path for a frightening purpose she couldn’t yet identify, and she wouldn’t be able to flee until that purpose was realized.
“You’re not heading to London in the morning,” he said, and it sounded like a command.
“I should,” she half-heartedly responded.
“Yes, you probably should, but you are not going. You’re staying here.”
“Why, Lucas Watson? What can you hope to achieve with this torment?”
He grinned. “It amuses me, and we have to let it play out. For now, I can’t agree to part from you.”
He stared at her, his stunning blue eyes taunting her with the recognition that he had a hold over her she couldn’t deflect. Ropes of connection were wrapping around her ankles, tethering her to his side, and she didn’t have a knife sharp enough to cut the cord.
“I might return to London,” she stupidly insisted. “You couldn’t stop me.”
“If you decide to be that ridiculous, I’ll chase after you.”
She smirked with exasperation. “You would, wouldn’t you?”
“I am mad for you, Libby Carstairs, and until we figure out how to maneuver through this quagmire you’ve stirred, you’re not sneaking off. I can read your mind, remember? You plan to flit off to town and disappear while I’m not there.”
“I wasn’t planning to disappear.”
“Liar. How could you imagine you’d succeed? You are the Mystery Girl of the Caribbean. You’re too notorious to hide.”
“Perhaps I couldn’t hide from you, but if I avoid you, your interest will wane. I’m sure of it.”
He laughed a tad cruelly. “My interest isn’t about
