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“Well,” he said suddenly. “Was that to your satisfaction?”

She was still too stunned to speak, too stunned to place a hand on her tingling lips to make sure she wasn’t imagining things, but she did not miss the disdain in his voice.

He had no doubt formed an even more negative view of her character after what they had just done, but as long as they weren’t caught, she doubted he would recognize her or learn the truth of her identity enough to insult her.

That fact had her pulling away from him and removing every romantic notion her silly mind had begun to entertain. But how was she to answer such a question?

“I…” She cleared her throat. “Yes. Thank you.”

She watched a flicker of a smile cross his lips. But as soon as it appeared, he suppressed it, clearing his throat. His lips pressed firmly into the thin line they had been in since she had first seen him, and she wished he would stop punishing them so.

“Goodbye, then,” he said, moving away from her.

She felt his absence quickly as a cold draft rushed at her from the open balcony doors. Her body still tingled from the kiss, and her waist warmed where he had touched her. Nothing she had readcould have prepared her sufficiently for the sensations she had felt.

Would it always be this way?

He was barely three feet from the door when it swung open, revealing Lord and Lady Yardley with some other guests.

Lord Yardley stumbled back, then took in the sight before him and bowed.

“Your Grace,” he greeted. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t informed you were using this chamber. I will escort the guests elsewhere.”

Eveline’s eyes widened as fear filled her.

Your Grace? He is a duke?

From where she stood, they had still yet to notice her because his large frame blocked their view. If he were to move even a slight fraction, it would spell a scandal like no other.

“It is all right, Lord Yardley,” he said, his voice not betraying anything. “I thank you for your hospitality.”

“It is my pleasure to host you, Your Grace.” Lord Yardley preened at his gratitude. “I surely feel special, as the famed Duke of Mayfield chose my ball to reacquaint himself with Society. I am truly honored to have… Miss Eveline?”

Eveline froze as his eyes landed on her, which caused the Duke and the other guests to turn to her.

“Why are you here?” Lady Yardley asked. “Where is your sister? Oh my.”

“This is a problem,” one of the other guests gasped.

“I… I must fetch the girl’s sister,” Lady Yardley stammered, rushing away.

“We must keep this between us,” Lord Yardley said, but he did not sound convinced that the rumors had not already begun to spread.

Some of the guests he was with had disappeared, no doubt to start spreading rumors. Even though Eveline and the Duke weren’t caught doing anything improper, they were still caught alone in a bedchamber.

No doubt by morning, she would scarcely know the truth of what had happened, with the tales that would have been spun by the ton. She cursed all the gossip she had ever heard and believed without confirming whether it was true or not. Now, she would be subjected to the same treatment as other victims of gossip.

She tried to imagine Ava’s or her father’s face, and knew it was better to throw herself off the balcony now than face their disappointment. Her father’s, especially. He would no doubt blame Ava and sell her off to the highest bidder, whether sheapproved of the match or not. It was only because he did not want to be bothered by their existence that he had left the matter of finding her a husband to Ava. Now that his reputation could be affected, he would no doubt involve himself.

She met the Duke’s eyes, hoping her apology was reflected in her gaze, because speaking would only blow the scandal out of proportions.

“Evie!” Ava cried, coming to hug her. “Are you well?”

Her sister looked frazzled but was obviously trying to hide her fear and anger behind checking on her well-being.

“I am sorry, Ava. I…”

“Do not say anything,” Ava warned softly. “Come, let us head home now.”