Page 99 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

“Did you invite them?” Mr. Venning asked, giving Miss Venning a nudge toward Eveline.

“Of course, Papa.” She patted his arm. “My father would like me to remind you that we expect to see all of you at our ball later this week.”

“I’ll not accept inclement weather as an excuse,” he said, his wrinkled face breaking into a smile. “Miss Webb, I hope you’ll convince your fiancé and his friends to join us for the festivities.”

“We’ve been anticipating your event for weeks,” Miss Webb replied as she and Miss Fernsby-Webb joined them. “Nothing short of death will keep us from attending.”

Squinting, Miss Fernsby-Webb leaned forward and said, “That’s an exquisite necklace, Miss Drummond.”

“Thank you.” Miss Drummond’s fingers hovered over the piece, a dark grin growing on her face. “I recently acquired it.”

“It’s beautiful,” Miss Webb said, a strange light glowing in her eyes. “Miss Braddock, it appears quite similar to your mother’s necklace.”

“Yes, it does,” Eveline said, hoping Ernest wouldn’t recognize the jewelry and demand its return. “That design seems quite popular. Shall we head inside?”

They fell into line, walking in pairs toward the theater entrance. Miss Drummond wormed between Eveline and Ernest, then stepped in front of Eveline, preventing her from following the rest of the group into the theater.

“You may think you’ve bested me,” Miss Drummond said, lowering her voice. “However, I know something you fear above all else.”

“Which is?” Eveline asked, glaring at Miss Drummond.

“My brother,” Miss Drummond sneered. “In addition to the four hundred pounds, I want one hundred pounds monthly, or I’ll advise Humphrey exactly where to find you, and no brother or duke will prevent the horrific punishment he’ll exact upon you.”

Eveline folded her arms. “I refuse.”

“Do you think your new friends will help you?” Miss Drummond issued a chilling laugh. “I pity anyone who dares stand up to Humphrey’s wrath… The last man died.”

Chuckling, Miss Drummond strolled into the theater, leaving Eveline trembling on the walk.

“Eveline?” Ernest reappeared and grabbed Eveline’s arm as she swayed. “Are you ill?”

“I am,” she replied faintly. “Would you be terribly disappointed if I returned to the house?”

“Do you want me to escort you?”

Eveline shook her head. “Stay. Enjoy the performance.”

“I know you’re hiding something from me.” Ernest didn’t release her. “What did Miss Drummond say to you?”

Swallowing, Eveline glanced over his shoulder, ensuring no one hovered close enough to overhear her confession.

“There’s something else I haven’t shared.” She drew Ernest further away from the theater. “Miss Drummond demanded that I pay her several large sums as well as a monthly stipend for her silence. If I don’t, she’ll send Humphrey after me, you, and anyone else who stands in his way.”

Ernest puffed up his chest. “I’m not afraid, Eveline.”

“I am.” She wrapped her arms around him, embracing him. “And I won’t allow Humphrey to hurt you again.”

“What do you intend to do?”

Her mouth crooked. “Disappear again.”

Pain flashed through his eyes. “Are you going to tell me where this time?”

“I swear I will write to you once I’m settled,” she said, releasing Ernest and turning away.

She crashed into a thick wall of flesh and rebounded with a groan.

“Please excuse me,” she said, raising her head and gasping when the Duke of Lennox’s blazing brown eyes locked on her.