A Dangerous Engagement by Ashley Weaver

Author:Ashley Weaver
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

* * *

IT WAS LATE when I reached the house. I slipped inside, glad no one had locked the door in my absence, and made my way across the dark foyer, feeling my way up the stairs with a hand on the banister. The air was cool and still, and all was silent save for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the foyer and the brush of my skirts against the steps as I ascended.

I slipped into the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind me. When I turned back toward the room, I started.

Milo was sitting in one of the chairs, still in his evening attire, smoking a cigarette.

It had not even occurred to me that Milo might be back from his outing with Tom. I had expected it to last until dawn, as his gambling forays often did, and had assumed that I would have plenty of time to get back into the Aldens’ home without Milo having known I was gone. This unexpected development was disconcerting.

I felt very much like a naughty child who had been caught doing something they oughtn’t, but I did my best to hide it. “Oh, hello, Milo.”

“Hello.”

I came into the room and tossed my fur across the back of a vacant chair.

“You’re still dressed,” I said nonchalantly, as I moved toward the dressing table to remove my jewelry. “Why aren’t you in bed?”

“I didn’t undress as I was wondering if I might have to comb the city looking for you.”

I turned to look at him, feeling a bit guilty, though I knew it was ridiculous as he had left me wondering about his whereabouts countless times over the years.

“I didn’t think you would be back so early,” I said lamely.

“I’ve been back for over an hour.”

“Oh.” It didn’t seem at all fair that he was always catching me doing underhanded things when I could never catch him at anything.

“We didn’t stay out very long, as Mr. Smith said he had lost enough money for one evening.”

I sighed. “Do you suppose he’s getting himself into debt?”

“As to that, I couldn’t say. He hadn’t the finesse of a long-term gambler and didn’t extend beyond whatever limit he had set for himself, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t done it before. He was disappointed with his losses, but no one likes to lose. I do hate to change the subject, darling, but do you mind terribly if I ask where you’ve been?” He asked the question in a perfectly casual way, as though my answer made little difference one way or the other. Perhaps it did. I had the sinking suspicion he already knew where I had been.

I hesitated. I had little doubt that this conversation was going to lead to an argument, and I was very tired. Then again, I supposed we might just as well have it out now as later. “You’re going to be angry with me,” I said at last.

“Oh, I have no doubt.”

“I went to De Lora’s tonight.”

He swore beneath his breath, but I pushed ahead.

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