Elliot glanced over her shoulder to find a sea of sparkling masks quickly averted. “No doubt the gossips are hanging on our every word. I suggest we move outside before we find ourselves depicted as ridiculous caricatures in the newspaper.”
He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm before escorting her out onto the terrace and down the three small steps leading to the lawn.
“There’s no need to sneak off in search of a secluded spot,” he continued. Self-preservation was his only motive as he had no desire to fumble around with an innocent and this creature possessed such a sweet, beguiling charm even the Devil would question which side he was on. “We’ll just stroll around the perimeter. I do have my own reputation to consider, after all.”
She scoffed. “From what I hear, it’s a bit late to start worrying about that.”
Somewhere, in a cobwebbed corner of his mind, he felt a stirring of disappointment. Why he should care what she thought of him was a complete mystery? After tonight, he’d probably never set eyes on her again. And the memory would slowly fizzle away until he had no recollection of her sumptuous breasts and witty repartee.
“Are you going to tell me who you are?” He glanced at her vibrant hair, at the teasing mole on her cheek. “You’re obviously kin to Miss Rosemond as the likeness is uncanny.”
“Then you have answered your own question, my lord.”
There was a brief moment of silence while he considered her need to be evasive.
“Are we to wander around aimlessly all night, trying to best the other by offering the wittiest quip?” Elliot smiled as he attempted to listen to her thoughts, but his own mind reflected the conflicting emotions of his body: an intense agitation mingled with the potent thrum of desire.
When she sighed, the sound spoke of anguish and sorrow. “You met with Caroline, three nights ago. I would like to know why. What did you speak of?”
Without warning, he stopped and pulled her round to face him. In her surprise, she sucked in a breath, and his gaze dropped to the creamy swell.
“My private affairs are my own business,” he said forcing his mind away from all libidinous thoughts. “But if it satisfies you, I have not seen Miss Rosemond for more than a week. And even then, we passed nothing more than the odd pleasantry.”
“The odd pleasantry?” she repeated. “Are you usually so blasé about your conquests? I have proof you met with her.”
Elliot was not in the habit of having his word questioned. Nor did he particularly like her accusatory tone.
“Remove your mask.” The blunt words reflected his frustration. “I cannot hold a conversation with you when your face is obscured.”
She hesitated before glancing over her shoulder. There were no other guests in the vicinity, and she turned back to him, her fingers trembling as she removed her mask.
In his mind, he’d constructed a mental picture of Caroline Rosemond, expecting to see the exact same image. But he was mistaken. The similarity was unarguable, yet the face before him held qualities her kin could never hope to possess. She was not what one would call a striking beauty, but her countenance spoke of kindness, warmth, and affection. While she exuded innocence, the long lashes that swept her peachy cheeks and the full lips with a pronounced bow, suggested an inner passion he felt compelled to pursue.
He could recall no other woman who appeared to be so delicate and so determined at the same time.
“Wh-what proof do you have?” Good God, had he just stuttered?
The lady lifted her chin. “Caroline made a note of it?”
“Before the supposed event, I assume?”
“Well, yes. But—”
“Then you have no proof we actually met at all. My brother has recently married, and I have been occupied this last week with various family engagements. Ask her when you return home. Although I do not think she’ll be best pleased to discover you’ve stolen her identity with the intention of snooping into her affairs.”
A pang of sadness hit him in the chest — her
pain not his own.
“I … I have not seen her for days,” she suddenly blurted. “She went out to meet with you and did not return.”
Elliot narrowed his gaze. “Surely you don’t think I’ve got anything to do with it. I told you. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She sniffed and sucked in a breath. “I do not know what to think. But when you noticed me and assumed I was Caroline, then I knew you were not responsible for her murder.”
“Murder! Why on earth would you think she’s been murdered? She’s probably been whisked away to Brighton by a lover and simply forgotten to mention it.”
“You’re wrong.” She shook her head vigorously, and a stray tendril brushed her cheek. “She invited me to stay because I believe she had something important to tell me. She would never go away and leave me here alone.”