The Bride Goes Rogue (The Fifth Avenue Rebels #3)(18)

“He went to fetch champagne and look for you. I didn’t want to leave in case you came back.”

That made Katherine feel guilty. “Was I truly gone that long?”

Nellie’s eyes went wide. “Katie, it’s been an hour and a half.”

It had? “Oh, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t keeping track of the time.”

“Obviously,” Nellie said dryly. “So, who was he?”

Was she ready to talk about this here? She would tell Nellie all the details, but not now. Besides, it was fun having this little secret. Katherine shook her head. “Just a man I met.”

“That is not going to do it, young lady. I want to hear what you were up to and with whom.”

“I don’t know him—and it was just a harmless bit of fun.” Her skin grew hotter at the memory. She hoped the lights were low enough in the corridor that Nellie couldn’t see her blush.

“You are turning bright red. Katherine Eloise Delafield, did you sleep with a man here at the French Ball?”

“No! Of course not. I told you, it was harmless fun.”

“Because if you are thinking of sleeping with a man, you and I should talk first. I doubt your aunt has prepared you for what happens or how to prevent complications.”

Oh, right. Katherine stared at the wall. Aunt Dahlia, her father’s sister and Katherine’s chaperone, certainly hadn’t mentioned those things. Any knowledge Katherine possessed of intimate acts had been gleaned through paintings and drawings. “Good thing I’m staying at your house tonight. You can tell me everything you know.”

“That would take longer than one measly night, unfortunately, so we’ll just start with the basics. Cover the major points.”

“You sound as if you’re about to give a lecture.”

Nellie threaded her arm through Katherine’s and began towing them toward the wine gallery. “You’ll definitely need to take notes. And there might be an exam, as well. Come, let’s find Adrian.”

The fencing instructor was still in line for champagne. Nellie and Katherine started toward him—but Nellie suddenly froze, her gaze locked on a familiar man leaning against the wall, his body angled toward a scantily dressed woman. Katherine squinted. “Is that the Duke of Lockwood?”

“Of all the nerve,” Nellie hissed. “Has he no shame?”

“Well, he isn’t married or attached. Though it’s a bit strange that he’s not wearing a costume or mask.”

“Arrogant bastard. Never mind that he is supposed to be wooing a bride before sailing for England. Hard to imagine tonight helps toward that goal.”

Apparently abandoning the refreshment line, Adrian arrived and immediately hauled Nellie to his chest. He bent to kiss her, but Nellie turned her face at the last moment and gave him her cheek. “I think it’s time to go,” she said. “This crowd has grown exceedingly dull.”

That suited Katherine. She’d had her fill of excitement this evening. Adrian led Nellie toward the door, and Katherine was left to follow. Which meant she caught the expression on the duke’s face as Nellie passed. His gaze tracked her departure, his expression shocked. Then it turned dark, almost angry.

Had Lockwood recognized Nellie despite her costume? Keeping her head down, Katherine hurried into the corridor and trailed Nellie to the ground floor. When they stepped outside, Adrian hailed them a hansom. “I will see the two of you home.”

“No, thank you,” Nellie said and kissed his cheek. “I’m tired and the two of us will be fine alone.”

The fencing instructor appeared uneasy, his gaze taking in the drunken revelers spilling out onto the streets. “Are you certain?”

“Quite. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”

When they were settled in the carriage, Nellie said, “Now, let’s discuss your secret lover.”

“There is no secret lover.” The word implied a romantic entanglement. This had been a stranger, someone with whom she shared no emotional connection whatsoever. “He is a man I met that happens to kiss exceedingly well.”

“And you have no idea who he was?”

“No. But . . .” She hesitated, unsure how her friend would react.

“But?”

“I agreed to meet him tomorrow night downtown.”

“Katherine!” Nellie was horrified. “Absolutely not. You mustn’t do something so unsafe. He could be a murderer for all you know.”

“He is not a murderer. At least, I’m fairly certain he isn’t a murderer.”

“Fairly certain is not certain. This is a terrible idea. You cannot go.”

“Why not? I would think you’d encourage such recklessness.”

Nellie huffed, sounding annoyed. “I am all for being reckless if you are safe. That means knowing the person with whom you are meeting. Trust me, a stranger will not have your best interest—” She clamped her mouth shut, the words dying abruptly.

Oh, this was interesting. “You are speaking from experience, obviously.”

“It doesn’t matter. Right now we are discussing you. Going to a strange man’s house tomorrow is out of the question.”

“But I want to go.”

“Of course you do. You’re still drunk on orgasms and champagne. It’ll pass.”