She opened the door, and he followed her out into the hall, trying not to appear too confident. When they tiptoed past the parlour, she turned to him and breathed a sigh, and almost bumped into the maid as she darted around the newel post.
“Goodness, miss. You scared me half to death. Your aunt’s just returned. I told her you’d not come home yet.”
The maid glanced up at Alexander and then tried her best not to stare at Eve’s hair.
“Where is Aunt Beatrice?” Eve whispered.
“She’s waiting in there.” The maid pointed to the parlour door. “She’s been pacing back and forth for the last few minutes. Shall I tell her you’re home?”
“No. We’re late because we got stuck in the rain.” Eve cast Alexander a sidelong glance, the look in her eyes wild and desperate.
“Miss Bromwell is rambling,” he said, staring at the maid and focusing on the golden flecks in her brown eyes. “Don’t you remember letting us in? You told me to wait in the drawing room almost fifteen minutes ago before you escorted Miss Bromwell upstairs.”
The girl looked at him with wide eyes and then blinked rapidly.
“Miss Bromwell is going up to bed,” he continued. He took Eve’s hand and brought it to his lips. With a discreet roll of the eyes, Alexander gestured to the stairs. “Good night, Miss Bromwell. We will discuss the night’s events when I see you tomorrow.”
“Until tomorrow,” she said offering a coy smile.
He watched her climb the stairs and then turned to the maid. “You should explain your mistake to your mistress.”
Without another word, the maid knocked on the door and entered the room opposite.
“Begging your pardon, madam, but I made a mistake. Miss Bromwell is already at her bed, and the gentleman has been waiting in the drawing room for your return.”
“Goodness, girl. You said they hadn’t arrived home. I’ve got a good mind to check the decanters. Next, you’ll be sleeping in till ten and saying you’d forgotten what time it is.”
“Shall I call the gentleman in, madam?”
“Yes, unless you’ve forgotten how to find your way to the drawing room.”
As soon as Alexander stepped over the threshold, Beatrice Penrose rushed to greet him.
“My lord, I cannot thank you enough for coming to my niece’s assistance. Lord Markham explained all about Sutherby’s appalling antics. Why, the man is a rogue, a veritable scoundrel and not fit for polite society.” She gestured to the chairs. “Please, won’t you sit down.”
“Indeed.” The lady would think him fit for the fiery pits of Hell if she knew of his secret. “It was fortunate for Miss Bromwell that I happened to be passing. I believe the gentleman’s affable nature was far from an accurate portrayal of his true character.”
“I’m afraid Mr. Sutherby had us all fooled.”
Not all, he thought. Alexander had sensed deceit from the moment he’d met him.
“Your friend, Lord Markham, escorted Mr. Sutherby from the ballroom, discreetly of course. Although Miss Sutherby seemed most put out. And you are a hero, my lord. Lord Markham told a lively tale of how you tackled the savage to the ground. In the few short days of our acquaintance, you have saved my life and the reputation of my niece. I assume you were discreet in your attentions?”
“Discreet?” Alexander squirmed in his seat. He didn’t want praise — not when his thoughts and actions had been purely selfish.
“It wouldn’t do to have Evelyn parading around the streets with an unmarried gentleman. Although under the circumstances, I see that there was little option.”
“We came the longer route through the quieter streets and then in through the garden. I assure you, we were not seen. With regard to Mr. Sutherby, I am pleased Miss Bromwell has witnessed the real man hiding behind such a charming facade.”
“Who would have thought it?” she said shaking her head. “He appeared to be so kind, so courteous. And yet at the first opportunity, he thrust his amorous ways on an innocent girl. To think Evelyn had considered marrying him.” The woman’s gaze drifted over his attire, and she frowned. “Please accept my apologies, my lord, for the poor condition of your clothing. You should send Sutherby the bill for a new shirt and neckcloth.”
“It is of no consequence. The pleasure gleaned from such a vigorous activity was payment enough.”
Mrs. Penrose shuffled forward in her seat. “I have always enjoyed a good fight, gets the old blood pumping.”
Oh, his blood had been pumping.
“I believe any form of exercise is good for the con