what was happening, the young woman pulled her into the room and closed the door. “I need to speak with you.”
Now, this was an unexpected development and Caroline did not know what to think when the other woman urged her to take a seat. Shrugging out of her cloak, Caroline watched Miss Palmer through slightly narrowed eyes, her pulse speeding up at the thought of what the other woman might have planned. If she, Caroline, were discovered here, she would be ruined!
“You need not be afraid,” Miss Palmer said as though she’d read Caroline’s thoughts. Brushing a thick, dark curl behind her ear, she moved to the other end of the settee and sat down, her deep brown eyes lingering on Caroline’s face. “I swear I have no intention of harming you in any way.” A warm smile danced across Miss Palmer’s soft features.
Caroline drew in a slow breath, carefully regarding the other woman. “Then why did you send a note in Pierce’s name?”
Miss Palmer’s smile deepened and open joy danced in her eyes. “You call him Pierce? That sounds most promising.”
Caroline flinched, and yet, oddly enough, in that moment, Miss Palmer reminded her of her cousin Rebecca.
“I had hoped that there was a deep affection between the two of you,” Miss Palmer whispered conspiratorially as though they’d been friends for years. “Pierce is utterly smitten with you, and I feared you might not reciprocate his feelings.”
Caroline’s heart stilled. “He is?” she whispered almost breathless.
Smiling, Miss Palmer nodded. “Did you not notice? He was beside himself when we came upon you and your companion in Hyde Park. I’ve never seen him so enraged.”
Caroline swallowed, remembering that day. “Well, he despises Lord Coleridge for a very specific reason.” She kept her answer short, her eyes lingering on the young woman seated beside her, wondering how well Miss Palmer truly knew Pierce.
The young woman nodded. “Because of poor Daphne.” The look in her eyes grew sad, and Caroline could see that the thought of the little girl’s sufferings truly touched her heart. There was something utterly genuine about Miss Palmer, and Caroline felt herself relax.
“Still,” the young woman continued, another delicate smile tugging on her lips, “his hatred of Lord Coleridge was not the only reason for his reaction. I hope you know that.” Her brows rose teasingly before a soft chuckle crossed her lips. “Do you love him?”
Caroline flinched in shock at such a direct question.
“Do not worry,” Miss Palmer chirped happily, “I asked him the very same thing.” Caroline held her breath. “And the way he refused to answer was very telling.” Miss Palmer’s grin widened. “As is yours.”
Caroline’s mouth went dry as she stared at the young woman.
“Well, to answer your question,” Miss Palmer continued undeterred. “I sent the note in his name because I feared that otherwise you might not come, and I do need your help.”
“My help?” Caroline croaked, wondering how many more surprises this evening had in store for her.
A wicked gleam came to Miss Palmer’s eyes. “To tell you the truth, I intend to sneak out of the house tonight and I want you to come with me.”
Utterly dumbfounded, Caroline stared at the young woman with those adventurous brown eyes. “Sneak out of the house?” she mumbled, wondering how much Miss Palmer truly knew about her. “To go where?”
“A masquerade,” the other woman answered without hesitation, her hands clapping together in excitement before the look on her face slowly dimmed and she sighed. “I’m well aware that London society is not all that fond of me—apparently, I’m not the kind of woman they would welcome into their midst—and I must admit I’m growing tired of their pointed stares and hushed whispers.” She drew in a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “But I refuse to let their animosity dull my spirits.” She sat up even straighter, raised her chin and declared, “Tonight, I want to enjoy myself. I want to dance and laugh and be looked at without judgment, and I think a masquerade is the perfect place to do so.” Smiling, she leaned forward, her brown eyes seeking Caroline’s. “I thought you might feel the same.”
For a moment, Caroline could not form a coherent thought. Indeed, Miss Palmer was a highly unusual woman in every way, and yet, Caroline could not deny that she admired her strength, her daring as well as her honesty. “What if we’re discovered?” Caroline whispered as her blood began to hum in anticipation.
Miss Palmer shrugged. “What if we’re not?”
Sinking