came from Haddon’s secretary. Lord Haddon, the missive read, had left London for a few days on personal business. There was no indication of his return.
Her heart had lurched painfully at thinking of Haddon, and Marissa bent, her palm on her chest, trying to stop the anguish she felt. Only the knowledge that Haddon hadn’t closed his house and fled back to his estate in Derbyshire gave her hope.
There was absolutely no doubt in her mind Haddon knew exactly what she’d done thus far and what she meant to do to Miss Higgins. Worse, he’d made no effort to ask her to stop. There was no ugly confrontation in which Marissa could explain herself. No Haddon at her door, pleading mercy for himself or Pendleton. She didn’t see him in the park. Or at the theater. Nor at the few events she halfheartedly attended with Spencer and Elizabeth.
Haddon was very deliberately avoiding her. Jordana, as well.
Nighter informed Marissa, through Tomkin, that Miss Higgins was enamored of him. She’d even written him a love poem and assumed her affection was returned by the ex-soldier. He assured Tomkin that Miss Higgins would do whatever he asked of her.
Including agreeing to leave her future husband’s side to indulge in an indiscretion with Nighter at Lady Ralston’s ball tonight. The girl thought Nighter meant to marry her. The entire breadth of London society was in attendance this evening. Pendleton wouldn’t dare wed Miss Higgins after such a public disgrace, not if he wanted to hold on to the tiniest shred of dignity. Sir Richard would certainly not expect him to.
The scandal would completely eclipse Haddon’s rescue of Marissa on Bond Street.
Marissa pressed her palm harder against her chest as if attempting to stop a wound from bleeding.
The carriage crawled up Lady Ralston’s congested drive at a painfully slow pace. Finally reaching the entrance, Marissa stepped out, automatically smoothing her deep sapphire skirts. She’d wanted Haddon to see her in this gown, a gorgeous confection she’d ordered from Madame Fontaine. He would appreciate the low, heart-shaped neckline skimming the top of her breasts and the way the gown bared her shoulders before tightening at the waist. Tiny bits of jet decorated the bodice and skirts, which sparkled in the light when she walked.
A perfect gown to witness a ruination in.
As Marissa entered the crush of bodies, the smell of pomade assailed her. Pasting a smile on her lips and telling her nose not to wrinkle at the scent, she dove into the crowd, spotting Adelia immediately. Her friend’s red hair was brighter than usual tonight, more copper than dark auburn.
“Marissa,” Adelia cooed as she came forward, ivory skirts swirling about her slippered feet.
“Adelia.” Marissa leaned over, brushing her lips to her friend’s cheek in greeting. “I can see your nipples.” Two half-moons of pink were visible through the froth of lace lining Adelia’s bodice. The neckline of her friend’s gown made Marissa’s seem positively matronly in comparison.
“Oh good, darling.” Adelia didn’t so much as blush. “That’s rather the point. Nighter’s interest has strayed a tiny bit so I wanted to do something to grab his attention.”
“And that of half the gentlemen in the ballroom. I think you must be mistaken, Adelia. I saw his attentiveness to you at the theater. At any rate, your display of bosom this evening is surely enough to keep him in line. It is exceptional.”
Adelia preened before leaning forward. “I caught him walking in the park with Miss Higgins. Miss Clare Higgins. The future Lady Pendleton.”
“Caught him? Dear, I understood your relationship to be of a casual nature. You aren’t following him about, are you? That would be very unbecoming for a lady such as yourself. Even so, I can’t believe for a second Nighter is interested in Miss Higgins.”
Adelia’s lips pursed. “True. The girl is a complete milksop. I expected her engagement to Pendleton to be announced, perhaps even spoken about tonight, but his mother,” she whispered to Marissa, “had an unfortunate accident. My understanding is Lady Pendleton is a complete sot.”
“So I’m given to understand, poor dear.” Marissa managed to sound sincere.
“At any rate, I confronted Nighter the moment I saw him enter the ballroom this evening, but the brute declined to give me an explanation for his attentions to Miss Higgins. He did promise we would speak later. Tonight.”
“Adelia, do you have an assignation at Lady Ralston’s ball?”
“I do.” She gave a half-smile. “Oh, I know I’m being ridiculous. I’ve no future with Nighter. But I’m not