Last night Grey and I were caught together and now he…

““Last night Grey and I were caught together and now he insists we marry.” Eve’s eyes were huge blue saucers. “Define ‘caught.’” Rose stroked Heathcliff’s silky ears. “Naked and in bed-that sort of caught.” Her friend looked positively scandalized-and gleeful. “No! Who caught you?” “His brother Archer and a servant.” She purposefully did not mention anything about Bronte’s situation. As much as she trusted Eve, she could not be certain that none of the grooms wouldn’t overhear. And since most of the household probably knew about her and Grey by dawn, it didn’t seem so important to keep her own council in that regard. “I have no doubt that your maid is getting every sordid detail-and possibly embellishment-belowstairs as we speak.” Eve frowned. “Do you think Ryeton’s servants would be so cruel as to discuss you openly?” She rolled her eyes. “They would never in a million years do anything to intentionally hurt me or Grey, but there’s bound to be talk. It’s that affection for both of us that makes their lips loose. I swear one of the footmen grinned at me this morning as I took breakfast.” Her friend chuckled sweetly, laughing even harder as one of the pups came up on its hind legs to lick her chin. “At least you will have dedicated servants, if not indiscreet ones.” Rose had to smile-it was that or burst into sobs. “At least.””

— Kathryn Smith