Chapter 36

So many possibilities rushed through Nick’s mind that it might as well have been blank. He forced himself to think and concentrated on what was most important. “It is well past Lucy’s bedtime in any case,” he said, drawing his youngest sister out of her seat and pushing her in Charlotte’s direction.

Frowning, Beresford followed his lead, helping Violet out of her chair and joining them outside the box.

“Thank you so much for dinner, sir.” Nick gave a slight bow, then took Charlotte’s arm and Lucy’s hand and led them from the amphitheater of boxes as quickly as he could without running.

He didn’t stop until they were on the edge of the South Walk, out of view of the boxes.

“Did you ever—?” Charlotte began, but stopped when Nick put Lucy’s hand in hers, took Violet from Beresford, and ushered his sisters together. “Nicholas, what on earth…?”

“Stay here,” Nick ordered. “Beresford, a word, if you please.”

Beresford walked with him several feet away from the girls.