I stood frozen, wine dripping down my face, as the Bennett women stared past me with wide eyes. Slowly turning, I found myself face-to-face with Adrian Valois. His expression was thunderous, those striking eyes narrowed as he took in the scene.
"Adrian," I whispered, mortification washing over me in waves.
He stepped closer, his large frame blocking me partially from view. Without a word, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and gently dabbed at my face.
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, his touch surprisingly gentle.
I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. The wine had soaked through my dress, turning the white fabric a patchy crimson. All my hours of careful alteration, ruined in seconds.
"I asked what's going on here," Adrian repeated, his voice carrying a dangerous edge as he turned to face the Bennett women.
Charlotte recovered first, plastering on a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Just a little accident. Nothing to concern yourself with, Mr..."