A Mightnight Dance

Siren

After a long day of walking with Lord Nightingale, I laid on my bed that night, soaking my feet in warm water. Emily helped me apply medicine to the pinched skin. The pain was worth it. Not only had Lord Nightingale helped me talk to the owner of the warehouse, we had started negotiations on the pricing.

"Today was a good day," I said aloud.

A sharp knock at the door had me sitting up.

"Yes?"

The door opened. Vivian and Emily walked in and closed the door behind them. They didn't smile or even greet me.

"Did something happen? Is mother alright? Is it the twins?" As I spoke, my voice got higher.

At their silence, my mouth dried. Instead of going on a date with Lord Nightingale, I should have stayed home.

"They're fine." The way Vivian spoke sounded like they weren't.

I cleared my throat. "Why all the secrecy?"

Emily placed a hand on Vivian's arm. "We heard you were in town," she said. "How did it go?"

It couldn't be. Had Madam Guise spread rumors about me?

"Fine," I replied. "Tell me what's going on."

They looked at each other.

"Vivi, tell me."

"Some are saying you're Lord Nightingale's side meal." Emily's face flushed as she finished speaking.

I gaped at them. "I'm what?"

"Selling yourself," Vivian clarified. "Since our purse isn't as heavy as before, people think you're trying to fill it up again using other means."

My face burned but it wasn't from embarrassment. Rage boiled in my veins. How dare they slander Lord Nightingale?! He would never buy someone's company, let alone me.

"Who's behind this?" I could barely get the words out.

Emily grabbed my hands. "Peter heard it as he waited for Charles. Luckily, Charles hasn't heard."

I pulled my hands free. "He'll know. I'll go tell him myself."

Vivian moved faster than I had seen her move. "You can't."

Putting my hands on my hips, I frowned. "Why not? He needs to know."

"Lord Ross is downstairs," Emily replied. She bit her lip. "I think he might tell Charles."

I clicked my tongue. "He has no right. Besides, he's not someone who would do that." I turned to Vivian. "Who's spreading this? I'll march up to their house and -"

"To do what?" she asked. "It's not going to stop. Isn't it about time you think about ending this relationship?"

My eyes prickled. Vivian of all people should understand. I turned to Emily.

"Do you think so too?"

"I think one must tread lightly," she said. "I don't wish Charles to oppose you."

After they said what they needed, Emily and Vivian left me alone. I rubbed my eyes. I didn't think anyone would insult Lord Nightingale on my account. What if he didn't want to be seen with me because of this?

Sighing, I sat on my bed. What if Emily was right? Charles could oppose my relationship. I didn't think he felt glad about it. Since he allowed me to reject Lord Ross's marriage proposal, he had to be on my side at least.

Thinking about it wouldn't do much good. I needed to focus on what I could control. With that in mind, I wrote a letter to Yolanda, updating her about the warehouse. She was busy setting up her brother's birthday celebration. For now, I needed to get ahead of the volunteer work.