Page 6 of Kiss a Rake at Midnight

“Last night, LadyHuxley gave me a pound to deliver a letter to you with arrangements for an assignation.” Flames licked Siobhan’s cheeks, although whether from embarrassment or fever, Siobhan did not know.

Atthis juncture, she didn’t care.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Itwas all she could do to remain upright.

“I should have refused and come straight to you, Mr. Westbrook, or you, Mr. Chandler.” She flicked the stern-faced head of security a short glance. His mien remained unchanged. “The truth is, sir, I honestly didn’t know if ladies regularly made arrangements to—ah—meet with you, and I only meant to be helpful.”

Wasthere a more delicate way to say arranged for a clandestine dalliance?

Mr. Chandler’s mouth twitched before he schooled his features into neutrality again.

Shemarched forward and laid the money on Mr. Westbrook’s desk.

PrayKimber was strong enough to fight whatever ailed her.

“So you didn’t read the letter?” Mr. Westbrook leaned forward, steepling his fingers and veeing his sable brows together. “Do you know how to read?”

“I do know how.” Siobhan drew herself up, her pride stinging despite being at fault. “ButI did not read the letter. It was sealed.”

Asif that explanation clarified everything.

Besides, Mr. Westbrook could easily tell she hadn’t disturbed the wax.

“I made a stupid decision because my sister is sick and needs a doctor. ButI am not dishonest.”

Well, she was dishonest—even now, Siobhan pretended to be a boy, but only because she had no choice. She would not prostitute herself, and neither could she watch her siblings starve.

However, she did possess honor and integrity.

“That is why I am here.” She lowered her gaze partly from humiliation and partly because he might guess how ill she was. “I’m truly sorry. I know I betrayed your trust.”

Swallowing, she swayed and put a hand to her forehead, pushing her hat back.

Herhead swam dizzily, and it felt like the very flames of hell licked her body.

“Sean?” Mr. Westbrook’s voice came from far away.

Hadhe stood?

Thiswasn’t good.

Notgood at all.

Shewilled her feet to take her to the door, but they refused to obey.

Siobhanblinked, trying to focus her hazy gaze. “I feel so peculiar.”

Hervoice sounded strange—frail and wispy.

“I believe the lad’s going to faint, Mr. Westbrook.”

Is that what this sensation is?

Then, she was falling, her cap tumbling from her head as she sank into blissful nothingness.

Mr. Westbrook’s voice raised in astonishment penetrated her stupor.

“MyGod, Chandler. He’s a she.”