The sprawling Kirkham estate shimmered under the soft glow of moonlight, every window alight with revelry. Inside, the atmosphere had grown thicker—champagne flowed freely, conversation grew bolder, and laughter carried an edge that suggested propriety was beginning to slip.

By the time dinner concluded and the guests had dispersed to the gardens and drawing rooms, the party entered its most dangerous hours.

---

The Garden Stroll

“Are you going to hover by the punch bowl all evening, Miss Somers?” Percy’s familiar voice broke through Lavinia’s thoughts. She turned to find him leaning against the doorway, his hair slightly tousled, his expression insufferably smug.

“I am not hovering,” she retorted, setting her glass down with more force than intended.

“You’re brooding, then,” Percy said, stepping closer. “Which is far worse. Come, Lavinia, even you must admit the gardens are far more interesting than—” He gestured vaguely to the crowd. “—this lot.”

Lavinia rolled her eyes. “The last time you dragged me into the gardens, Percy, someone ended up in a fountain.”

“Yes, well,” Percy said, offering his arm, “I’ve made a vow not to repeat myself.”

Against her better judgment—and partially to avoid the overly attentive Lord Kingsley, who had been lurking nearby—Lavinia allowed him to lead her outside.

The gardens were alive with quiet murmurs and the occasional rustle of fabric. Lavinia tried to focus on the cool night air, the scent of roses, anything but the inexplicable warmth of Percy’s arm beneath her hand.

“You’ve been unusually quiet this evening,” Percy remarked.

“I had assumed you’d find that a blessing,” Lavinia replied.

“On the contrary,” Percy said lightly, “your barbs keep me sharp.”

Before she could respond, a pair of voices carried over the hedge.

“Did you see the way Aldridge was looking at her? Like a bloody dog in heat.”

Lavinia froze, her cheeks burning.

“And Miss Somers?” another voice added. “Prim little thing, but I’d wager she’s got claws if you rile her up enough.”

Percy stiffened beside her, his grip on her arm tightening for a brief moment. Lavinia looked up at him, expecting a sardonic quip, but his expression was unreadable.

“Come on,” Percy said, steering her away. “The conversation here has grown tiresome.”

---

The Drawing Room Games

The evening’s next activity was a round of a most unfortunate party game of charades in the drawing room, though by then, many of the guests were too far gone to perform anything coherent.

Percy, of course, flourished under such circumstances. His exaggerated gestures and absurd guesses had the room in fits of laughter, though Lavinia could not help but notice the glances cast her way when he made a particularly outlandish comment.

“You’re staring,” Percy said, dropping into the seat beside her after his performance.

“You’re insufferable,” she replied, though she couldn’t quite keep the smile from her lips.

“Ah,” Percy said, leaning closer, his voice low enough for her ears only. “You were staring fondly, then.”

Lavinia inhaled sharply, determined to ignore the warmth creeping up her neck. “I was calculating how many syllables are in the word ‘imbecile.’”

Percy laughed, a deep, genuine sound that sent a strange flutter through her chest.

---

The Moment in the Study

As the evening wore on, Lavinia decided she needed a moment away from the chaos. She slipped into the library, grateful for the solitude and the soft hum of silence.

Moments later, the door creaked open.

“Should I be offended that you’ve abandoned me?” Percy drawled, stepping inside.

“Should I be offended that you followed me?” she shot back.

Percy shut the door behind him and leaned against it, his usual smirk replaced with something softer. “I couldn’t let you wallow in solitude, could I?”

Lavinia arched a brow. “And yet I find solitude infinitely preferable to whatever fresh scandal you’re brewing out there.”

Percy grinned. “Jealous, are we?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she replied, though her pulse quickened at his teasing tone.

“Good,” Percy said, stepping closer. “Because I’d hate to think you’ve begun to fancy me, Lavinia. It would complicate things terribly.”

She let out an indignant laugh, shaking her head. “You truly are impossible, Mr. Aldridge.”

“And yet, here you are,” he murmured, his voice dipping low enough to make her stomach flip.

Before she could respond, the door opened abruptly, and a footman stepped inside. Lavinia jumped back, smoothing her skirts as Percy offered the man an unbothered smile.

“Ah, perfect timing,” Percy said breezily. “Miss Somers was just about to recommend a book.”

The footman looked between them, his expression blank but his eyes betraying curiosity.

“Very good, sir,” the man said, bowing slightly before leaving again.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Lavinia turned to Percy, her expression murderous. “You are intolerable.”

“You were enjoying it,” Percy replied, his grin wicked.

---

The Aftermath

By the time the party concluded, rumors were already circulating. Lavinia overheard two ladies whispering about her and Percy in the corner of the drawing room, their tones a mixture of scandal and amusement.

“And did you see how he followed her out?” one of them hissed.

“Oh, but surely not,” the other replied. “Miss Somers is far too... proper.”

Lavinia straightened her spine, determined to ignore the whispers. Percy, however, seemed to revel in the attention.

“Let them talk,” he said when she confronted him about it.

“Easy for you to say,” Lavinia replied. “You’re a man. Scandal only improves your reputation.”

“And yours?” Percy asked, his tone unusually serious.

Lavinia hesitated, unsure how to answer.

“Don’t let them define you, Lavinia,” Percy said softly. “You’re far too extraordinary for that.”

For once, she found herself at a loss for words.