Mistress by Marriage by Maggie Robinson

Caroline? If you do, you needn’t have anything to do with Rossiter. I can give evidence.”
    The idea had some appeal. She would prefer she never had her name linked to Andrew Rossiter in any way. But Garrett Marburn was too good a friend, and the scandal could affect his business adversely. “Your reputation would be ruined, Garrett.”
    He barked out a laugh. “Aye, illegitimate son that I am. And in trade , even worse. I’m already persona non grata. But people will still buy my newspapers and books, Caroline. They cannot help themselves.” He gave her hands a quick squeeze. “You know as well as I do some people think we’re lovers as it is.”
    She shook her head. “I know you mean well, but I cannot bring you into this any more than you are already. I wanted to warn you Sir William Maclean will probably contact you. Don’t lie for me, Garrett. We’ve done nothing to be ashamed of.”
    “Not that I haven’t tried, Caroline. I wonder, does Christie even know what he’s giving up? You’ve never let me touch you, but I know it would be good between us. More than good. You’re light and fire, Caroline, meant for love. For life. For laughter.”
    She did love Garrett, but not in the right way. Caroline pulled her hands free and wiped her face. “You are supposed to cheer me up, not make me blubber.”
    “Well, I thought that was a very pretty speech if I do say so myself, and I expect to read it verbatim, if not in The Harlot’s Husband then in some other volume. What’s the name of the next one? The Duke’s Doxy ?” He winked at her.
    “You didn’t mean one word! Oh, you are incorrigible.”
    “Every minute of the day.” He moved his foot before she could stomp it again.
    “There’s something else, too,” said Caroline, remembering. “Edward told me that Lords Pope and Douglass visited him the other day, threatening legal action over my books.”
    Garrett laughed. “Cold Christie must have had a spasm entertaining those two. How I wish I had been there. I’d have set them straight.”
    “I know you have legal representation, and you say we are safe, but—”
    “We are, Caroline. Don’t add that to your list of worries. If it will make you feel any better, I can have one of my men move in to guard you.”
    “Guard me! Surely it won’t come to that. We’re all perfectly safe here on Jane Street.”
    Garrett frowned. “I hope so. You know there was some sort of incident involving Sir Michael Bayard. The watchman was knocked on the head.”
    “There are two watchmen now, and Charlotte’s gone. The house is empty.” Caroline smiled. There was nothing left of her friend but some cupid dust in the garden. There was plenty of essence of angel to protect all the women who lived there.
    A clatter at the door signaled Lizzie was up with lunch. Garrett went to the door and let her in. “Lizzie, my love, you get more beautiful every time I see you. That mobcap is rather criminal, though, covering all that golden hair.” In an instant, he plucked it off her head. Lizzie was openmouthed, the heavy tray preventing her from retaliation.
    “I’ll take the whiskey back downstairs if you don’t give it back this instant.”
    Garrett swept the tray out of her hands. “Indeed you will not. Caroline, you don’t insist your maid wear that ridiculous headgear, do you? Bad enough the poor girl’s all in black with an apron concealing her luscious curves.”
    “Garrett!”
    “Mr. Marburn!”
    “Ah, the outrage. I’m a man. I have eyes.” He set the tray down on the small dining table. “And I’ve a powerful thirst.” He poured two fingers from the decanter into the glass. “To the ladies of Jane Street. May the future be bright for you both.” He tossed back the liquor as Lizzie fled the room.
    Caroline came to the table and distributed the plates and cutlery. “It’s one thing to tease me, Garrett, but don’t be so cavalier with Lizzie. She’s had a hard year.”
    Garrett popped an olive