More than the shock, the dread of getting her disguise busted overwhelmed Melrose. Her hat was thrown and her face was exposed in the eyes of men from high society, let alone in front of the King's cousin!
She wanted to be swallowed by the ground and just disappear, especially when Reed held her waist to keep her from smashing herself onto the ground. Her cheeks flared, utterly embarrassed and worried of how things would end up after what happened.
Reed cleared his throat and let her go when she stood back on her feet. She then looked at the men who couldn't seem to care less, except for one.
"You look familiar, lass. Have we met before?" Mr. Philips asked with a weird smile, his eyes wandering at Melrose' face.
Melrose was nervous at the question and at the same time relieved that they didn't recognize her. Maybe they were just businessmen and not connected to the court. But should she really be relieved when she could feel Lord Knight's stare at her? There was no way he wouldn't recognize her. Which meant one word from him and she would meet her doom.
"I-I do not think we have, sir," replied Melrose in a low shuddering breath. She was having a hard time calming her panicking heart.
"Why would you meet her, Mr. Philips? She looked nothing but a servant," said another man, stepping close to her. "Though I must say, she has the face. If you are working here, lass, why don't you join us?"
Shivers ran down her spine. No one had ever used such tone and malicious words towards her.
"I am sorry to disappoint you but I am no whore in this brothel, sir," Melrose said with an unexpected firmness and authority in her voice that surprised Reed. Earlier, she was full of anxiety and fear, then now she was suddenly a feisty woman. He really couldn't read her complex personality.
"What are you, then? A maid?" Mockery was evident in the older man's tone. He was about to touch Melrose's face to show his superiority, but a hand was fast enough to catch his wrist.
"Do not disrespect the lady, Mr. Colton," came Reed's icy voice. "She already spoke for herself, didn't she? She said she is not a whore so don't treat her like one."
The older man suddenly turned into a scared lamb. "Of course, Lord Knight. Pardon me for my aggressiveness."
Reed let go of Mr. Colton's wrist before he could break it. "I don't think I am the one you owe an apology."
Mr. Colton awkwardly smiled and faced Melrose. "I apologize for my rudeness, miss. My actions must be influenced by alcohol."
Melrose offered a gentle smile and a sharp look. "Then better not drink a drop of alcohol, sir."
"Now that is settled. Let's now go to the room I reserved," said Mr. Philips, disregarding the thought of why the girl looked familiar.
Melrose met Reed's gaze and she guessed he understood what her look meant. Reed told the group that he would follow soon. When they already walked past them, she picked up her hat and put it back on her head. She didn't know if someone else would show up and see her face. It was already a dilemma that the lord caught her in such a situation. She didn't need more problems to worry about.
"I didn't think you took fancy in visiting a brothel, Lady Lewis," said Reed as he eyed the woman sharply, thinking that she was too careless to step foot in such a place without thinking what might happen to her.
"It is my first time coming here, Lord Knight, and definitely not for leisure but for an important reason. I hope you can let this pass and forget about seeing me here," Melrose went straight to the point.
"So you want me to keep your secret?" One corner of Reed's lips went up. "I'm afraid we are nothing but a mere acquaintance to each other for us to share something like that, my lady. I can promise to not talk about it, but if I am asked, I will not lie for you."
"You…" Melrose bit her tongue to stop herself from saying something rude. She was the one asking a favor here. She should be patient and considerate.
"In a few months, I will marry your cousin, Lord Knight. Therefore, we will soon be a family. Why not show a little consideration for a small matter?"
"Why, will you be my wife if you marry my cousin?" Reed returned sarcastically.
"Why are you so sarcastic? I am just asking you a little favor."
"And who's sane lady will go to a brothel, huh?"
Melrose didn't falter. "I told you I am here for something important."
"At the expense of being harassed, yes?"
"Oh, right! Thank you for saving me from being harassed, my lord! But aren't you with them? Birds with the same feathers flock together, don't they?"
Reed's jaw clenched, didn't like how she insinuated that he was like those men. "I joined them for business matters and not because I want to be in this filthy place, Lady Lewis."
Melrose ignored what he said. "Besides, do not think I already forgot what you did last time. I am grateful for how you saved my life and Stephanie's but that doesn't change the fact that your words were hurtful and rude."
"So you want me to apologize by keeping your secret, is that it?"
"I admire your sharp mind, my lord."
Reed sighed and looked at Melrose darkly. He wanted to tell her that none of these would have happened if she didn't go here but he stopped himself. Her well-being was none of his concern. He shouldn't be involving himself in matters that didn't concern him, especially the matters of a betrothed woman.
"Very well, I shall keep your secret like you want. But let's not have unnecessary conversation again, Lady Lewis. If you trouble me again, Heaven forbid, I will hold you accountable and I promise you the consequences will not be good."