“What’s wrong with his reputation?”

Mrs. Renshaw blinked. “Perhaps I should leave that between you.”

Fiona sat forward in the chair, which meant she almost slid to the floor. She grasped the arms even more tightly. “He won’t tell me.” She wasn’t entirely certain of that, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to ask. She did, however, need to know what the woman meant. “He’s an earl. What could be wrong with his reputation?”

“Overton is a rake. Rather, was a rake. He’s been trying to rehabilitate himself, and he’d been doing so well.” She frowned briefly. “He gave up his mistress, and he’s spent several evenings at White’s in the company of Lucien’s brother.” Mrs. Renshaw squared her shoulders and gave her head a shake. “He’s been attempting to demonstrate his worthiness, that he’s left his roguish behavior in the past now that he’s the earl.”

And she’d ruined it. Fiona pressed her hand to her mouth. She’d utterly devastated his hard work. A chill raced over her as she lowered her hand to her lap. “How will this affect him?”

“I would say it would not since so few people witnessed what happened, however Lady Hargrove can’t resist a piece of gossip if she thinks it’s helpful to others. And in this case, she will undoubtedly think so because Overton is hunting for a wife. She’ll see it as her duty to ensure his prospective brides know that he is still carrying on with other women.”

Fiona wanted to cup her face in her hands, but she made herself sit straight and still. “I feel terrible. What can I do?”

“Nothing, nor would he want you to. If you were recognized, you would be ruined. And while the earl can survive this—socially—you would not. It would also reflect rather poorly on him since he is your guardian. Many would think he took advantage.” Mrs. Renshaw’s nostrils flared. “Did he?”

“Not at all,” Fiona said quickly. “I kissed him.” Then he’d kissed her. And she’d kissed him back.

“I see. Well, if there is something between you, I encourage you to determine what that is with the utmost haste.” Mrs. Renshaw scooted forward and reached across the space to graze her fingers against the back of Fiona’s hand. “Don’t fret. I can see you blame yourself for what happened, but Lord Overton is a grown man. While you did err in coming here, what happened was just an unfortunate turn of events.”

Mrs. Renshaw stood. “Now, let’s get you home. I’ll hail a hack to deliver you.”

Fiona couldn’t leave Cassandra behind. She tipped her head back and summoned the courage to speak. “I, ah, wasn’t alone.”

Mrs. Renshaw’s jaw dipped in surprise. “Indeed? Who is this other person?”

“My friend.” Fiona didn’t want to reveal her identity, but when they found her, there would be no helping it. She’d leave that for when she was found. If she was found. Perhaps Cassandra had been able to escape. Would Fiona have done that? No, she couldn’t have left her friend behind, just as she wouldn’t now. “We were separated over on the gentlemen’s side. On the first floor.”