Back in the carriage at once!” her mother hissed. “What?” she mumbled as her mother and Lady Bradford practically shoved her inside. She fell back on the seat. When she looked down she couldn't help but gasp in shock. There was a long tear down her skirt right on the side where Robert had sat, showing her leg in all its glory. Her eyes shot up to his. He looked very amused and a bit smug. “We’ll have to go home and change,” Lady Bradford said, sounding disappointed. Elizabeth held up her hand. “No, please. I refuse to wreck everyone’s night over my carelessness. I must have caught the dress on a nail, a very sharp one from the looks of it.” Her gaze shot to Robert, who looked oddly triumphant. “I apologize,” she said tightly. “Are you sure?” her mother asked, looking torn between going with her and enjoying the ball of the year. “Yes, I’ll be fine.
