Falling for the Marquess - Julianne MacLean Page 0,75
it was probably too late.
She supposed if things didn’t work out with Seger, at least she would have learned a thing or two from Clara about how to attract a man. She’d never experienced admiration from a man before—at least not a man worthy of her notice.
Gillian touched the pearls at her neck. Yes, if things didn’t work out here, she would put this new knowledge to good use and do even better than Seger. A duke, perhaps? That would be very satisfying. She would outrank Clara at social functions. Her blood quickened at the thought. Perhaps one day, she would have an opportunity to give her the cut direct.
Just then, a knock sounded at her door and Quintina walked in. She waved the maid away and moved to stand behind Gillian, who looked at her aunt in the mirror’s reflection. “Well?”
Quintina rested her hands upon Gillian’s shoulders. “You look stunning, my dear. He will be very surprised. We should have been dressing you like this all along.”
“I thought the very same thing a moment ago, Auntie. Why didn’t we?”
Quintina released a sigh. “I thought he would prefer someone demure for a wife. Someone like...well, you know.”
“Yes.”
Someone like Daphne. A merchant’s daughter who dressed like...like a merchant’s daughter.
Gillian bristled just thinking of her. Daphne hadn’t even been all that pretty. Seger’s affection for her had never made any sense to Gillian. She thought the girl was no better than a dairy maid. Surely, Seger would have realized that eventually. Even if Daphne had not gotten on that ship to America, he probably wouldn’t have married her in the end. He would have come to his senses.
Quintina fiddled with Gillian’s hairstyle in the back, folding locks into place. “It went well this morning, don’t you think? We got them out of bed at any rate.”
“Yes, and the Hibberts were very helpful.”
“Did you feel badly about lying to them?” Quintina asked.
“Gracious, no. They think they did a good deed, and Seger thanked Mr. Hibbert, who is probably bragging about it at the local pub as we speak.”
Quintina nodded. “Well, let us go.”
Gillian gathered up her gloves and stood.
They crossed the room toward the door, but Quintina paused before opening it. She turned around to face Gillian. “Remember, look directly into his eyes when you speak to him, darling. You must make him see you in a new light. Meanwhile, I will handle Clara. I know exactly what to do. She won’t last long.”
Quintina glanced down at Gillian’s low neckline, then lifted her gaze and smiled. “I believe you have larger breasts than she does.”
“Auntie!”
“It’s true, my dear. That gown is perfect. Now come along.”
That evening after dinner, Seger retired to his study to attend to some business matters, while Clara played the piano for Quintina and Gillian in the drawing room. Gillian sat under a lamp, embroidering a small pillow. Quintina read a book.
When Clara finished her piece, Gillian set down her needlework and applauded. “You play beautifully, Clara. It is such a joy to have you here.”
“It’s a joy to be here,” she replied. “You’ve both made me feel very welcome.”
“I’m so glad. We are going to be wonderful friends, I know it. We must stay up late and enjoy each other’s company like this every night. We’ll be closer than sisters.”
Clara stood and moved to sit on the sofa beside Gillian. “But you’re forgetting the parties. The Season is far from over. There were a number of invitations today.”
Gillian sighed and looked down at her stitching. “Yes, I suppose we must go out. I certainly must, if I am ever to find a husband.”
“You will find one in no time, Gillian. You look radiant tonight. Wear a dress of that color to a ball and you’ll be danced off your feet.”
Gillian continued to look down at her embroidery. “I don’t think I should like that—to be danced off my feet. Some might call me dull, but I prefer to stay at home in the evenings. I’ve always preferred it. Everything that makes me happy is in this house.”
Clara inclined her head questioningly. “Have you been living here long? I thought you were just visiting, that you normally live with your uncle.”
On the far side of the room, Quintina looked up from her book and listened.
“Yes,” Gillian replied, “and Auntie has been very kind, always letting me stay as long as I like. My uncle doesn’t mind. He knows that even when my parents were alive, this was like a second