The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,35

you will allow it.”

He sympathized with her. All young ladies deserved a chance to feel like a princess and Miss Strong had been denied hers. His heart ached for what she’d lost – for what she’d had to give up. As much as he feared for her safety and the censure he would face from his peers if anyone learned who she really was, he hadn’t the strength to turn down her heartfelt request.

Bold, beautiful, and enticing, Ida Strong deserved the chance to live for a change – a chance to recapture some of what had been taken from her.

With this in mind, he reluctantly gave his agreement.

It was all he could do in the end.

Chapter Seven

Ida was thrilled. She was finally out of the house and with Fielding’s approval this time, no less. It was almost enough to make her laugh with pleasure as they strode along Oxford Street arm in arm. Following their discussion the day before, he’d returned home to see if any new invitations awaited. When he came back an hour later, he brought with him a crisp envelope bearing the Huntley seal.

“This will be the event of the Season,” he’d told her. “Anyone who is anyone will be there without exception, so this is the one we’re attending. I dismissed the rest.”

“Will it not be awkward, considering your history with Huntley and his wife?”

“I don’t see why. It’s a ball, not a dinner party. We only have to greet them. After that we won’t have to speak with either of them at any length.”

She hadn’t argued. In fact, his authoritative manner, so matter of fact and lacking the overbearingness he’d given way to in anger, had been comforting. For the first time, she’d actually felt like they were on the same team, working together toward a common goal. When he’d suggested the outing today, the feeling had intensified to such a degree that she’d gone to bed grateful for their newfound friendship.

Friendship!

Who would have thought?

“I don’t know much about women’s dress shops,” he said as they entered La Belle Anglaise, “but my mother used this one and her gowns always looked exquisite, so I thought we’d give it a try before going elsewhere.”

“I doubt I’ll have cause for complaint. Indeed, I’m grateful to you for making the effort in bringing me here and sorry for the expense.”

“Don’t be.” He glanced around. His eyes narrowed. “Oh, bother.”

“What is it?” Ida followed his gaze until she located three women who were being served by one of the dressmakers.

“Perhaps we ought to—”

“Lord Fielding. What a delightful surprise.”

Fielding’s shoulders slumped, a distinct groan escaped him, but then he straightened and smiled. Ida stared at him in amazement. The transformation had been so swift, so subtle, it was scarcely noticeable at all.

“Lady Warwick,” he declared. “We meet again.”

“Indeed we do.” The lady who’d spoken left her younger companions and approached. Her gaze settled on Ida with open curiosity. “Will you introduce me to your companion, my lord?”

When Fielding said nothing, Ida glanced at him and instantly cringed when she saw how perplexed he looked. She prepared to leap in and say something to fill the awkward silence, when he finally managed to get out the bare minimum. “Miss Jane Smith.” He cleared his throat. “A friend of the family.”

Lady Warwick narrowed her gaze on Ida. “I see.”

“We’ve come to pick out a wardrobe for her,” Fielding added, and Ida was pleased to see that while his poise had been briefly shaken, it had now returned.

“Without a chaperone?” Lady Warwick inquired.

“I did not think one would be required for a visit to the dressmakers,” Fielding told her smoothly. “After all, there are plenty of other ladies here to ensure the preservation of Miss Smith’s reputation.”

“Hmm…” Lady Warwick didn’t sound entirely convinced, but rather than argue, she said, “I hope you know how lucky you are, Miss Smith. The earl has exquisite taste. I am certain he shall make sure you’re dressed to your best advantage.”

“I do hope so,” Ida murmured in the most innocent voice she could manage.

Lady Warwick returned her attention to Fielding. “A pity things didn’t work out between you and my daughter.”

Ida stared. So this was the Duchess of Huntley’s mother? No wonder Fielding felt uncomfortable when he’d realized her presence.

His next words were tight. “I’m sure it was for the best.”

“Well,” Lady Warwick said with a flourish, “she did gain a better title.”

Every nerve ending inside Ida sparked in anger. How dare this woman suggest Fielding wasn’t