A Rogue to the Rescue (The Rogue Chronicles #4) - Lana Williams Page 0,73

Daniel both answered at the same time.

Daniel shook his head. “Forgive me, dear brother, but you would look completely out of place and draw the wrong sort of attention.”

“He’s right,” Beatrice agreed, noting Caroline’s look of relief. “It should be me.” She didn’t add that it was because she was the one to blame. That seemed obvious. “I believe a disguise is in order.” She raised a brow at Caroline. “Do you have any suggestions?”

“I know just the thing.” Caroline nodded as she rose. “This shouldn’t take long.”

Hardly a quarter of an hour had passed before Beatrice joined Daniel in the drawing room, hoping her changed appearance was effective. “What do you think?”

Caroline had Sally pull out the dark-grey muslin gown that Daniel’s housekeeper had given to Beatrice. They’d pinned it and stitched a few tucks then added an extra petticoat to better fill out the waist. She wore a pair of spectacles, and Sally had lent her a bonnet that hid much of her face as well.

He studied her with a frown. “I suppose it will do, though there’s no hiding your beauty.”

Her stomach lurched at the compliment. Each time she shored up her defenses, he said or did something to undermine them. How could she possibly keep her feelings for him limited to friendship?

Their earlier conversation at breakfast had been unsettling. She had yet to understand if he truly wanted to marry her, despite him claiming he did. But there was no denying the attraction that simmered between them. Unfortunately, she latched onto her feelings far too often, which gave her hope.

How she wished she knew how he honestly felt.

His suggestion to further delay announcing their betrothal hadn’t reassured her either. While she understood the reason on the surface, she was still hurt by it.

After the lovely dances they’d shared the previous evening, not to mention that swoon-worthy kiss, she’d been certain he truly cared for her. But that certainty had been dashed by his question.

If Daniel wished to marry her, wouldn’t he do his best to convince her to agree? Wouldn’t he be appalled at the idea of allowing another man to court her? How ironic that his honor was one of his most attractive traits, at least until now. Of course, he wanted to be fair and give her time to know what she wanted. He would never take advantage of her.

No matter which way she looked at it, she was confused.

But now wasn’t the time to worry over the matter. Sarah’s well-being was uppermost in her mind, especially when it was her fault the young woman had followed in her steps. Her other worries would have to wait.

“What is in your hair?” Daniel asked as he peered closer.

“A bit of ash to darken the color.” Though tempted to touch it, she resisted, remembering Caroline’s warning that she’d have the powder everywhere if she did. That would certainly give her away. “We put a bit on my face as well.”

“The spectacles are a nice touch,” he admitted almost reluctantly. “Where did Caroline find those?”

“The previous cook left them.”

“Can you see through the lenses?”

“They make things a tad blurry. But when I slide them down my nose, I can easily look over the top of them.” She demonstrated since he looked at her so doubtfully.

“I still don’t like this,” Daniel said with a shake of his head.

“Nor do I. But I have to try to find Sarah.” She moved to lead the way down the stairs.

“You do realize we might not find her?” His hand on her arm halted her.

She drew a shaky breath as she turned back to face him. “I know. If her name isn’t in the registry office ledger, I won’t worry quite so much and hope she found a reliable place to assist her search for employment. They can’t all be working with a brothel owner. There’s little else I can do until she contacts me.” She looked into his eyes over the rim of the spectacles, much preferring to see his face crisp and clear, even if it was tightened in displeasure. “Thank you for accompanying me.”

“I wouldn’t allow my betrothed to do something like this without me.” His words tilted her world once more as he offered his arm. “Shall we?”

The reminder of their betrothal warmed her, even if they agreed to delay announcing it. Despite the uncomfortable conversation earlier and her continued uncertainty as to his feelings, she focused on the knowledge that they were bound together, at least for

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