Kisses and Scandal (A Survivors Series Anthology ) - Shana Galen Page 0,17
see them in the dressing table mirror. Fortunately, Dawson had already taken Phil’s hair down and was busy preparing the chamber so she could retire. Normally, after such a long journey, she collapsed into bed and slept like the dead. Tonight she was far too excited at the prospect of seeing James again in the morning to fall asleep quickly or easily.
But she did not see him in the morning.
After breakfast, at which he did not serve, she was bundled off to the modiste. Madame Renauld was new in Town and her fashions were the talk of the ton. “We were fortunate to secure this appointment,” the duchess said when Phil complained that it was a bit early to be out and about. “Madame Renauld is so busy with her current clients, she is not accepting new ones. But when I mentioned we would be dressing you, she found time in her schedule. And why wouldn’t she, as you always show any dress to advantage.”
“Thank you, Mama. I do hope she won’t insist on dressing me in all white as Madame Delamode did. I know it is the fashion, but it makes me look dreadfully pale.”
The duchess nodded. “Madame Renauld is dressing Lady Daphne, and her coloring is similar to yours. I hear she looks brilliant, even with all the bows she insists upon.” The duchess leaned closer. “Between you and I, I do not believe Madame Delamode was actually French. I heard she was born in Yorkshire, but when she arrived in Town, she took a new name and an accent to go with it.”
Once at Madame Renauld’s shop, Phil was able to forget James for a little while as the dressmaker discussed ideas and colors with her for over an hour. Phil thought that Madame Renauld’s cranberry dress complemented her dark skin and eyes very well, and if she did half as well with Phil’s wardrobe, Phil would be pleased.
Of course, there was more shopping to be done and calls to make. By the time they returned to the town house, it was almost time to ride in the park. Phil declined, telling her mother she was far too weary—no wonder, as she had not slept well the night before—and watched as her mother rode in the direction of Hyde Park. Clearly, the duchess still had plenty of vigor left in her.
“Dawson, I think I shall lie down for an hour,” Phil told her maid when her mother was out of sight and she was alone in the foyer or Mayne House.
“Shall I help you to undress, my lady?”
“No need. Just wake me if I am not already up when it is time to dress for dinner.” She climbed the steps and started toward her chamber, but a movement at the end of the corridor caught her eye. The door to the servants’ stairs was ajar, and a dark head poked through.
“James,” she breathed, then quickly glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one had heard her.
She didn’t see any servants and as she walked toward the door, she continued to check. Finally, she grasped the handle. James stepped back and she swung it open then closed it behind her.
“Ye shouldn’t be in here,” he said.
She wrapped her arms around him. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since we arrived last night.”
His arms came around her waist and he touched his forehead to hers. “The staff here prefers to serve, so I have been relegated to assisting the maids and helping downstairs. Ye won’t see me much in the next few days.”
Her eyes met his. “I cannot wait until we return to Southmeade. There’s nowhere to meet here, and I have been wanting to do this.” She kissed him. His hands on her waist tightened as he pulled her closer and kissed her in return.
Finally, he broke away. “Someone might come. Ye should go.”
“When will I see you again?”
He kissed her again then said, “Even when ye don’t see me, lass, know that I’m near. I’ll always keep ye safe, so I will.”
Her heart melted at the sentiment. She didn’t need to be kept safe, but she liked that he wanted to protect her. “Mama and I are attending a card party tomorrow night. Perhaps you can go with the carriage. I’ll see if I can arrange it.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She put a finger over his lips. “Leave it to me. I can arrange these things with subtlety.”