Kisses and Scandal (A Survivors Series Anthology ) - Shana Galen Page 0,93

showing off her graceful collarbone and long neck.

“Have you any jewels?” Madame asked.

Raeni shook her head. Even before all her belongings had been stolen, she had never owned any jewels.

“No matter. You do not need them. You are the jewel tonight.” She gestured to her assistant to gather her sewing materials, leaving the dress box on the bed with the paper spilling out. “You will call on me when you need a wedding trousseau? You will not even think of going to Madame LeMonde’s.”

Raeni blinked. “A wedding trousseau? I don’t think I heard you correctly, Madame.”

The modiste smiled. “It will not be long after he sees you in this dress. Au revoir.”

Only her perfume lingered, and Raeni took a breath, finally alone. She hardly thought a dress was enough to persuade a man to propose to her, but she smiled a little at the thought. Mrs. Thomas Gaines. The idea made her heart pound faster. Raeni checked the clock in her room. She still had a few minutes until eight, but she saw no reason to delay. She made her way down the steps, pausing when she heard the intake of breath.

Thomas stepped out of the shadows in the foyer, his mouth open as he stared at her. “You’re beautiful,” he said, the awe in his voice making her cheeks heat.

“It’s the dress.”

“It’s you. The dress only accents your beauty.” He held out a hand, and she descended the last few steps, putting her hand in his. “I will probably regret taking you to this ball.”

She cocked her head.

“Because I’ll have competition for your attentions after the other men see you.”

She shook her head. Her eyes meeting his. “You could never have competition for my affection.”

“You care for me then?” he whispered. Surprise at his tone lanced through her. Had that been uncertainty in his voice? How could he not know she cared for him? And was he, the successful owner of Bond Street Coffee & Tobacco and who knew how many other establishments, really concerned as to whether a girl with nothing and no connections cared for him?

“Of course, I do. You shouldn’t even need to ask.” And then, because she wanted him to know how much she appreciated him, she added, “Thank you for all you have done for me.”

“Sir, the coachman is waiting,” the butler said from the doorway.

Thomas nodded and offered his arm to Raeni. She took it, her legs shaking under her skirts. She had never been to a ball before. She was excited and terrified all at the same time.

Thomas helped her into the coach he’d hired then sat across from her. The coach was clean and well-appointed, the squabs made of soft velvet and the carriage lamps burning low. She parted the curtains to look out, smiling at the faces of the people who watched the coach pass. If she had been on the outside, she too would have watched the coach and wondered what high-ranking person might be inside. No one would ever know it was a mulatto from Jamaica who was in hiding.

Raeni dropped the curtains back into place, glancing at Thomas as she did so. She wondered at how quiet he was, but she was too nervous about the coming evening to think of anything to say. After what seemed only a handful of minutes, the coach slowed to a stop. Raeni swallowed hard. She needed more time to prepare.

Thomas grasped her hand from across the coach. “You will do fine. We’re among friends tonight.”

She nodded, licking her dry lips. The door to the coach opened and a footman in a handsome blue livery offered her a hand. She took it then looked up at the brightly lit windows of the building. She could hear the strains of music and the tinkle of laughter wafting out of the open windows. Thomas stood behind her, and she gestured to the building. “What is this place?”

“It’s an assembly hall. Private and public balls are held here.” He withdrew the invitation from his coat. “This one is private. Shall we?” He offered his arm and she clutched it as he led her up the stairs. Another footman opened the door and inside a third took the invitation, glanced at it and then the two of them, and led them toward the source of the music. They were put in a line with other guests. “We’re waiting to be announced,” Thomas murmured in her ear.

Raeni nodded, but her thoughts were racing. She had seen