A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders #2) - Darcy Burke Page 0,25
thank you.” She presented her back to Selina, who unbuttoned the garment.
“Are you all right?” Selina asked. “You came upstairs so quickly.”
“I just wanted to change out of this gown.” But had apparently forgotten to request assistance.
“Are you disappointed your father wasn’t there tonight?”
Beatrix pulled her arms from the sleeves. “A little.”
Selina helped pull the gown over Beatrix’s head. Turning, Selina took it to the armoire. “Now that I’m to be married, I can imagine you want to map your own future.”
Beatrix supposed that was true. “I’m not concerned, if that’s what you’re wondering. Things will work out.”
“You’ve always been so optimistic.” Selina smiled warmly. “It’s one of the things I love most about you. And it kept me from becoming too lost.”
Beatrix thought of what Rockbourne had said—that he needed people like her in his life. She suddenly wanted Selina to leave.
“I wanted to ask you about Rockbourne,” Selina said.
Freezing, Beatrix wondered how Selina had managed to read her mind.
Selina untied the petticoat at the back of Beatrix’s waist. “You seemed interested in him the other day.”
“I wasn’t—not specifically.” Beatrix stepped out of the petticoat, and Selina took it in hand. “I suppose I just found his story fascinating.”
Selina walked the petticoat to the armoire too. “Harry told me Bow Street is investigating his wife’s death.”
Beatrix’s fingers fumbled as she unlaced her stays. Giving up before she finished, she went to sit at her dressing table. “Why would they investigate?”
“Apparently, his mother-in-law thinks Rockbourne may have pushed his wife from the balcony.” Selina’s eyes met Beatrix’s in the mirror. “You mustn’t share this information of course. But then, we aren’t gossips.”
“Of course not.” Beatrix’s heart was racing. She had to see him. Tonight. She pretended to yawn. “I’m glad we came home. I’m quite fatigued.” She turned on the stool and smiled at Selina. “You don’t need to linger. Isn’t Harry waiting for you?”
Selina blushed. “No. I told him we’d be late.”
“So he’s not coming?” Beatrix would prefer if her sister was distracted.
“No, he is.” She blushed even harder.
Beatrix laughed softly. “I love seeing you in love.”
“Thank you.” There was an edge of sisterly sarcasm to her tone. She blew Beatrix a kiss and said good night.
As soon as Selina was gone, Beatrix leapt up and changed her attire. A short while later, she slipped out of the house and made her way to Grosvenor Square.
Chapter 5
Half past two. She was probably still dancing.
Thomas set his empty glass on the sideboard. He was tempted to pour another, but he ought to turn in. It wasn’t as if she would come. He’d told her it would be too late, and it was.
Still, he could see her in his mind, her blonde locks curling about her face with ribbons and silk flowers entwined in the style atop her head. Her ivory gown was trimmed with lace and dark coral ribbon that matched those in her hair. The costume was simple but elegant, allowing her beauty to shine instead of the garments and accessories.
He’d stood in the shadows nearby and watched her enter the assembly rooms. It was as close as he could get in his current state of mourning, and he was grateful for the glimpse. He’d lingered for a while before returning home. Since then, he’d imagined her laughing and dancing, captivating every gentleman at Almack’s. How he envied them.
Blowing out a breath of frustration, he turned toward his chamber. The soft snick of a door drew his head around.
A black-clad figure stood just inside the sitting room. If he didn’t know better, he would have been concerned. Instead, he pivoted, unable to keep from grinning.
She swept her hat off and set it on the writing desk as she’d done on her last visit. “I know you said it would be too late, but I had to come.” She cast off her gloves as well, setting them atop her hat.
“It is late, but not as late as I thought it would be. Miss Whitford, you should still be at the ball.”
“It was so boring.” She waved her hand and strode toward him. “And do call me Beatrix. It’s past time. I heard Bow Street is investigating you. You must tell me everything.” She took him by the hand and pulled him to the settee.
She sat, and he squeezed in beside her, pleased she’d chosen to sit with him here.
Angling herself toward him, she stared at him expectantly. “Well? Why didn’t you tell me Bow Street was conducting an inquiry?”