“You’re right.” His tone carried a hint of admiration.
“I see little point scouring the streets in the hope of spotting Lord Cunningham. Perhaps we could call at your solicitor’s office while we decide what to do?”
A part of her was eager to bring the business of Morton Manor to a swift conclusion. In all likelihood, there had been a mistake, and she would have no choice but to travel north before Jeremy caught up with her. A part of her wanted to delay, wanted to let the dream of owning a home of her own live a little longer in her heart.
“We shall call at the office first thing in the morning. Mr Jameson is away, and so we must meet with his colleague, Mr Wild, to determine your course of action.” The earl’s piercing blue eyes travelled the length of her shabby dress, visible beneath the opening of her travelling cloak. “In the meantime, we will return to Stanton House and find you something more suitable to wear.”
Nicole brushed the green muslin skirt. The faded material was worn in places but would suffice for a visit to the solicitor. “I doubt Mr Wild will care what I’m wearing.”
“No, I doubt he would. But I fear Lady Chatwell may take umbrage at your lack of effort this evening. The mistress of an earl must dress accordingly whilst out in society.”
This evening? A hard lump formed in Nicole’s throat.
“You expect me to attend Lady Chatwell’s ball?” She clenched her clammy hands tight as her heart slammed against her ribs. Jeremy had refused to pay for her come out. She would be out of her depth, swimming against the tide, drowning in her own inadequacy.
“How else are we to question Cunningham? If he plans to elope with Rose, he will avoid me for fear I might call him out.”
Why would a man attend social engagements if he was planning to elope?
“But I cannot go to a ball.” Nicole put her hand to the base of her throat. While Jeremy was unlikely to attend, Lord Mosgrove never missed an opportunity to strut about in public like a peacock. A frisson of fear shot through her at the thought of the lecherous oaf spotting her amongst the crowd. “As you well know, I have nothing suitable to wear.”
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“Rose has an armoire full of beautiful gowns. You may wear one of those.”
While she could excuse the earl’s ignorance for ladies fashions, surely he’d dallied with enough women to know they came in all shapes and sizes. “It may have escaped your notice, but Rose is slender. Whereas I am more … more …”
“Voluptuous?” he said as a sinful smile graced his lips. “No, I am more than aware of the differences between you, Miss Flint. But a mistress flaunts her figure. She does not hide it beneath a mound of material.”
“Oh, I see.” Heat rose to her cheeks. She had no intention of squashing into a gown that was far too small to be decent. And even if she found something suitable, being seen on the earl’s arm would bring her nothing but trouble. “As you’ll not find Rose at Lady Chatwell’s ball, you have no need of my assistance. I shall wait in the carriage, for it would make more sense for us to follow the lord once he leaves. At a ball, we are liable to lose him in the crush.”
He sat back and rubbed his chin. “Most women of your status would like nothing more than an opportunity to mingle amongst the ladies of society.”
“Most women of my status do not want people to think they're warming an earl's bed for money.”
“So you would never agree to be a man’s mistress?”
“Never.”
“Did you not agree to be mine?”
He was teasing her again.
“I agreed to act the part should anyone see us out together.”
The earl moistened his lips as his hungry gaze caressed her body. “Then perhaps we should forget about going home. If I keep you out until dawn someone is bound to notice us.”
A small part of her was tempted to accept the invitation, flattered that he was interested enough to pursue the matter. “You may keep me out until dawn, but I’ll not leave this carriage.”
He shrugged. “It can get rather hot in here.”
“I’m sure it can.” She pursed her lips to suppress a smile.
“Are you always so stubborn?”
She nodded. “Annoyingly so.”
He folded his arms across his chest as he considered her reply. “Were there not more pressing matters to attend to, I might put you to the test. But for now, I shall have to be content with taking you home.”