Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“As you have done?”

“As I have done.” Edmond offered a stiff bow. “Good day.”

CHAPTER NINE

FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS, Brianna was fitted for the obscene number of gowns that Lady Aberlane insisted were necessary for the future Duchess of Huntley.

Morning gowns that were composed of jaconet muslin, as well as figured silks that were trimmed with lace and braid and ornamental satin flowers. Walking gowns with matching spencers and ermine-lined cloaks. There was a carriage gown in a ruby velvet and deliciously warm muff, not to mention an evening gown in a rich brown with gold buckles and a striped rose silk with a border of double tulle.

And, of course, no wardrobe would be complete without the exquisite satin ball gowns that cost enough to make Brianna’s head spin.

Not since her father’s untimely death had Brianna possessed such a profusion of elegant, sophisticated dresses.

It was not that her mother wished to keep Brianna in rags, but Sylvia had rarely realized that her daughter might be in need of a new wardrobe, and when she did, she preferred to have her own castoff dresses altered. The precious pin money she received from Thomas was needed to pay her gambling debts.

More than once, Brianna wondered if she should perhaps feel guilty at spending Edmond’s fortune with such reckless disregard. Granted he was the one who was forcing her into this charade of an engagement, but she had thrust her way into this house.

Such thoughts, however, were easily dismissed as she slowly realized that for the first time in over a year, she felt…almost happy.

Of course, if she were being perfectly honest, she would acknowledge that it was not the pretty gowns and shawls and feathered bonnets that brought a small smile to her lips as she sat at her dressing table and allowed Janet to fuss with her hair.

No, it was the slow, undeniable easing of the brutal grip of fear that had held her captive since her mother’s death. For the first time, Thomas Wade could not reach her. Not so long as she was safely hidden in the vast town house.

Despite the smaller staff, the London mansion was nothing less than a fortress. And since she was not allowed out the door without the hulking presence of Boris, she never had to worry about enjoying her shopping expeditions throughout London. Her stepfather was a fool, but not even he was stupid enough to dare an attempted kidnapping while she was under the constant eye of the ominous guard.

Then, there was Lady Aberlane’s pleasurable company. Who would not be distracted from their troubles by the woman’s charming prattle? It had been so long since Brianna had enjoyed the company of anyone beyond her faithful maid that it was a genuine joy to simply listen to the latest gossip over a cup of tea.

All quite reasonable explanations for her budding sense of comfort, but deep inside, she could not shake the sensation that it was directly connected to Edmond Summerville.

Ridiculous, of course. She had barely caught sight of the aggravating man over the past few days.

And yet, at the oddest moments she would recall Edmond as he hauled the bleating Thomas from his home, or when he flatly refused to allow her to leave the town house without Boris at her side, or holding her tightly in his arms as she shivered with her first taste of passion….

Brianna brought a sharp halt to her wayward t

houghts. It had been three nights since she had tasted of Edmond’s practiced seduction. Three nights of dwelling incessantly on the astonishing sensation of his fingers touching her with such intimate skill, of recalling the explosion of pleasure that had left her weak and shaken long after he had retreated through the secret door.

Tonight would be her first to brave London society. She would need her wits firmly about her if it were not to end in disaster.

“There, now,” Janet murmured, stepping to the side to admire Brianna’s hair, coiled into an intricate knot atop her head with tiny curls brushing against her temple. “Perfect.”

“Hardly perfect, but it is a beautiful gown.” Rising to her feet, Brianna smoothed her hands down the white lace gown worn over an Indigo-blue sarsnet slip. The bodice was cut far lower than any she had worn before, with full, puffed sleeves set well off her shoulders. At the hem were tiny satin roses matching those threaded through her auburn curls. “Lady Aberlane possesses exquisite taste.”

“’Tis not the dress that will be attracting the attention of the ton, no matter how fine it might be.”

“That is true enough, Janet. There will not be a soul in all of London who is not avid to catch a glimpse of the Duke of Huntley’s fiancée. I shall feel like an animal in the Royal menagerie.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. “Let us hope that I shall not do anything to embarrass poor Stefan.”

Janet snorted as she studied Brianna with her hands on her full hips. “I meant that ye have never been more beautiful. As lovely as a vision.”

“A vision, indeed,” a dark voice murmured from the doorway.

With a squeak of surprise, Brianna whirled as Edmond calmly entered her private chamber.

She wanted to believe it was surprise that was causing her heart to leap and her body to tingle with a rash of excitement, but surprise could not explain why her gaze lingered on his tall form, which was shown to magnificent advantage by the white knee breeches and fitted black jacket that had been matched with a silver waistcoat. Or why her fingers yearned to run a path through the satin darkness of his hair. Or why she was wishing that he had entered her bedchambers for something other than escorting her to a soiree.

A blush stained her cheeks as she realized that Edmond’s dark, knowing gaze had not missed the emotions flitting over her expressive features, and that he was well aware of her thoughts.

“Really, Edmond, you cannot simply walk into my private rooms,” she snapped, annoyed that she was flustered by a mere glance.