Harriet found herself wanting to learn more of this woman that Jeremy had been enamored with six months before, but she would not upset Dorothy further. She pushed her bodice down to her waist as the maid began to undo her corset.
Just then, the door of the room burst open, and Jeremy swept in like a gale.
“They’re early! Damnation, but they’re early! Dorothy, go and find Mr. Atkins and inform him that our guests are arriving imminently. Now!”
Dorothy all but bolted as the duke crossed to the window, slamming his fist against the stone sill in frustration.
“It was sheer luck I happened to be in the north tower with a clear view of the road. I saw their carriage approaching. Who in this county attends an occasion early for heaven's sake?”
He turned back to Harriet and faltered at her state of undress. She had calmly continued to remove her dress and was now folding it neatly. His eyes widened.
“You are not dressed?”
“Evidently,” she returned. “Only just noticed, have you?”
She stood in corset and petticoat, which under his gaze felt far more indecent than bare skin. Heat flared in her cheeks. The cool air ghosting over her body made her feel completely nude before his penetrating eyes.
“Harriet,” he began, stepping closer, “I needn’t remind you of the importance of this evening.”
There was such intensity in his eyes that Harriet felt the urge to step away, as though that fire might burn her.
God’s grace, what can be so important about a property? There are many, if they do not wish to sell to you, then buy another!
Steeling herself, she stood firm.
“All I understand is what you have told me. Now, if you wish me to hurry, then bring back Dorothy; else help me yourself.”
For the briefest of seconds, she braved his gaze and felt as though she were fighting a war. Finally, he nodded once, and she turned her back to him, lifting her tresses from the nape of her neck.
“I must replace this corset with the one designed for the dress I have chosen. Could you finish undoing it for me?”
The back of her neck tingled, bare to him. Could she feel the heat of his nearness on her skin? Did his fingers just graze her hair? Was that a slow breath, drawn as if to taste her? Dozens of thoughts sent her heartbeat skittering. Her pulse thudded in her ears, and she forced herself to hold her composure—breathing slow, even. Determined to betray nothing of the thrill coiling low in her belly.
The old corset came away, and she reached for the one meant for her new gown, wrapping it around herself.
“Tie it tight,” she instructed, acutely aware of his cool hands against her back.
She stood stock still as he drew the laces in.
“This would take some time to undo,” he whispered wryly. “A man might lose his ardor and fall asleep.”
Harriet laughed despite herself. “Not a problem you and I shall face.”
There was a moment of silence, and in that flicker, she heard the unintentional double edge to her words. She kept her gaze lowered, finishing the rest of her dressing without comment. Jeremy stepped back once the corset was secured, only to move in again to fasten the buttons of her gown.
Those fractals of silent contact sent thrills through Harriet's body. She finally examined herself in the mirror above the dressing table, admiring the fine fabric and its color.
“The lady this was made for was extremely lucky,” she whispered.
Her eyes met Jeremy's in the mirror. The question hung between them unspoken. From somewhere below came the rumble of a carriage.
“The Winchesters have arrived. We must go down and greet them,” he uttered, offering his arm.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The carriage came to a halt outside the village of Danbury. Jeremy leaned out of the window, looking along the lane that led towards Oaksgrove. The woods containing the grove were visible, as were the chimneys of the house itself.
Damn you, Ralph, for making this so difficult. I must wait in secret for your sister to be smuggled out of the house lest your spies report back to you.
