“Yes, these are dishes fit for a queen. My nana will want to meet the chef, of course.”
“I…yes. I will stay in the kitchen until—”
“You’ll attend the dinner party as my honored guest.”
The breath stilled in her throat. “I cannot, my lord!”
He lifted a brow. “Is not this the opportunity you wanted?”
It is. Georgianna’s thoughts reeled with the possibilities and the number of clients she might secure.
“I’ve already commissioned a dinner gown for you…with assorted frippery and unmentionables, along with a shoe.”
Her lips parted, but no words emerged. She understood his intentions. The earl did not want to hide her in the kitchen but proudly have her display the artwork of food she had created for those who had questions.
A small smile tugged at his mouth. “They have been delivered to your room.”
A simple glance into Daniel’s eyes was enough to tear her open, allowing inside the unbearable longing. Her heart was pounding so loudly that she could hear nothing else. “I…I do not know what to say.”
“There is no need to say anything, Miss Heyford.” He dipped into a small bow and walked away.
“My lord!”
He paused without facing her.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
The earl made no reply and continued on to his meeting. Georgianna tore off the apron and hastened above stairs to her guest chamber. Three large boxes were laid out on the bed. Her fingers prickled, and she curled them into a fist to fight the temptation to rip into the boxes. She took her time, lifting the lid of the first to stare at the most exquisite golden gown she had ever seen. It was made of soft, flowing silk with silk satin and a darker golden draper. The bodice was even lined with ecru silk taffeta. It must have cost the earl a fortune to have something this lovely commissioned in such a short time. Georgianna suspected that he might have started the commission before he even invited her to town.
The second box revealed silken stockings, a beautiful pair of dancing shoes, supple hand gloves; even a bustle had been set up in the corner of her room.
She sat heavily on the bed, an ache rising inside her throat, silent tears trailing down her cheeks.Oh God, I wish you…me…I wish we were real.
…
Georgianna had never appeared more beautiful. Earlier as she’d stared at herself in the cheval mirror, awe had suffused her body. The gown delivered by the earl fitted her body perfectly, and she’d appeared resplendent, sheathed in the dark golden ballgown that hugged sensually to her figure, and her rich, dark chestnut hair piled high atop her head in an artful coif.
Taking a deep breath, she entered the palatial dining room, hovering in the shadows, keenly observing. A small orchestra set played music in the background of the large drawing room that had been reorganized for tonight’s feast. There were at least thirty people present, ladies and gentlemen arrayed in splendor. No doubt it lingered in Georgianna’s mind that they belonged to the elite families of thehaut ton. Nerves pitched through her, and she took a deep breath. The visual beauty of the food was arresting. Murmurs of appreciation swept through the small crowd, and the grand dowager’s expression was one of genuine delight.
Smiling, she sauntered over to the two long tables that had her array of food on tasteful and exquisite display. There were several undercooks in the kitchen, waiting to carry out the dishes that could not have been arranged in aservice à la francaisefashion.
“This is most incredible,” the grand dowager duchess said, delight glowing in her green eyes. She glanced at the earl. “I have never seen a feast presented so beautifully. Praises to the chef.”
“You may compliment the chef in person, Nana.”
Daniel turned to her, and awareness kissed over her skin at the flare of heat in his gaze. The earl stared at her, and she blushed when his grandmother arched a brow, her lips forming a moue of curiosity as her stare volleyed between them.
“Nana, allow me to present our chef for tonight, Miss Georgianna Heyford. Miss Heyford, the Grand Dowager Countess of Stannis.”
She dipped into an elegant curtsy. “Very pleased to make your acquaintance, your ladyship.”
Green eyes so much like her grandson’s landed on Georgianna. “I am simply astonished and impressed by your talent, Miss Heyford, and your graces.”
“Thank you, your ladyship.”
The countess came over, and similar introductions were affected. Georgianna felt as if she floated as she met several members of thehaut ton, who flattered her creativity and skills. The champagne flowed along with the laughter and facile chatter of the guests. The earl paid no particular attention to her, but she could feel his gaze upon her body as she made the rounds with his guests, answering their questions about the food and the tastes they were experiencing.
A Mr. Gervase, a hotelier visiting from the United States of America, offered her a job.
