“God help us both.” Donald sighed. “You cannot let your desire for vengeance control you. Even if you do kill the earl, you’ll hang for it. And then what will happen to your beloved?” He paused, as if thinking for a moment. “Oh, that’s right. She’ll wed a man who’s worthy of her. An intelligent man who knows how to tie a cravat.”
The mention of Juliette stopped Paul cold. He had to do more, to become a man her family would be proud of.Shewas the reason he was attempting this façade. Juliette was his compass, guiding him toward his true purpose.
He straightened the lines of his jacket, lifting his chin. She belonged in gowns and jeweled finery. And although it felt like he was trying to put on a false face, he’d do it if it meant winning her.
“I’ll learn what I need to, to become your heir,” he said at last.
“Ifyou become my heir,” Donald corrected. “Finish your studies at the medical college, and make something of yourself first. The education will do you good. Afterward, you will learn how to handle the estates.”
He didn’t argue, for it was the chance he wanted, to live out his own dream of becoming a doctor.
“Thank you, Uncle,” he said at last. For hewasgrateful for the schooling.
His uncle squared his shoulders. “You have a great deal to learn, and you’ll have to learn it, even during your medical studies—else you’ll risk embarrassing yourself.” He eyed Paul as if he didn’t like what he saw. “You must attend social functions and do exactly as I tell you to. You must practice behaving properly. You need to learn how to infiltrate the ranks of the upper class.”
Paul had kept his word, learning everything his uncle had wanted him to. And now was his chance to put it all into practice.
He opened his bundle of clothing, staring at the black tailcoat and snowy white cravat he’d brought with him. If he behaved with enough arrogance, using the elegant clothes and presenting himself as a viscount’s heir, they might believe him. He needed to prove to Juliette and to her family that he could be the right husband for her.
Even if it meant transforming himself into a different man.
Chapter Six
“I’ve been wanting to visit Madame Benedict’s shop foryearsnow.”
Juliette hid her smile at Amelia’s thrilled excitement. She had agreed to take her younger sister with her, but with the solemn oath that there would be no mention whatsoever of their involvement in Aphrodite’s Unmentionables. A maid and a footman had also accompanied them, to help carry any parcels they might buy. Both servants kept a discreet distance from them in the shop, allowing them time together to speak.
“Do you suppose she has the corsets on display?” Amelia wondered aloud. “Or does she have them hidden in a secret part of the store?”
Juliette ignored the questions. “We’re here to find out which colors and designs are selling the best. Nothing more. Promise me you won’t breathe a word,” she whispered in her sister’s ear. “This isn’t only about us. It’s about Victoria’s reputation as well. If anyone found out about her involvement…”
“They won’t,” Amelia promised. But her face filled with delight as she saw other women speaking with the dressmaker, while Madame Benedict held out swatches of colored silks and satins. Her sister drank in the sight of the beautifully made frocks, and when she moved closer to the other women, Juliette could tell that Amelia was eavesdropping.
She didn’t fret over it, for perhaps her sister would learn something. In the meantime, her mind was fixated upon other possibilities. If her sisters each married well and she continued Aphrodite’s Unmentionables on her own, the profits would continue to grow over the years. Eventually, she might amass her own fortune.
One that would allow her to live close to her son.
At the moment, Matthew was heir to an earldom. After Juliette had learned she was pregnant, she’d sought help from her aunt and uncle. Charlotte had taken her away to have the baby and afterward had returned to London, claiming the child was hers. Lord Arnsbury had embraced the idea, recognizing the boy as his heir. Matthew would never know he was illegitimate. He had parents who adored him, a fine house to live in, the promise of an education, and a title.
It should have been enough.
And yet, it was slowly killing her to watch Charlotte raise the boy as her own. Although her aunt and uncle had been childless for years, seeing Matthew grow up with another woman as his mother was worse than she’d ever imagined. Each time she visited him, Juliette couldn’t repress the desire to get him back, though she knew it was futile.
Hearing her sisters talk about winning a husband, or whispering secrets in the dark about men and women, made her all the more determined never to face the same circumstances again. She would make a new life for herself, one that didn’t involve men.
Madame Benedict was now revealing undergarments to the ladies, one of whom was to be married in the next few weeks. She held out a corset of soft rose silk, embroidered with green.
“Now this one, my lady, is an exquisite creation, one that will support your daughter’s figure and enhance her beauty,” the dressmaker began. “See how soft it is.”
The young lady appeared fascinated by the material, and Amelia now made no secret of her interest. Inching her way closer, her sister said loudly, “It’s the most beautiful corset I’ve ever seen.”
“It’s entirely inappropriate.” The older matron dismissed it with a hand. “Show us something made of cambric or linen.”
“My mother gave me one for my birthday,” Amelia lied. “The silk is breathtaking against one’s skin. Why, I feel as if I’m wearing nothing at all.” She sighed happily, and the girl’s mother appeared aghast. Before she could snap out another refusal, Amelia continued, “Of course, it was frightfully dear, and I understand if it is too much of a luxury for you to afford. I suppose I’ll be very lucky if I receive another one when I am betrothed.”
“There is no luxury too dear for my daughter,” the matron responded in a huff. “She can have whatever she desires.” Gesturing toward the rose corset, she remarked, “She is going to marry a marquess, after all. She should wear garments befitting a lady of her station.”
Amelia nodded solemnly in agreement, then turned and winked at Juliette when the woman ordered three more sets of matching corsets, chemises, and petticoats. After they had left, Madame Benedict beamed at Amelia. “You are Lady Lanfordshire’s daughter, are you not?” With a broad laugh, the Frenchwoman added, “Lady Everett had no intention of buying unmentionables until you hinted that she could not afford them. I must thank you for the sales, mademoiselle.”
