“Exactly.” Lady Brookes nodded. “Make it obvious that you want what he wants. That you are open to giving it to him.”
“You should laugh at what he says. If he makes a joke, laugh as though it were the funniest thing.” Henrietta demonstrated, laughing at an imagined joke in a way that made Vivian’s insides squirm.
Her mother shook her head. “No, giggle. That will make you seem younger, more naïve.”
“But you just said I should not seem naïve,” Vivian pointed out.
“In some things, naivety is good and proper.” Her mother massaged her temples with her fingertips. “In others, it is not.”
The clock struck ten, making all of them jump. Vivian’s heart leaped into her throat, and she clutched at her stomach. Her head swam, and she felt a vice around her chest that had nothing to do with the tightness of her corset.
“Henrietta, instruct the butler to bring the Marquess to the drawing room.” Lady Brookes gestured to the maid, who curtsied and rushed from the room.
Vivian swallowed, wishing her mouth were less dry. Her mother linked an arm through hers and pulled her from the room, whispering incessantly as they made their way toward the room where her betrothed would be waiting.
“Talk about the things that interest him. Listen to his stories. Make him feel important,” her mother muttered. “Touch him. Not too much, just a gentle brush of your fingers.”
She demonstrated, and Vivian felt her cheeks flush such a deep shade of scarlet at the thought of doing such a thing to the Marquess that she was sure she would burst into flames.
“Smile. No, not like that. Like you have a secret that is only for you to know and for him to find out.” Her mother looked at Vivian’s attempt and sighed. “I suppose that will have to do.”
They were nearly at the door. Vivian could barely hear the sound of their footsteps above the steady thundering of her heart.
“I will ensure that you and the Marquess are given some time alone.”
“Alone?” Vivian’s eyes widened. “But we are not yet married?—”
“But you will be. And this will allow you to do as I have instructed you.” Her mother gestured to the door. “Thirty minutes should be more than sufficient. Now, remember what you need to do—I do not intend to let this chance slip through our fingers.”
Before Vivian could say another word, her mother had flung open the drawing-room door and pushed her inside, closing it behind her.
At the sound, Lord Elington turned to face her. He had been standing near the window, and as he turned around, the sunlight streamed across his face.
He was even more handsome in the light of day. His chiseled jaw was powerful, like a Greek statue. His blue eyes seemed to take in everything around him as though the world was a book thatwas his to read. He arched an eyebrow at her, canting his head toward her as the corner of his lips quirked upward.
A kiss, Vivian.Her mother’s words filled her head, and she swallowed, forcing her gaze from his lips to his eyes. She tried to remember what her mother and Henrietta had said as she moved further into the room and dropped into a curtsy.
“Lady Vivian.” Lord Elington swept into a low bow. “I apologize for calling on you at such short notice, but with the papers writing about us, it seemed best I speak to you and your family as soon as possible. I trust it has not inconvenienced you too much?”
“Oh, of course not. I doubt that a visit from you could ever be an inconvenience.” She attempted to flutter her eyelashes at him. “I would say it is rather the opposite.”
Vivian watched Lord Elington’s face, hoping to see some sign that he had heard her compliment, but he gave away nothing. He nodded and looked toward the door. “How gracious. I suspect your parents will not be quite so forgiving. After all, this is not how I planned on breaking the news of our engagement.”
“My mother was a little surprised, but I doubt she will hold it against you. After all, it was not as though you leaked it to the press yourself.” She tilted her head toward him, and a lock of hair fell across her face. “Besides, you are a marquess, and that affords you some leniency as far as my parents are concerned.”
“Still, I do not like it when things do not go according to plan.” Lord Elington curled his hands into fists. “I will make sure this does not happen again; you have my word.”
“I am sure you will do everything in your power to see this fixed.” She batted her eyelashes at him again, raising the pitch of her voice slightly as she let her hand rest on her chest.
How do people do this?
Lord Elington’s brow furrowed. “Is something the matter with your eyes, Lady Vivian? You seem to be blinking rather a lot.”
“No, I… Never mind.”
Is it possible to die of embarrassment?She swallowed and straightened, gesturing to the tea set on the table. “Would you care for some tea… Thomas?”
She managed not to wince as she said his name, her insides roiling at the familiarity. She saw his eyes widen and thought the corner of his mouth quirked upward.
