She could sense it.
Though she didn’t yet know his name, she already resented this lord. It was the way his mouth tipped into half a smile and the assurance that shone in his eyes. This lord was very accustomed to getting his way.
And it occurred to her: she didn’t have to answer his question. Thewhy’s of her life were none of his concern.
“I must change into my next costume, so if you will please…” She shooed him away as one would a pesky fly. She’d miss her mark if she didn’t hurry, which would be the fifth time tonight. Which would get her a good yelling-at.Again.
The nob’s feet remained planted, and his smile didn’t slip a notch. “Why are you singing at the Five Graces?”
Truly, aristocrats could be incredibly stupid. “Why does anyone seek employment?” she asked, fumbling at her back for corset stays. He truly had no understanding of her world. “Money.” She gave up on the corset and slipped a man’s shirt over her head.
The nob continued staring at her, assessing. “But you’re special.”
She pulled up short, even as gratification snuck through her. Gratification she immediately suppressed. “I’m not special at all,” she said, jerking a pair of trousers up her legs. She was to play a lad in the next comedy bit.
The nob opened his mouth, looking for all the world intent on contradicting her, when Mr. Degrass, the Five Graces’ owner, shoved his massive girth behind the screen that Valentina had insisted upon for privacy. His gaze flicked toward the nob, and an obsequious smile spread across his face. “Why, Lord Archer, what a pleasant surprise to find you here. Are you enjoying the evening’s entertainments?”
LordArcher. She’d known it.
“I am, indeed,” said Lord Archer.
Mr. Degrass’s smile fell when it landed on Valentina. “Change of plan.”
“Oh?” She was hastily tucking shirt into trousers.
“Put on this dress.” He tossed her a garment.
Valentina held up the flimsy scrap of fabric. “But this isn’t a dress,” she said, slowly. “It’s a chemise.”
“Well, put it on, and be ready to go out again in five minutes.”
“I’ll need the dress,” she said, a suspicion creeping in.
“That is the dress.”
Just as she’d suspected. “Thisis an undergarment.”
She glanced at Lord Archer, for some reason embarrassed that he was witnessing this exchange. His smile had disappeared, and in its place was a face like thunder.
“You can’t have her go on the stage like that.” Hisvoice brooked no opposition.
Mr. Degrass gave Lord Archer his most patronizing smile. In the three days that Valentina had worked at the Five Graces, she’d come to know it well. “Lord Archer,” he began, “now you go back to your seat with Lord Kilmuir and enjoy the rest of the show. Leave the talent to me. I know how to handle this chit.”
Lord Archer’s gaze swung toward Valentina. “You don’t have to do what he says. You’re worth more than that.”
“What do you know of my worth?” she asked, exasperated.
“Only what I saw on stage. You were spectacular.”
“And that’s why we need to get her back on stage.” Mr. Degrass pointed out. “Wearingthat.”
Lord Archer shook his head, implacable. “With her talent, that’s hardly necessary.”
“Who’s talkin’necessary?” A laugh rumbled from the great depths of Mr. Degrass’s belly. “I’m talkin’ coin, milord. I mean, just look at her.”
Lord Archer’s gaze shifted toward Valentina and gave her a slow up-and-down that sent heat flushing through her.Appreciation, that was what she saw in his eyes. Since the age of sixteen, when her bosom had made its rather sudden and generous appearance, she’d been accustomed to such a look from the male gaze. She simply had that sort of figure and face. Mr. Degrass wasn’t saying anything she hadn’t half expected to hear.
But something more in Lord Archer’s gaze had a feeling stealing through her. A new feeling. It sparked through her all warm and light and slightly tingly.
