“I didn’t mean—”
“But it was an achievement,” he overrode her.“My brother is not over fond of feminine company.And now you have my interest captured.You are quite out of the ordinary way, you know.”
Eleanor attempted to regain a light tone.“I think I should ignore the implications of that remark.”
“Why?”he asked coolly.“Do you seek to be one of the common herd?If so, I see problems ahead, for I emphatically do not.”
There was a considerable silence and then Eleanor said, “I need to think about that a lot.Do I understand I have to shape myself in your image?”
He sat up, almost offending her modesty, a keen light in his eyes.“Is that what I said?I can see many enjoyable discussions with you, my sweet.You always put your finger on the point.And to answer your question, I don’t think I want to force you into my mold.I cannot imagine you developing into an Eleanor I would not like.”
Having dropped this bombshell he went on, “Now, dear lady, avert your eyes if you must, for I am going to beat a hasty retreat while I still can.”
Still struggling with what he had said, Eleanor did not avert her eyes.She was fascinated to see that the brown on his beautiful body, though of varying shades, covered him entirely.
Once he had gone, she lay back to think over the whole conversation and occupied herself that way until Jenny came with her morning chocolate.She had to admit that her husband was fast becoming her private obsession.
When she went downstairs to the breakfast room, newly brought into use, she found her husband had just finished his meal.He stayed a moment to talk to her.
“Do you have any idea which modiste you will patronize, Eleanor?”
“I do not know any, I’m afraid.Nor do I have any idea how much I may spend on clothes.”
He smiled.“All you wish.You won’t bankrupt us unless you take to gambling for very high stakes.I will be happy to put my ill-gotten gains to use in your adornment.”
That gave Eleanor cause to wonder just where his money had come from.Had Lord Stainbridge been lying when he said his brother was modestly circumstanced?
When she spoke, however, she merely said, “I fear it will be expensive if you wish me to be fashionable.I have no faith in these stories of clever little women who can create ball gowns out of old sheets, and if they are so gifted it seems paltry indeed not to pay them what they are worth.”
“Honest, too,” he said approvingly.“You are a pearl without price.If you will be advised by me, you will go to Madame Augustine d’Esterville.”He wrote down an address and flicked the card over to her.“Unlike many, she really is French, though I doubt the validity of the de.She is an artist and chooses her clients carefully.I believe she will accept you.She has a fondness for me, and I have been a good customer in the past.”He grinned.“I have no shame, have I?”
“No, none,” she agreed amiably.
He rose.“Kit sent a message.There is a formal family dinner planned for next week, but if I were you, I would be prepared for a visitation of the aunts at any time, maybe even today.”
“Today?”Eleanor exclaimed.
“Rather importunate, but they do believe we have had our honeymoon abroad.I have these two aunts, you see, who cannot bear not to be the first in anything.They will both turn up at the earliest possible moment.I’ve asked Kit to come over this afternoon, in case.I will be here myself if I can.”He dropped a light kiss on her cheek and was gone.
Eleanor sat still, in a quiet panic.She had forgotten he had a family and that his family would want to inspect an unannounced intruder.What would they make of her?What could they make of her?A woman past her prayers—and with a notorious brother—who had married the younger son of their noble house in mysterious circumstances.Abroad…
And her support on this occasion was to be the man who had raped her.
She was very inclined to rescind the invitation to Lord Stainbridge but decided, on this occasion at least, his usefulness might outweigh her repugnance.
There was also the question of her husband’s business, which kept taking him away from hearth and home.He was not, after all, in politics, nor did he have estates or business to manage.She feared his business could only be his French mistress.
Despite her resolve to treat such matters with a level head, Eleanor felt very inclined to smash the delicate china.
With resolution, she pushed the matter aside and applied herself to her breakfast.She could do nothing but endure it, and she had long since learned not to fight hopeless battles.
Instead she returned her thoughts to the family invasion and how to face it.She must do something about her appearance.She might as well visit the modiste recommended by Nicholas, though any gowns ordered there would take some time to arrive.Perhaps Madame Augustine would be able to recommend a passable purveyor of ready-made gowns.
She and Jenny drove out to the address on the card.The modiste proved to be everything Nicholas had promised, even if discreetly curious about Nicholas Delaney’s bride.Eleanor gave nothing away except an order for a complete wardrobe.She was thrilled to leave with two ready-made gowns, which the woman assured her were a vast improvement on her current wardrobe.Eleanor did not doubt it and did not enquire too closely into their magical appearance.If some other customer had to wait a day or two extra, so be it.
As Madame Augustine also provided all accessories other than bonnets, and had her business but two doors from an excellent milliner, Eleanor was fully equipped when she returned home.
She immediately changed into a clear green afternoon gown that was accompanied by cream slippers and a fine paisley shawl a full eight feet long.The outfit certainly did wonderful things for her.The color made her skin glow and the cut gave surprising grace to her figure.The fabric was a little fine for so early in the year, and the bodice was a trifle low.She suppressed a desire that the shawl be a little more substantial and told herself she could have the fires built up instead.
