Maddie narrowed her eyes. “And how do you know all this?”
Ashley’s lips curved. “You’re not the only one who reads.”
She gestured toward Maddie’s little apothecary collection on the shelf. “And how doyouknow so much about tonics and tinctures?”
“It’s just for personal benefit.” Maddie dismissed the topic swiftly. No one needed to know every detail of what ailed her—especially not during the warmer months. She breathed freely only in winter, when the flowers were gone and the world quieted. This was her season.
“You’re always full of surprises,” Ashley said softly.
Maddie smiled.
They’d known each other for years, though lately, Ashley had been swept away in the glow of love and impending marriage. Even now, standing beside her, Ashley practically shimmered with love and contentment.
She could hardly believe she had once worried Ashley was rushing into a disaster. But no. She’d chosenright.
Her mother’s words flashed across her mind.
How could I have given birth to such an odd daughter? You have nothing to recommend you, Madeleine, except your dowry. Be glad our family has a fortune. Otherwise, who would even look at you?
Maddie glanced at her reflection.
No. She was more than a dowry. She had knowledge, wit, and friends.
She squared her shoulders.I can do this.
“I’m not just going to fall into his arms like one of those swooning geese,” Maddie muttered, tugging at her bodice. “He’ll have toearnmy kiss.”
“Ah, so we’ve moved from bashful to bold,” Ashley said, crossing her arms. “That should be more than enough to win that man. His heart is another matter since I’m not convinced he’s in possession of one. I just hope love can transform him.”
“I don’t know yet,” Maddie said primly. “But Imustfind out.”
Ashley arched a brow.
“I just… I’llfeelit. In my bones. There’ll be a shiver. A spark.” Maddie swept her hands across her body, dramatically tracing the air. Somehow the duke didn’t come to mind, though.
Ashley smirked. “And you’re certain Paisley, the dreadfully scheming gamblerPaisleycan manage that spark? I still have my doubts.”
“Of course.” Maddie hesitated. “He’s a duke. He’s likely been very well educated.”
And probably kissed a hundred girls.
The thought made her stomach drop.How would sheknowwhat a perfect kiss felt like unless she tried it?
And if she tried it, well, that was a different sort of ruin entirely.
A knock rapped on the door.
“May I come in, or shall I brace myself for a scandalous display of chemises and corsets?” Charlene’s familiar voice called from behind the door.
“Char!” Maddie called, laughing.
“About time,” Ashley said with a grin. “Took you long enough.”
“Oh, hush. Rotheworth and I had a moment.” Charlene swept into the room, curls bouncing like the heroine of a romantic novel. “I came straight in search of you when I heard the gowns had arrived. Oh, you lookravishing,” she declared, halting mid-step to beam at Maddie. “I’m almost of a mind to swoon.”
Ashley pulled Charlene closer. “She will steal everyone’s gaze tonight.”
Maddie scoffed. “For your sakes, I hope not. How many bachelors are here tonight? One? Two?”
