“Truly?” I asked. “You cannot tell them I am unwell?”
“I could, yes, but the Masquerade is the last event of the Season. Once it’s over you shall be free to dwell in darkened libraries at your every whim. But maybe tell me next time, so that I can keep watch for you? Conversing with Mr. Evergreen in such private perimeters will certainly raise suspicion, and God forbid if someone else walks in. What if I had been His Majesty?”
I sighed. “Yes. I know you’re right. But he’s so very pretty. Have you not seen him when he grins? I can’t help myself. And I don’t want to go to the Masquerade,” I said.
“No. Of course you don’t. You clearly have better things to do. Ha!”
We shared a fiendish giggle and then scurried off to my chamber.
Chapter 29
Josie brought the corset in tighter at my command.
“I must look amazing,” I said, bracing my hand to the boning as she worked. I took a sharp breath.
“You don’t need a dress for that,” she said with a tug. “You’re beautiful every day.”
“You have to say those things; I’m your employer.”
She tsked. “Is Mr. Evergreen your employee, too?” she asked.
“No. Why?” I glanced at her in the mirror. “Why? Did he tell you I looked amazing? When?”
“No,” she laughed, canting her head in thought. “But I do fancy myself somewhat of an observant woman and I’ve always maintained that the way he looks at you confirms my suspicions. He would agree with me. You’re beautiful.”
“Well. Hedoestell me I am beautiful,” I noted. “Speaking of, how are you and–” I breathed sharply. “Mm.”
“Are you alright?” she asked, pausing her knot.
“I, uh.” I tried to breathe deeply, but couldn’t. “Alright then, maybe alittlelooser.Oof!” She complied right away, slightly releasing the bodice. “Ahem. Thank you. I meant to ask, how are you and Daniel? Has my cousin kissed you yet?”
“No,” she said. She pulled the ribbon.
“That’s too tight,”I heaved. “Ugh. You’re going tighter, Jocelyn. I did say looser, didn’t I?”
Josie let out a small sound and began to work backward. “Your pardon, Svana.”
“I see we are upset about it then?” I asked.
She nodded. “Aye.”
“Well. No worries, I’m certain our Blade has explained his reasoning for resisting you by now?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Good, I’m glad he–”
“Well. Actually, no,” she said. “He hasn’t. Not really. He’s just told me that he can’t pursue things.”
“What?” I asked, horrified. “He hasn't told you why? Why he can’t pursue you?”
“It’s not his fault. It’s not as though I’ve asked directly,” she said.
“Have you told him how you feel?” I checked.
“I do think he knows,” she said. “I have been very obvious.”
“Maybe. And maybe he is the idiot I keep saying he is. Trust your instincts, Josie! They’re there for a reason.”
