Across the table, Georgiana lifted her eyes at him and they exchanged a brief moment of humor.
Cecily, dressed in a sage green silk frock that complemented her fair skin, focused intently on her peas.
Lavinia leaned in, mistaking interest for invitation. “Of course, had you brought me in earlier, I might have helped with the drawing room. My daughter’s design, while nice, is a touch…outdated. Poor dear. She should have been born in the last century.”
“I disagree,” James said. “She restored it perfectly. I couldn’t be happier with everything Georgie’s done.”
Lavinia blinked, then laughed, as though he were joking. “Aren’t you a gem? You must tell me the story of your first meeting. Did you know it was a woman who offered her services?”
The question was obviously meant to stir up trouble. This woman was good. That is, if slithering, poisonous snakes could be good.
“I was surprised but quickly understood that she was the best around, regardless of gender.” James smiled brightly at Lavinia, even though he wanted to strangle her.
“Isn’t that nice?” Lavinia asked. “At least I have Cecily. My last hope for grandchildren.”
Georgiana caught his eyes again, raising one brow.
“On another matter,” James said. “I am in need of your expertise, Lady Linley.”
“Whatever could you need from me?” Lavinia giggled like she was a schoolgirl instead of a woman in her forties.
“I have two tasks for which I feel ill-equipped.” He set down his fork and folded his hands. “I’ve decided to host a ball once the estate is fully restored. Something to mark the manor’s return to Society.”
Lavinia brightened like a chandelier. “A ball? How deliciously ambitious. But dear me, will your staff know what to do?”
“Mrs. Ellsworth helped plan many balls and parties when my father was still alive,” James said mildly. “But she has her hands full with running the house, hiring staff and all, so I was hoping I might hire someone to assist her. Someone schooled in the fine art of hosting such an affair? Someone tasteful and well-connected. Can you think of anyone?”
He let the words hang there, and Lavinia devoured them like sugar cubes.
“My dear Lord Ashford.” She set down her glass with a flutter. “You can count on me. I shall be honored to help.”
“Are you certain? You’re probably much too busy.” James picked up his fork, biting the inside of his mouth to keep from laughing.
“I am busy, of course, but never so much so that I would turn you down in your time of need. In fact, I am the perfect choice for such a momentous occasion. I know who to add to the guest list and how to decide a theme. It would keep me here for another few months, of course, but I don’t mind sacrificing my time for you.”
“Really?” James asked. “That’s awfully generous of you. I’ll pay, of course.”
“How distasteful to discuss money at the dining table,” Lavinia said. “But we can talk about all of that tomorrow. For now, I can assure you there’s no one better to plan a ball than myself. Oh, you should have seen some of the parties I threw when I was younger. They were always the talk of the Season.”
“I’m sure they were,” James said. “I’d be grateful if you can keep me from looking a fool in front of Society. This will be my first venture out and it must be perfect.”
Lavinia’s smile spread, victorious. “Well, then. I will rise to the occasion.”
“I could use your help with another matter,” James said.
Lavinia arched a brow. “Oh?”
“My wardrobe. As of now, I have nothing worthy of a gentleman. I need to be dressed from head to toe for day and night and everything in between. Since I have yet to hire a valet, would you be willing to help me? I can’t think of a finer choice than to use a woman of your exquisite taste.”
“I’d be thrilled,” Lavinia said at once, her voice an octave higher suddenly. “You are naturally handsome but a true gentleman must look the part. It is only a matter of refinement. Do you have a tailor?”
“There is one in town. I’ve already spoken to him and he knows a tall order’s coming,” James said.
“I’ll need a significant budget,” Lavinia said. “For the right fabrics and accessories.”
“I ask only that you do not dress me up as a dandy.”
“I wouldn’t think of it,” Lavinia said. “Nothing but pure elegancefor you.”
