She blanched. “But nottooconvincing.”
“The other guests have to believe that we’re madly in love,” I said with a grin. “There will need to be some acting involved.”
Her features hardened, becoming more stern. “I will create a list of rules to ensure you don’t…take your role too far.”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked in an innocent voice.
“You know exactly what I mean.” She pointed an accusatory finger at me. “I won’t tolerate any flirting unless it’s done in public to add credibility to our attachment.”
“Very well.” I gave a resolute nod. “You may create your list of rules if it makes you more comfortable.”
“Good. I will share it with you in the morning.” She rubbed her hands over her skirts. “Lady Tottenham obviously already believes there is something between us. It won’t take a great deal to convince her of a deepened attachment.” The soft glow of the candlelight on her skin, and the way her curls fell over her brow tossed my stomach like a ship in a storm. Anne was the one that would take the most convincing, but I was determined.
“So we begin tomorrow?” I asked.
“I suppose…but what do we plan to do at breakfast? How shall we make our attachment clear enough? I haven’t the slightest idea of how to act.”
I gave her a reassuring smile. “You may leave that to me.”
CHAPTER 11
ANNE
Fake Courtship Rules
1. Flirting is only allowed with an audience.
2. No speaking of a future engagement or marriage.
3. No kissing, even in parlor games.
4. Acting must be kept within the bounds of propriety.
5.No unnecessary proximity.
6. The ruse must end no later than the adjournment of the house party.
I set down my quill, blowing the ink dry. I was fully aware of what I had agreed to the night before, but still, my stomach squirmed. I rubbed my dry eyes, already feeling the pull of fatigue. Sleep had evaded me, and for good reason. My stomach had been upset with a mixture of twenty three bite-sized pastries and dread over my new role as Alexander’s ‘counterfeit lover.’
I folded the list of rules and tucked it under one of my stockings. Jane had already come to arrange my hair and help me dress in my favorite red gown. I chose an orange ribbon for the waist, a mauve shawl, and a simple necklace. I even put a touch of rouge on my lips and cheeks. My bold choices seemed to have surprised Jane, but if I hoped to win Lady Tottenham’s favor, I could begin by dressing according to her preferences.
Since I had passed the test with the ‘peculiar feast’ the night before, I expected to find another clue in my bedchamber at some point that day. Before heading down to breakfast, I checked outside my door for any sign of another clue.
I found nothing.
I would have to check again later.
I had forgone my attempt at early morning reading since the last two had resulted in disaster. Staying in my room to write my list of rules had been much more productive, and had kept me safe from Lord Kirkham.
I paused outside the door. The voices within made a fresh surge of fear wash over me.You can do this, Anne. Be bold.I shook out my arms, desperate for even a drop of courage. Had I made a grave mistake? Pretending to court Alexander could have dangerous consequences. What if rumors escaped the house party? If Miles was greeted in London with gossip about our attachment, he would never see me again. I drew a deep breath, my heart racing. It was my weakness to make a disaster out of everything. The fake courtship could be entirely harmless. It could make the rest of the party bearable and entertaining, so long as Alexander kept my rules.
I reached for the door. My hand was shaking.
“Good morning.” A deep voice reached my ears from behind. My shoulder blades relaxed as Alexander stepped up beside me. His hand reached around me from behind, steadying my fingers on the doorknob.
“Good morning,” I managed. I glanced up at him.
His hair was combed away from his face. “Are you ready?” he asked. His voice was close to my ear, and I realized I wasn’t ready at all. My heart hammered, and I ducked under his arm.
