“How very selfless of you.”
Constance frowned, but then she realized he was teasing her, the twinkle in his dark eyes causing her toes to curl beneath the blankets. “So, what is the purpose of all of this?” she asked.
“I believe that we discussed all that last night.”
She crossed her arms, her fare temporarily forgotten as she tilted her head to the side. “Don’t tell me this is some sort of courting attempt?”
He lifted one shoulder. “Call it what you like, but yes, that does sound appropriate.”
Constance couldn’t help but laugh. In nearly four decades, she’d never been properly wooed by a potential suitor. Granted, she’d been showered with some of the finest gowns and jewels that money could buy, but only if she offered herself in return. But Devin was only asking for her trust, and eventually her heart.
The problem was that she wasn’t even sure if she was in full possession of it to give away.
And for some reason, that made her sad.
Pushing aside her melancholy, Constance concentrated on her meal. As she devoured her last bite, the fork hadn’t even fully left her mouth before Devin stood up and announced, “Are you ready for your next surprise?”
She eyed him warily, but he looked so hopeful and excited that she couldn’t refuse. “All right.” She clasped her hands in her lap as he removed the tray and set it on a nearby table.
As he reached out for her hand, and helped her to stand, she said, “I hope you don’t think we’re leaving the house.” She waved a hand. “As you can see, I’m not properly dressed.”
He offered a scandalous wink. “That is about to change.”
He walked over to the door to admit her maid, who was conveniently standing on the other side. Constance merely shook her head. She was the one who was paying to let this house and the servants who were in it, and yet, they seemed to be in on Devin’s little plan.
“I’ll be right back,” Devin instructed. He left, only to return a short time later with a box in his grasp.
“You bought me a dress?” She blurted. Constance instantly thought of the day she’d saw him walking along Bond Street. She hadn’t imagined at the time that the item had been intended for her.
He rubbed his chin. “In a fashion.” He handed it to her. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to keep it, of course. But I’d like it if you wore it just this once.”
Constance decided right then, that it didn’t matter if it was a hideous shade of puce, she would never dispose of it. The idea he had personally chosen something for her was worth more than the finest silks and satins her former paramours had showered upon her, for they had purchased them with no actual thought to her likes or dislikes.
She took the box and headed for the bed where she laid it on top. With a solemn breath, she lifted the lid, gasping when a light blue muslin dress was revealed. She carefully lifted it out and stared at the simple, yet perfect design. There were no adornments, no lace around the cuffs, or pearls sewn into the bodice.
It was just perfectly… perfect.
Tears actually stung her eyes, and she realized it had been years since she’d been so moved when it came to something so material. It was infinitely more special than anything else she’d ever had, because it was a gift given freely without the expectation of anything in return—unless, of course, she wished it.
When she could be assured that her voice wouldn’t crack, she said, “It’s lovely. Did Madame Elodie design it?”
“No.”
When nothing else was forthcoming, Constance frowned. But then, as she glanced at the dress and then back at him, she remembered the day she’d caught him on a ladder repairing the canopy above his bed. But surely… “Don’t tell me that you made this?”
He gave a mock wince. “I’m quite offended that you didn’t think I was that accomplished. I can also play the pianoforte and paint with watercolors if the occasion calls for it.” He grinned broadly now. “I know I’m not Madame Elodie, but I didn’t think it was too terrible for my first ladies’ fashion. It was actually easier than sewing a pair of men’s trousers.” When she just stared at him, he explained, “Less seams.”
As if his ability with a needle and thread was the reason she was speechless. She looked back at the dress and shook her head. While that didn’t explain his reason for being on Bond Street, it didn’t really matter.
“You’re remarkable.”
Devin stilled. It wasn’t so much what Constance said, as the reverent way she uttered the word, as if he was the true angel in the room, the heavenly, celestial being that she was finally able to see on her own.
Unfortunately, it couldn’t be further from the truth. While Devin had chosen to carve out a better path for himself, leaving the life of thievery and criminal activity behind, if Constance knew everything that he had done in that colony just to survive… she might never look at him without disgust on her face ever again.
But since he didn’t want to bring up that old drudgery, intent on having a good day with the woman who held his heart, he said, “Meet me downstairs in the foyer when you’re ready.”
“We’re going somewhere?” she asked hesitantly. “Are you sure that’s wise? Especially after what happened last night?”
