Anthony’s shadow in the lantern light fell over her. “Allow me.”
When she looked up at him, the lantern’s glow highlighted the gold strands of his hair, making him appear like a sun god. “Do you know how to lace up boots?” She held out the boot in question.
“As a matter of fact, I do.” Taking the boot from her, he knelt.
She lifted her skirts up to her knee, and he slipped the boot on, then expertly tied it. As he did the same with the other, her curiosity wouldn’t let her remain silent. “How do you know how to do that?”
He rose, a comfortable smile on his face. “My nephew, Darius’s son. I’ve laced his boots for him on occasion.”
“You’ve spent such time with him?” That surprised her, as the brothers’ relationship seemed strained at best.
“I have…when my brother is not about.”
When he didn’t elaborate, she didn’t ask anything further. Instead, she took a dagger from the bed and slipped it into her right boot. Then, rising, she picked up the other dagger and dropped it into the sheath sewn in her left pocket, since shecould wield them with either hand. When she’d finished, she stepped into the center of the room. “I believe I’m ready for dinner.” She turned around in a slow circle.
Anthony shook his head then walked to the bed and lifted the necklace she’d forgotten. “Not yet. We must show everyone that I spend my fortune on you.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Of course, a sign of ownership.” It bothered her more in this setting than in the drawing rooms of London’s elite, where wives had status.
He stepped behind her and laid the cool metal on her chest to secure it at the back. “Remember, Lissa, this is only a role.”
She swallowed down her irritation. “Yes, of course.”
When he stepped back, he offered his arm. “Let us join the others and see what we can learn.”
She gave him a seductive smile. “About our host or the activities to ensue?”
“Both will be of benefit to us, don’t you think?”
She set her hand upon his arm. “I do.”
As soon as they entered the corridor, they encountered another couple going to dinner. Both seemed in a jovial mood, which made it much easier to get into the spirit of the party. All four of them entered the parlor together, Anthony pulling her to the right once inside. She glided along with him, used to his strange habit. He’d once told her it was to scout the territory, something he’d done since serving as an investigator for the Bow Street Runners.
The other couple moved into the room, immediately seeing others they knew. Anthony leaned in. “The blond man by the tall window is Viscount Leighhall.”
Lissa studied the man. He was broad but more slender than Anthony, and almost as tall, with sharper features. His brows were thin and rose in a point. His straight nose ended in a bit of a bulb. Beneath it were clefts above and below his lips, easy tosee, as he was clean shaven. His very short hair revealed rather large ears, which accentuated the oval shape of his face. Overall, he made a striking figure. “He is attractive, and if his manners are equally inviting, I can see why he has no problem finding a bedmate.”
Anthony looked at her. “It is good to have an opinion of a woman, as I see him as no more handsome than Buswick there by the fireplace or Rothbury next to the writing desk.”
“I understand, as I would not know if Delilah were prettier in the eyes of a man than Alice.” She looked from the obviously sophisticated blonde woman to the red-haired one from earlier who sat on a wingback chair, one leg thrown over the arm. Of course, that could be because her arse still hurt.
“I assure you, mademoiselle, there is none here who could take my attention from you.”
At Anthony’s overly exaggerated comment, she chuckled and placed her hand on his shoulder even as she looked to her right to find a couple had moved near. “Anthony, you need not turn my head with flattery. My heart belongs to you.”
“Oh, Lord Buswick. Please, allow me to introduce you to Daguette. My dearest Daguette, this is Lord Buswick.”
Lissa surmised things were less formal in this setting. “Lord Buswick, it is lovely to meet you.”
The lord gave a nod. “And Lord Bellamore, may I introduce Violet?”
Violet had hair of deep auburn and blue eyes so dark they did indeed appear violet. The woman gave a soft smile to Anthony before facing Lisette. “I have not seen you here before.”
“I have not been here before. I do hope you can tell me what to expect.”
The woman gave her a wide smile. “I will do so with pleasure.”
“Daguette, I’d like to introduce you to our host before we settle in making new friends.”
