After finishing Anna’s hair, Emmie helped her friend brush the gown to free it from the few wrinkles it had gathered. This pink ball dress of Emmie’s had always been one of her favorites.The silk sensation had a deep v-cut in the bodice, which she thought made her chest look fuller. Of course, the slim waist and the billowy sleeves of white lace had always made her look elegant. But now, as a different woman was wearing it, it disappointed Emmie a little, because the dress actually looked better on her friend.
She tried not to think about all the parties and functions Anna had been invited to while they were visiting. Emmie would have to stand back and watch her friend be swept away by men on the dance floor. Then again, this could be a good thing. Emmie wouldn’t have to hear their lies when they promised her the moon and stars on a silver platter. She wouldn’t have people bowing and curtsying every time she walked by, and they wouldn’t treat her as if she was precious glass just because her father was the earl. She reminded herself again that the disguise as a lady’s companion couldn’t be more perfect.
Anna picked out one of the fancier dresses for Emiline to wear tonight. The shimmering gray material was pretty, but just like the dress she had worn earlier, this one practically hung on her. The modest high-neck collar with white lace and long sleeves didn’t enhance any part of her body. The color even made her face pale, and her eyes bug out. Then again, the way she wound her hair so tight, that could be the reason her eyes looked funny.
Emmie and Anna left the bedroom together. When they reached the ballroom, Emmie stopped and tapped Anna on the arm. “You shall do fine. Just remember… you are me,” she whispered.
Holding her head high, Anna entered the ballroom as Emmie followed. She tried her best not to let anyone really look at her, and thankfully, their eyes were on Anna—who soaked up the attention well. Many people filled the ballroom and greeted LadySarah with bows and curtsies. Emmie smiled, knowing Anna had turned out a great performance.
This time…
Chapter Four
It had beenquite a long time since Emmie attended a party, and being at this one brought back nostalgic memories. She remembered in her younger years that she loved dressing up in fancy ball gowns. She had danced with the boys, even though most of them stepped on her toes. As she watched Anna dance with Mr. Crampton, Emmie was grateful she had decided to teach her maid how to dance when they were younger.
A few couples strolled past her, not even giving her a dismissive glance. Strange how people treated her like she was a ghost. Once in a while, Emmie received judgmental glares and upturned noses, especially from the ladies, but it didn’t happen until after they had looked at her gown. Inwardly, she groaned. Maybe she should spend some of her father’s money to purchase newer gowns. After all, Anna only had gowns for servants, not for Emmie’s new role.
Subtly, she glided over to a potted plant near the corner of the room and pretended to pick out the dead leaves. When two ladies passed by and eyed Emmie closely, she decided not to act like she was picking apart the plant any longer and slowly wandered toward another wall. Immediately, her attention was pulled to the door of the ballroom. A handsome man strolled inside, his powerful presence demanding attention, which he definitely received.
Emmie grinned. Mr. Worthington looked just as good clothed as he did when he was bathing in the pond. The memory of that most embarrassing moment caused heat to climb up her neck and rest on her cheeks. She’d been so uncomfortable conversing with a half-naked man, yet she had been mesmerized by his charm and good looks, and she couldn’t force herself to leave, even though her mind argued how wrong it was to be with a man who had just finished bathing.
Never had she seen a man’s bare chest and bare legs. Mr. Worthington was magnificent, and it had been all she could do to keep from touching his muscles to see if they were as hard as they appeared.
She tore her mind from that very heated memory and watched him move from guest to guest. He mingled easily. His smile had her enthralled, and his laugh caused flutters in her belly. The handsome creature then walked to his uncle. The two men talked for a few minutes before Mr. Crampton turned and called out to Anna.
Mr. Worthington’s eyes widened when he first looked at the pretend daughter of the earl, and jealousy jabbed at Emmie’s chest. Mr. Worthington took Anna’s hand in formal greeting, his face brightening by the second.
The next dance was claimed by Mr. Worthington as he took Anna out on the dance floor. Emmie didn’t want to admit it, but her maid actually looked good beside him. Anna’s eyes gleamed like stars while she danced. How could they not? He just happened to be the most dominant man in this room, and Emmie wasn’t the only woman who noticed. Many pairs of eyes followed the handsome man with the muscular body around the room.
Emmie almost wished she could take back her identity, only so she could be the woman dancing in his arms. It was too late for that now. Both she and Anna would be laughingstocks ifpeople were to find out about their charade. In addition, Emmie couldn’t do that to Mr. and Mrs. Crampton. And she especially couldn’t go against her father’s wishes.
After Anna and Mr. Worthington’s dance was over, he bowed to his partner and brushed his lips across the back of her hand. Pleasure spread over the maid’s expression, which, in turn, made Emmie more upset over the switch of identities. That could have beenherout there on the dance floor. He could be kissingherhand, instead.
Broderick left Anna’s side to wander around the room. He took a glass of champagne from the butler and then leaned back against the wall.
Anna made a sharp turn and headed Emmie’s way. “I was so nervous during that dance.”
“You are doing splendidly tonight,” Emmie replied.
“Thank you. I stepped on his toes a few times, though.”
“Nobody could tell.” Emmie grinned.
Anna whispered her gratitude and returned to the Cramptons’ small group.
As Emmie started to head back toward the wall she had been keeping company with the last little while, her attention immediately stopped on Broderick, who stood where she had seen him last. His gaze rested intently on her, causing her feet to stop before reaching their destination. She wrung her hands, hoping he wouldn’t say anything about their last meeting at the pond. That was all she needed, for people to judge her for being improper.
Was he the kind of man to mention the time at the pond? She prayed he wasn’t.
Broderick Worthington boldly scanned Emmie’s attire, from her tight bun down to her gray dress. When his eyes met hers again, his lips turned up into a smile. With a small bow, he let her know he recognized her.
Her heart pounded an uneven rhythm as she returned the smile and curtsied. Following his lead, she looked over his attire—a deep blue waistcoat stretched across his wide chest, a black coat that fit his broad shoulders, and black breeches that snugged against his muscular legs perfectly. His shirt and cravat were pristine white, bringing out the skin tones of his face. She nodded her approval. He chuckled and held up his drink as if in a salute.
Sighing, she stared at his astounding smile. Shame on her, but as hard as she tried, she couldn’t get the image of him bathing out of her mind. Never had she witnessed such an indecent sight, even though all she had seen was his bare chest and arms. Now, as she stared dreamily at him, it was as if they were the only two people in the room.
Although she wanted to talk to him, she knew it wasn’t her place. Besides, she felt tongue-tied around him, which didn’t happen often. Not only that, but she was alady’s companion, and she shouldn’t be conversing with the male guests, no matter how incredibly handsome they were.
Humor twinkled in his eyes, and she desperately wanted to know what thoughts swam through his head.
