CHAPTER 6
“Did you have a big luncheon?” Ember grunted as she yanked Tiffany’s corset ties. “There is no way I will fit you into?—”
“Tighter! Less talking, more pulling,” gasped Tiffany.
At her own dressing table, Bonnie tsked. “There is no need to torture yourself, Tiffany. You are lovely just as ye are, and your waist is small enough.”
“No!” Tiffany was gripping her bedpost. “I have to look my best for Lysander, and youknowthat means my lavender tea dress.”
“You had that made two years ago,” Ember reminded her.
“Are you saying I have gained weight since then?”
Ember exchanged an amused glance with Bonnie in the mirror, then one side of her lips curled wryly. “I am saying your tits are bigger, Tiffany.”
“Oh. Well.” Her stepsister blushed. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Are you certain you could not wear something else?”
Bonnie turned in her chair. “The pale blue one is perfect for your coloring, Tiffany.”
Their sister preened. “It is, is it not? Fine, I will wear that one.AndI will be able to breathe. Fetch it please, Ember.”
Ember sunk into a deep curtsey. “I live to serve, milady.”
“Oh, shut up.”
When Tiffany stuck her tongue out, Ember chuckled and rose, heading for the wardrobe. “You are still certain the man you danced with at the ball was Lysander Oliphant?”
“Yes!” Tiffany sounded excited as she settled her corset more comfortably. “I asked Mrs. Oliphant to ask Mrs. Oliphant at Newfincy Castle—you know they are sisters—and she spoke with Mrs. Oliphant the housekeeper, who said Lysander has been at his estate for the week attending to business, but will be returning to the house party soon.”
“And the very first thing he did was request permission to call on us for tea,” Bonnie finished with a smile. “He must certainly have an eye for you, sister.”
Tiffany patted her coiffure. “And who would not, after all? If he offers to take me for a walk, Bonnie, you must be our chaperone!”
“Me? Why?”
“Because I trust you to bring a book and be completely distracted.”
“She is right,” Ember called, as she pulled the blue gown from the wardrobe. “You would be the perfect chaperone if Tiffany is planning shenanigans.”
Bonnie gasped. “Areyou planning shenanigans? Are you going to let himkissyou?”
“Why not?” Tiffany lifted her chin proudly. “He is the most handsome man on Oliphant Land, and a viscount besides! And as I am the most beautiful woman, why would he not want to kiss me? We almost kissed at the ball, remember?”
“Oh, Tiffany,” Bonnie tsked, but Ember couldn’t tell if it was because she was shocked or because she disapproved.
Carrying the tea gown, Ember stepped up beside Tiffany. “Arms up.” As she helped her sister dress, she said casually, “You know, if you think you might have a future with Lysander, kissing himnowmight be a good idea.”
“What do you mean?” Tiffany called, spitting out a mouthful of lace.
Ember shrugged as she pulled the skirts straight over her sister’s petticoats. “I just mean, it would be good to knownowif you have that spark, that attraction. It is important?—”
“Ember Oliphant.” Tiffany spun out of her reach; her eyes bright with excitement. “Haveyouexperienced that spark with someone? You speak as if you know what you are talking about.”
Refusing to be ashamed, Ember lifted her chin and shrugged nonchalantly. “Perhaps.”
Bonnie gasped again. “Who is he?”
