“I shall not wear that.” Seraphine pointed accusingly at the scandalous neckline.
“You brought it.” Thalia gave the dress a little shake for emphasis.
“I do not know why.” Seraphine threw up her hands.
“You bought it because you want to wear it and tonight is the night for such a gown.” Thalia stepped closer and held the gown against Seraphine's front.
“That was clearly a moment of weakness when I packed this. I was in a rush.” Seraphine pushed the fabric away and groaned.
Thalia folded her arms. “You will put it on,” she declared firmly, fixing Seraphine with a look that suggested resistance was futile.
Seraphine folded her own. “I will not.”
Five minutes later she was wearing it. She descended the staircase beside Thalia feeling half scandalized and half convinced everyone in the room was staring directly at her neckline. Amberhall's drawing room had been transformed. Gaming tables occupied one side of the room. Gentlemen gathered around billiard tables. Musicians played softly from a corner.
Candles glowed from every surface, turning the evening elegant and warm. It was far grander than any simple gathering. Thenshe saw Damien and immediately forgot everything else. He stood near the fireplace in a black evening coat. His crisp white shirt contrasted sharply against the dark fabric.
His broad shoulders seemed even broader tonight. Heat rushed through her, and she quickly looked away. Unfortunately, that did not stop her from being aware of him. Not at all.
“Stop frowning,” Thalia murmured.
“I was not,” Seraphine replied.
“You absolutely were.”
Before Seraphine could defend herself, Thalia brightened. “Oh excellent. There he is.”
“There who is?”
Thalia was already steering her forward. A gentleman stood near one of the gaming tables. He was handsome. Very handsome. Perhaps a few years older than Damien. His brown hair was neatly styled, and his smile carried an easy charm.
“Lady Seraphine,” Thalia announced. “Allow me to introduce Mr. Harper.”
The gentleman bowed smoothly. “An honor,” he said warmly.
Seraphine curtsied. “A pleasure, Mr. Harper.”
Thalia's eyes darted between them with alarming satisfaction, then she vanished like a matchmaking ghost. Mr. Harper laughed softly.
“I believe Her Grace has abandoned us deliberately,” he said.
“That sounds exactly like something she would do. I must apologize for such behavior,” she said.
“No apology needed for I like the company she has abandoned me to,” he said.
His smile widened. Seraphine immediately understood why Thalia had invited him. He was not titled, yet he possessed confidence, intelligence, and obvious prosperity. More importantly, he was easy and playful to speak with.
“Forgive my asking,” Seraphine said as they strolled towards one of the gaming tables, “but why were you not attending the house party itself?”
“I had gladly accepted the invitation,” Mr. Harper said, spreading his hands slightly as they walked.
Seraphine tilted her head. “Then what happened?”
“Business.” He pulled a face as though the very word offended him. He shook his head dramatically. “I only returned from the north yesterday afternoon,” he continued, letting out a resigned sigh.
“What unfortunate timing,” Seraphine said, her lips curving with sympathy.
“Quite.” He gave a rueful smile and ran a hand through his hair. His gaze lingered on her for a moment. “Especially now that I see whatfunI have been missing.”
