Page 47 of Almost a Countess

Violet smiled and patted the placenext to her. Reluctantly, Dora sat. “If you confess your story toyour aunt, but tell her the whole true story, I believe she willstill be an ally for your intent to marry. She did not seem verysanguine about your father’s scheme of the arranged marriage, andshe seems to approve of Lord Aberfoyle very much.”

“Please, my lady,” Finnbroke in, “after ye’ve assisted Dora and me sae much, I beg ye taecall me Finn as Dora does.”

“With pleasure, Finn. Ifyou will call me Violet, as Dora does.”

Finn turned to Tris, eyebrow raised.“Am I allowed this familiarity, my lord?”

“My husband does notcontrol which of my friends I allow to address me by my name,Finn.” She stared at him evenly.

“Begging yer pardon, mylady, but I’d prefer no’ tae meet yer husband at dawn.” He glancedat Tris then back at Violet. “I have sae many other methods o’swift death currently at my disposal.”

“If she has no objectionto the familiar address, Aberfoyle, neither do I.” A smile puckeredTristan’s mouth. “However, do not suppose that I will offer asimilar invitation for myself.”

Finn chuckled. “I would never expectit, my lord. Violet, please continue with yer version o’ the plan.After we confess the truth about our situation, whatnext?”

“You must ask the duchessto act as chaperone on your journey to London. She will bereturning there shortly, so you will not discommode her. And herpresence in the carriage will fulfill the expectation of proprietyvery nicely. The two ladies will have their own room, and youyours. As for Lieutenant Scarlet, he will be searching for a man onhorseback or a single man or even a man and woman in a carriage.There is nothing to make him suspicious of two women and agentleman traveling to London together.”

“I have to say I think itwill serve.” Tris leaned against the sideboard, his face relaxedfor the first time that evening. “It takes everything into account,from confessing to the false marriage, to Aberfoyle’s reason forgoing to London, to the need for a chaperone for the enamoredcouple.”

Finn took Dora’s hand. “It will bedifficult tae tell yer aunt that we lied tae her, but I believeViolet’s plan is a sound one. What dae ye think,leannan?”

Disappointed that she would not havethe opportunity to share more than a stolen kiss or two with Finnduring the journey, Dora still had to agree that the plan shouldwork. “We should tell Aunt Mimi at breakfast and get theunpleasantness over with. Then we can plan our journey inearnest.”

“And Violet and I canreturn to our home and await your letter telling us of yourprogress with getting the charges dismissed.” Relief made Tris’sgaze at his wife even more loving. “We will be glad to sleep in thesame bed for more than one or two nights.”

“No’ that I think therewill be much sleep going on,” Finn whispered in Dora’s ear, makingher gasp with laughter.

“Hush.” She batted at hisarm. “Behave.”

“No’ when I’m aroundye.”

Her cheeks heating, Dora rose. “Shallwe say good night, then? Will we see you at breakfast, mydears?”

Slipping his wife’s arm through his,Tris grinned at them. “Oh, we would not miss the spectacle of yourconfession to the duchess. I await the morning eagerly.”

“Good night, Dora. Goodnight, Finn.” Violet strolled from the room, arm in arm with herhusband.

Dora sighed as they left. If only Finnwould look at her with the love Tris had for Violet, she would behappy until the end of her days. However, she must be patient. Theyhad been together but little as of yet. Love as deep and true asshe wished for took time and perhaps a trial by fire to bring itforth. Now they would have more time together to affect a deepeningregard for one another.

They emerged into the corridor andturned toward her chamber.

“One thing I’d like toknow, Finn.”

“Name it,m’eudail.” He raised her hand to his lips.

“What did you tell AuntMimi as to why the servants still called me by my maiden name?”That had been the biggest flaw in their clapped-togetherstory.

“I merely told her that wehad instructed the servants tae continue tae call ye Miss Harperand no’ Lady Aberfoyle because we had no’ announced the marriagetae the world yet. Once it was announced, ye would be called by yerproper title, my lady.”

They stopped before her chamberdoor.

“What will your wife’sproper title be, Finn?” She’d not even thought about the fact thatshould they wed, she would have a title, like her motherhad.

“Ye will be the Countesso’ Aberfoyle, called Lady Aberfoyle by servants and peers alike.For now, however, you are almost a countess.” Finn glanced down thecorridor, but there was no one in sight. Quick as lightning, hesank his mouth onto hers.

Dora hadn’t been expecting it, but shetook full advantage, pressing back, reveling in the closenessbetween them that seemed to ignite fires throughout her body. Hepulled her against him and a hardness down below both startled andexcited her. Finn did desire her—more than a little, from the feelof it. Hopefully, in not so very much longer, they could indulge inmore than stolen kisses. Much more.

At last, Finn broke the kiss with agroan. “If I dinna stop noo, I willna stop at all, mochridhe.” He stepped back. “I want ye enough tae want tae wait,tae make our first night together as perfect as it canbe.”