Page 25

I managed to put my foot down when they suggested I purchase a completely new wardrobe for this next phase in my life. The dresses I already owned were more than sufficient since I wouldn’t be attending any balls or musicales.

But I couldn’t stop them from ordering a dress for me for a masquerade ball. They told me the ball was to be a gift from them. I hadn’t had a season and was well past the age of debutants on the marriage mart, so they insisted this was to be my coming out. Since I felt the need to celebrate, I was content to fall into step with their plans.

The outing was beyond anything I’d experienced. They took me to the most sought-after modiste and procured a dress for me that I never would have purchased on my own. I thought they were jesting, but they said it would be modest compared to what others would wear. I realized that I might be in over my head, but I would be wearing a mask, so no one present would recognize me.

After seeing a sketch of the dress, I asked the modiste to raise my neckline a little. When Caroline whispered something to Madame Argent, I had a moment of worry. Especially when the pair turned back to look at me. The sly gleam in the modiste’s eyes had me fearing the worst. I just had to keep reminding myself that no one would know who I was.

I was also grateful that Greyson wouldn’t be at the masquerade. I didn’t need to fear embarrassing myself in front of him. I didn’t want him to think I’d set my cap at him when it was very clear he had no romantic interest in me. He’d chosen me precisely because I was the type of woman to whom he would never be attracted. That knowledge stung a little, but I couldn’t change it.

Madame Argent laid out silk and lace for the dress that were finer than every dress in my current wardrobe. Georgiana possessed several silk gowns, but they were in the demure colors expected of a young woman entering into society. These fabrics, on the other hand, were in rich jewel tones—bright blues, emerald greens, and ruby reds.

I fingered the red silk. “I don’t think I have the confidence for this color.”

Madame Argent tsked. “That is a pity because it would look wonderful on you. But this blue also suits your complexion.”

She turned me to face the looking glass and held the bright-blue fabric up to my face. I couldn’t deny she was correct. The color reflected the blue of my eyes, making them appear brighter than normal. And the contrast against my skin made my face glow.

“I think we have the perfect fabric,” Victoria said, hugging me from behind.

Diana bumped her shoulder against mine. “I agree. We’re going to have so much fun tomorrow night.”

And now, as I stood in front of the mirror in the guest bedroom at Kendrick and Caroline’s townhouse, I couldn’t stop staring at my reflection. Caroline had instructed her maid to style my hair in a loose fashion that would have scandalized polite society. It was only partially up, with most of the long strands falling about my shoulders in long curls.

Shoulders that were completely bare above the décolletage of the dress. Thankfully, the modiste had heeded my request not to make the neckline dip scandalously low. But I’d been shocked to discover a large slit had been cut along one side of the skirt. If I moved in a certain way, my leg was bared up to mid-thigh.

Caroline entered the room, and I turned to face her.

“I don’t think I’m brave enough to go downstairs in this dress, let alone allow myself to be seen out in public.”

“Oh, nonsense,” she said, twirling around in her own dress. Hers was made from the red silk Madame Argent had shown us. “You will look positively modest next to me.”

I couldn’t help smiling. “I can certainly see why you captured Lord Kendrick’s interest. You, Victoria, and Diana are all beautiful.” I turned to look at my reflection again and made a face in the looking glass.

Caroline laughed. “You are quite pretty, Claire. I’m sure Greyson also thinks so.”

I paled at the reminder and turned to her. “Please tell me he won’t be at the ball.”

She shrugged. “He knows we’re taking you to the masquerade. Kendrick made sure to inform him.”

I closed my eyes, feeling embarrassed for some reason. “Well, at least he won’t make an appearance.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. Now, let us sit. There are a few things I need to tell you.”

There was a strange tone in her voice that sparked my concern. “Is something the matter?”

She lowered herself to sit on the edge of the bed. “No, of course not. But I want you to be prepared.”

I sat next to her. “For what?”

“In case a gentleman takes an interest in you and you decide to take things further.”

I shook my head. “That won’t happen.”

“It might not. But—and please excuse me for being blunt—are you an innocent?”

I wasn’t shocked. Not really. But this wasn’t a conversation I’d expected to have with her.

“I’m familiar with what happens between a man and a woman. But if you’re asking whether I’ve experienced it…” I shook my head. “No.”