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Then perhaps, the last item, the more despicable item on the list, would prove unnecessary.

She stood and paced away from her writing table. The only way the last item on the list would prove unnecessary would be if he fell in love with her, not the other way around. And he’d made it clear in no uncertain terms that that was not going to happen.

She had jokingly asked him not to fall in love with her, while her heart bled, and hoped he would say nothing.

Why did she have to ask that question? For a bluestocking, she acted quite foolishly sometimes.

Now she had the daunting task of exchanging kisses and touches with the most charming man she’d ever known and not falling in love with him at the same time.

She paced back to the table and slammed her journal shut. She would go forth with her plan. She would seduce Adam to complete the act that they’d started tonight, and as a gentleman, he would be required to wed her.

* * *

Beatrice was woken up by a knock on her door. She sat up, looking around the blurry room, before putting on her spectacles. “Who is it?”

Her maid peeked her head in and smiled apologetically. “There are two ladies to see you, Miss.”

“Ladies?” Now that was a surprise. Two? Had Adam sent both his sisters this time?

She had only two items left to cross off her list, as far as Adam was concerned. And both of them would require his assistance. Not that of his sisters.

But the more disturbing part for Beatrice was the fact that she had been awoken by the arrival of her guests! She prided herself on waking up early, but after the last night’s… erm… escapades with Adam, she shouldn’t have been surprised that she wasn’t up before noon.

And now she had to face his sisters. Oh, God. Would she be able to look them in the eyes?

“There is also a note for you, Miss.”

Beatrice scrambled from the bed and took the note.

“Do you need help getting dressed?”

“No, no, thank you,” Beatrice said, unwrapping the note. She only needed her maid to help her with evening gowns and coiffures, as her modest collection of day gowns was readily accessible for her to wear independently. “But please, ask the housekeeper to prepare tea.”

The maid slunk away, and Beatrice read the contents of the note.

Dearest Beatrice,

As previously discussed, before we set about accomplishing the final task on your list, you must be properly attired. As such, I have prevailed upon my dear sister to aid you in selecting a becoming gown for your trousseau. I am certain her taste and sensibility will guide you to a frock both pleasing to the eye and appropriate to your station.

A.

Beatrice reread the letter a couple of times, then flipped it this way and that, but that was it. That was the whole message. She understood the hidden meaning of the note. Adam wasn’t speaking of her trousseau, nor did he mean she needed the gown appropriate to her station, rather, appropriate for their outing.

He wanted his sister to help Beatrice pick a gown for the auction. And that gown should be befitting a queen of the underworld. Perhaps instead of Isabel, he should have enlisted the help of his sister-in-law, Jo, who knew from her experience what that would look like.

Perhaps the second person in the drawing room was Jo.

What Beatrice didn’t understand, however, was the fact that he didn’t mention anything about the previous night in his letter! He didn’t even inquire about her health or well-being. He didn’t care if she slept well—

Beatrice shook her head. What was she thinking? He had no obligation to inquire about any such thing. She was getting attached. And she craved his attachment in return. Which was quite a dangerous feeling to have.

But she did want him to fall in love with her, didn’t she?

With a whimper, Beatrice went to take her morning ablutions and get dressed.

It was a rare occurrence in this townhouse for Beatrice to come down the stairs and be greeted by guests she had expected to see. Perhaps it was because the members of this household were all young and inexperienced. After all, this was just a temporary arrangement.

Either way, that fact alone should have prepared Beatrice to not be surprised by who she saw in her drawing room.