Affluence was irrelevant. Her good breeding, however, was unmistakable. Elias noticed the way she regarded him, like an equal, as if weighing his worth against her interest. Oh, yes. He knew a lady when he saw one.
“Your choice of costume clearly announces the manner of person you are, My Lady. Unlike most tonight, you favor being discreet over gaudy. You do not betray your status, but I can tell you recognize quality.”
The enchantress had a melodious laugh. “All this, from a lady’s maid’s dress?”
“You may have chosen a lady’s maid dress as your costume, but your finely stitched collar betrays you.” His sister loved embroidery on clothes. Elias knew all too well what it cost. “That, and your scrutinizing gaze. I’d say it is well warranted, as, should you accept, we would have to becomequiteclose.” Elias had the perfect cover story in mind.
The lady shifted in her seat and averted her eyes. Elias frowned. Perhaps she thought his proclamation of her affluence meant he intended to underpay her. Well, that was easy to remedy.
“As for the riches, trust that you will be paid handsomely: two hundred and fifty pounds for a month’s work.”
That got her attention.
Elias did not resist a smile at the sight of her astonishment.
“A month?” She stared up at him incredulously.
“Yes.” His mouth curved in distaste. “The wedding is a little over a month away. But I trust that with your talents, it should prove sufficient.”
The lady frowned. “How would you have me sway him when he has a duke’s sister in his grasp?”
“I am certain an opportunity will arise once he hears I’ve reduced my sister’s dowry. More so, once I welcome my third cousin, heiress to my second cousin’s estate of fifteen thousand a year, to stay with us. I shall trust your plentiful charms to sway his attentions from thereon out.”
“I see. And how convincing must I be?”
“I will not let any harm befall you, My Lady.” He knew well enough what she was asking. “If you are threatened at any point, I shall intervene immediately. As long as I have proof, I am more than capable of stopping my sister’s wedding entirely on my own.”
She nodded. “In other words, you would have me as your sword.”
“And you would have me as your shield. A most enviable position, I assure you.” He paused, arming himself with a provoking smile to see if she would fill the silence. It almost became real when she did not swallow the bait.
What admirable self-control.It only added to her attractiveness.
“Do give it some thought,” he continued. “Should you make up your mind, send me a message at this address. Your deposit will be waiting for you. A quarter upfront, the rest to be paid to you upon completion.”
The calling card disappeared into the lady’s hand. “I will give it every consideration.” Was she convinced? Truly, her tone gave nothing away. She straightened out her dress as she rose, and he moved to stand alongside her. “Thank you for the opportunity,Your Grace, but I believe you’ve threatened my reputation enough for one night.”
“I now see that my friend was not joking when he said you take privacy as seriously as I. However, I can’t help but feel you’ve left me on an uneven footing. After all, I did share my own Christian name. As my future cousin, am I really not to know yours?”
She visibly hesitated before giving in. “My given name is May.”
“It truly is a pleasure, Lady May.”
“Uh… thank you.”
Elias had to stifle a laugh as Lady May moved to the door. And here he thought she was immune to being flustered by him. He supposed he still had some sway.
Her fingers were already tightened about the door handle when he stalked after her. “Haven’t you forgotten something?”
“What?” She turned toward him with startled, mesmerizing eyes.
He leaned toward her, noting the way her back pressed into the oak door. Long-forgotten tension shot through him once more at the sight of her breathless mouth.
“The key, Lady May.” He raised it up between them. Her fingers shot out toward it, wrapping around the brass, but he did not relinquish his hold, not yet. A part of him enjoyed having her so close.
“Thank you,” she breathed, tugging the key with sudden vigor he did not think to resist. Then, with a turn of the lock, she was gone.
CHAPTER TWO
