Page 75 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“I took the liberty of removing it from the box.” Lady Heywood tore the tissue, removed the gown, and shook it. A shaft of sunlight illuminating the silk as it rippled made the dress appear like a shimmering lake.

She bit her bottom lip. Why was the countess so interested in seeing her dressed in the gown? Did the lady have late-blooming concerns about the color or style? Adeline thought the dress was beautiful, but she was not as knowledgeable of current fashion. She’d never been interested. Lady Kirkland was one of the most important hostesses of the Season, and it had been a long time since Adeline had attended a ball as lavish and important as the Kirkland ball. Everyone who was anyone would be there.

Including the Duke of Warwick. Her nerves tensed anew. “Maybe you are right. It is best if I try the gown on for your inspection.”

“That’s a good girl.” The countess spun Adeline around and began to unbutton the muslin walking dress she currently wore.

“Tell me about Warwick,” Lady Heywood said as she worked.

“The duke is well.”

“Not about his health, my dear. I do see him often.”

Different nerves tensed. “You are inquiring about our courtship?”

“A godmother can never have enough information.”

Adeline felt her face redden as the lady worked the buttons of her walking dress. How best to answer? The trip to the bookstore was fresh in her mind. She’d never believed a room full of books could result in scandal, but then she’d never known a man like Warwick.

“The Scandal Sheet is abuzz about us. I think it will continue.” After the kiss in the bookstore, she was sure the two women would also spread the word.

The lady’s fingers halted for a moment before continuing. “Ah, but I know better than to trust gossip if I want to know the truth. Why not ask the source directly?”

With her back to the lady, she couldn’t see Adeline’s flushed complexion. “Have you spoken to His Grace about us?”

Adeline stepped out of the walking dress. Lady Heywood helped remove her stays and stockings. Dressed only in her thin shift, her skin prickled from the cool temperature in the room. The countess reached for a black corset the dressmaker had provided and tied the laces. The new corset pushed her breasts up and cinched her waist. Black stockings followed and were secured by red ribbons at her thighs. A lock of dark hair escaped her pins and landed on her bare shoulder.

Lady Heywood picked up the sapphire gown. “Men do not like to be questioned about their romantic intentions.”

Adeline could only imagine the elusive answers Warwick would give his godmother.

“We spent time together at a bookstore,” she offered.

“Hmm. That does sound like Warwick. First a meeting with his intellectual friends and then a bookstore.” She clucked her tongue. “Things are progressing much too slowly. I must tell him to take you for another spin in the park or to Gunther’s for ices.”

“But the bookstore was rather pleasant.”

The way Warwick had stood up for her with the malicious women sprang to mind. His displeasure was obvious when she’d told him the cruel gossip she’d overheard in the dressmaker’s shop. His temper had risen, and he’d reacted in a most unexpected way. His kiss still caused a tug deep in her belly and a pang in her heart.

“It wouldn’t hurt for a lady to hurry things along,” she said.

Something about Lady Heywood’s tone set off alarm bells. Adeline eyed her with a critical squint. “What do you mean?”

“You must understand my godson. Warwick is a passionate man, far more passionate than any rogue or scoundrel mothers generally mistrust when it comes to their young daughters. The duke has channeled all his passion into his creativity and his inventive work.”

Adeline understood firsthand. The duke’s ballroom workshop was hard to forget.

“Because of his interests, I often worried Warwick would never marry. Then he appeared in London with you by his side. At first, I didn’t know what to think. But seeing the way he looks at you, my dear, tells me everything I need to know.”

“Perhaps you know more than I do,” Adeline said.

“Warwick desires you.”

Adeline felt her face grow warm. “Pardon?”

“I may be much older, but I was young and married once. You have power, my dear. A lady’s future is not entirely in a man’s hands.”

“You are talking in riddles.”