Page 58 of Only Pleasure Will Do

With a smile, Lady Dalbury reached over and took her hand. “But you will try, won’t you? There is little difference between us as far as I am concerned. You are several years older than me, in fact. Your station in life began much better than my own. My father was a colonel in the army, yours was a baron.” The lady peered deeply into Amorina’s eyes. “You were a friend to me when I needed one most desperately, not once, but several times. And a brave woman to do so under the circumstances. That kindness, in a sense, has brought you here and I vow to repay it to the best of my ability.”

The woman was completely sincere. She truly did not hold Amorina’s past against her. This offer of friendship was a precious gift that she must accept or else grievously offend this powerful woman. “I thank you for your more than generous offer…Kat.”

“And you must then call me Juliet.” Kat’s sister-in-law bounced up on the sofa and grasped her other hand. “We will all three be bosom friends.”

“Thank you, Juliet. That would be lovely.” Entering uncharted territory, Amorina glanced from one woman to the other and smiled. “Thank you both for…everything.” A tightness in her chest gave way to tears and she grappled for her handkerchief. “I beg your pardon.”

“Think nothing of it, my dear.” Kat patted her arm and warmth stole into Amorina. “Take a moment to compose yourself and we will continue to plan your entrance into the fashionable world.”

Amorina wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. “You said you have a plan to convince everyone that I’m Aimée and not Amorina.”

“I do, and I believe it will work as long as Duncan and I and all our friends and relations act without question as though that is who you have always been. We will powder your face only a little, give you rosy cheeks, and….” Kat studied her face a moment. “I see you pluck your eyebrows. That is good for we can then pencil them in thinly, which will also give the appearance of youth. And we will put you in a wig to make your hair different.”

“It’s naturally blond, but I’ve been dying it all these years.” Lord, but she would love to abandon the smelly walnut shells.

“Excellent.” Smiling, the marchioness poured more tea. “You will wear the wigs until the dye has worn away and then we will style your natural hair, which will change your appearance even more. You see? No one will suspect who you are.”

Was it actually possible? Would this stratagem work?

“There is one thing more you must do, however.” Kat’s face sobered.

“What is that?”

“You must remember always to think of yourself as Aimee or Maddy. Never as Madam Vestry. That life, that woman is gone. You must shut her out of your thoughts as completely as if she were dead and in the grave.”

That would be easier said than done. Amorina Vestry had been such a deep part of her life for so long, it would seem as though she was indeed killing someone. “I will try my best.”

“Good. We need at least two weeks to prepare for the ball that will introduce you to the crème of the aristocracy. During that time, we will make adjustments to your wardrobe, enhance your look, your movements, and manners.” Her eyes twinkled. “Most important of all, we will make a list of eligible gentlemen whom you might wish to marry.”

“Marry!” Amorina’s head jerked back then she caught her breath. Perhaps the subterfuge wouldn’t be necessary after all. If Lord Dalbury had told Kat about her and Reginald… “You wish me to consider marriage…to whom?”

“To whomever you wish, Maddy.” Kat smiled encouragingly. “To any of the most eligible gentlemen in England.”

Amorina’s spirits sank. “You think I should marry one of the aristocracy?”

“It’s your birthright, Maddy,” Kat said gently. “Had your father lived, you likely would be married to one of them this moment.”

But she didn’t want to marry one of them. She only wanted… “Why would any of them wish to marry me? I’ve no dowry, no family connections. And of course, there is Pearl.”

Kat raised an eyebrow. “Ah, but you do have family, my dear. Your distant cousin, the current Baron Forrester, is your kinsman. He will likely be overjoyed to find his cousin is not dead as feared. And if Duncan’s visit tomorrow is successful, you will have the dowry your father intended for you to have.”

“But—”

“Trust Duncan, Maddy.” The marchioness laughed and gave her a knowing look. “He has a way of persuading people to do the very last thing they want to do.”

“There is still the matter of my daughter, Katarina.” Connections and money could possibly be gotten around, but to ask a gentleman to accept her illegitimate child was ludicrous. “How will we explain the circumstances of her birth?” God knew the truth was abhorrent enough to turn any man away from her. “What man will take me when he finds out about her?”

“We can stay close to the truth by saying you were beguiled by an older man who refused to wed you when he found out you were with child. That’s all the gentleman need know about the matter.” Then Katarina grinned. “You might be surprised to find out how many men are willing to look the other way about such things—especially if the woman in question has a sufficient dowry. There are also others who will marry a woman who has been ruined because it is the honorable thing to do.” Her eyes got a far-away look to them. “My brother was one such man.”

Dear Lord, she’d been right about Lady Manning and Sir Peter. And Lord Manning had come to her rescue. Then marriage might indeed be possible. But would it be with the man she desired? “Then I must hope there are other gentlemen as honorable as he.” An insistent throbbing had started in the front of her head. Too much excitement. And perhaps more to come when the gentlemen—but most particularly Reginald—put in an appearance. “And what of Sir Reginald?” She hoped her voice didn’t sound too wistful, but Lord how she wanted him beside her during this elaborate charade. “Will he be part of your plans?”

“That will depend on him, Maddy. Duncan says he may wish to court you, and of course he may do so, but just as any other suitor. If he doesn’t wish to do so, I will ask him to assist in escorting you to the various entertainments.” Katarina cocked her head. “Do you have a fondness for him? He is a good man. I can attest to it.”

Not knowing what Reginald would think of these dangerous plans, or indeed of her new status, she must damp her enthusiasm and steer the ladies away from thoughts of him. She could not reveal too much of her feelings and hope to keep the ladies from matchmaking for her. She’d believed Reginald had tender feelings for her, but if that had changed, she would not wish to embarrass him, or herself, by having his cousin attempt to arrange a marriage between them. Much better to be cautious.

Attempting a carefree air, Amorina smiled and shook her head. “He rescued me, thank goodness, and took care of Pearl throughout the whole horrible ordeal, for which I am so very grateful. I just thought he would be a familiar face I could count on as a friend.”

“Then I will make sure he attends you one way or the other. Ah, here they are now.” Kat looked eagerly at the door that had just opened, the three gentlemen sauntering in with thoughtful faces. “Thank you for joining us, my dears.” She rose and approached Reginald as he attempted to make his way toward Amorina. “Reginald, a word with you, please.” She glanced back at Maddy and smiled. “It’s about the ball we are planning for dear Maddy. Are you willing to assist us? Good. Here is what I would like you to do.”