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“Maybe you’ll start a craze for pineapple gowns.”
“Or you could bring back the fashion for pink silk doublets. Which, incidentally, would not be a good look for you.”
“I would make it work,” he said.
Indy laughed. “Onward into the fray, my antiquated dandy.”
“Antiquated? I’m only one year older than you. And I’m not a dandy, I’m a rogue.”
“You’re my rogue,” she said, placing her hand on his arm.
His heart beat faster. “And you’re my adventuress.”
“Let’s have an adventure, then.”
Sir Charles had hired a string quartet and they were playing something shimmering and virtuoso by Mozart. Raven had the thought that there should be music playing in every room he and Indy entered together.
Once upon a time he’d imagined entering every room with Indy on his arm, the proudest man on earth, the envy of every fellow in the room.
The admiration shining in Raven’s copper eyes made Indy feel drunk.
He’d wanted to give her something, meaning he wanted to court her. When he’d said those words, her heart had hopped in her chest like a child with a skipping rope.
Only, there would be no courting tonight. They were on a serious mission for crown and country. He trusted her. She trusted him.
But only for one night and only to see their task to completion.
But it did feel good to let her anger go, if only for one night. Just let it go.
Shrug off the weight of all the mistrust and hurt and fear.
She felt powerful with Raven at her side. Her step lighter. Her gaze keen and discerning.
They entered the room together with confidence and swagger as though they owned the place.
“There’s Petrov,” he murmured in her ear, showing her with his eyes. “The rotund gentleman with the blue sash pinned over his coat.
She scanned the room. “I don’t see Lady Catherine.”
“Or Sir Charles.”
“Did someone take my name in vain?” Sir Charles appeared behind them with his wife on his arm. “Lady India you are bewitching. Is that the famous Wish Diamond?”
“It is,” she replied.
Lady Sterling touched the necklace. “Simply stunning. Charles, why don’t you ever gift me with ancient treasures? Oh, that’s right, youarean ancient treasure.”
So much tension between those two. She’d noticed it right away.
“Where’s Lucy?” Indy asked.
“I don’t let her attend these affairs yet,” said Lady Sterling. “She’s still too young and so many of these gentlemen are so... jaded.”
Everything she said was a barb meant to wound her philandering husband. Indy sympathized. It must be terrible to be betrayed by the man you love, especially after you’d exchanged vows of fidelity.
“Have a wonderful time, Lady India,” said Lady Sterling. “I’m afraid I must be the hostess this evening, so you might not see much of me.”
“Quite all right,” said Indy.
