AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cordelia had clearly walked all the way from her house to Rosaline’s. She was red-face and out of breath.
“What is it, Rosaline? I just received your note, and I came straight here.”
“You need to help me decide what to wear.”
There was a pause.
Cordelia took a deep breath. “You sent me a note, scribbled as though a child had written it, which claimed that something terrible had happened and you needed help at once. And that emergency was that you needed help deciding what to wear?”
Rosaline took a breath. She had planned to tell Cordelia about the kiss, but now that her friend was here, the kiss sounded too sordid and inappropriate. Once the secret had been told, it could not be unsaid.
Better to keep it a secret for now.
“You know that I went to the Viscountess March’s ball two days ago.”
“Yes.” Cordelia answered warily. “Well, Lord Benedict sent me an invitation to dine with himself and his family today. The invitation arrived this morning. I’ll be dining with the Dowager Duchess of Keswick. Hisgrandmother. I’m terrified, Delia.”
Cordelia frowned. “I thought,” she said, dropping her voice, “That your courtship wasn’t real.”
“It isn’t.”
“Then why is he introducing you to his grandmother?”
Rosaline turned to face the remarkable array of colored gowns. “I don’t know. But we’re having luncheon together.”
“Well, that only leaves you a few hours. Look, Rosaline, I am concerned. Don’t you think you’re getting in too deeply with the Duke?”
Rosaline shrugged. “It has to be convincing.”
“Yes, but it’s notreal. The more ‘convincing’ you are, the more damage your reputation will suffer when he finally breaks it off.”
“Well, he won’t break it off until I find a suitable man for real.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes. “You don’t know he’ll stick to his word, Rosie. He could end things without warning for all kinds of reasons and leave you high and dry. You’re taking a real risk with this endeavor.”
“Perhaps so, but I now have one hundred pounds locked away in a drawer to my name. After today’s luncheon, I will have two hundred pounds. I don’t think you realize what a difference that money will make, Cordelia.”
Cordelia pressed her lips together. “Do you think I’m an absolute fool, then?”
“Delia, no…”
“Iknow how important this is to you. But you really must consider the damage this will do. This is theDuke of Icewe’re talking about. He didn’t get that nickname for nothing. That man is a brute. He cares nothing for the feelings of others, or how they might suffer because of his actions.”
“He isnota brute.” Rosaline answered emphatically. “Don’t talk about what you don’t understand. I didn’t ask for your opinion on him. You don’t know him at all!”
There was a pause. Rosaline flushed, aware that she had raised her voice to her friend.
“And you think that you do?” Cordelia spoke eventually. “Rosaline, I’m terrified for you. This whole business is a mistake, and I believe you’ll come to regret it sooner or later.” She glanced at the wardrobe, and pointed at a light blue, summery gown. “For an informal luncheon, I should wear that one if I were you. Goodbye, Rosaline.”
With that, Cordelia turned and left, closing the door quietly behind her.
Rosaline moved towards the door, intending to run after her friend and apologize. She groaned, realizing that she had no time.
Better hurry and put on that blue muslin, then. Lord Benedict was sending his carriage to pick her up at twelve on the dot. This was a luncheon with his family, and Rosaline did not dare be late.
It felt odd, travelling in the large carriage alone. As the Dowager would be there, there was no need to bring along a chaperon. Margaret was relieved not to be dragged to another boring dinner or ball, and the housework was getting missed out.
Rosaline felt guilty over snapping at Cordelia. Heaven knew she had too few friends to risk offending them. Besides, Cordelia was just trying to help.
