Page 147 of From Rakes to Riches

She was dressed as decadently as any sophisticated lady of the ton, her dark hair done up to expose her lithe neck, her body swathed in rich honey-colored silk, and yet she possessed something no other woman did, something he couldn’t explain.

“You look beautiful.” He took her gloved hand in his as she descended the stairs. “You always do, but tonight…” He stopped talking, unable to find the words for what he wanted to express.

“Shall we go?” she asked, her eyes twinkling. “I’m sorry it’s so late.”

“Never mind about that,” he said as he handed her up into the carriage. “It’s more fashionable to arrive after the crush.”

They settled on opposite seats and he saw her gaze flit to the black velvet case on the bench beside him.

“Do you have our masks?” she asked.

“I do, but before we leave, I have something to give you first.” He picked up the jewelry case and handed it to her.

“What’s this?” she asked, her delicate brows furrowed in question.

“Something I chose especially for you,” he said.

“Another gift?” she asked in a whisper. “I’m overwhelmed.”

“This masquerade is our first formal night out together and a special occasion to be remembered,” he replied, his voice amused. “I wanted to surprise you.”

She gasped when she opened the box, her eyes wide. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

“I have,” he murmured softly. “Every time I look at you.”

She smoothed her gloved fingertip over the necklace, touching the circle of gemstones reverently.

“It’s not meant to stay in the box,” he said as he gently reclaimed the jewelry case. “Allow me to help you.”

“Thank you, Theodore.” Her voice was an awed whisper. “I don’t know what else to say.”

“Then you like it?” he asked.

“How could I not? It’s the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“It reminded me of you walking amid the starlight, dazzling everyone against the velvet night sky.”

She smiled up at him and he handed her the ear bobs before he reached forward to clasp the gems around her neck. She turned on the bench and he couldn’t stop from pressing a kiss to her nape before he fastened the necklace in place. She turned back around and all he could manage was a single word. “Perfect.”

She reached up and touched the necklace, her eyes never leaving his. He rapped on the roof and the carriage began to move.

“I’ve looked forward to seeing you all day,” she said, a smile playing on her lips.

“As have I,” he admitted.

“You look every part the dashing and distinguished gentleman tonight.” Her eyes took him in from cravat to polished Hessians. “I shall be the envy of every lady in the ballroom. It’s serendipity we’ll all be masked, so they won’t know me any more than I’ll know them.”

“At least we’ll know Huntington and meet his new acquaintance. They’re to find us in the foyer at midnight. He’s quite enamored and shared with me that the lady on his arm is new to London and excited to attend her first formal event.”

“We have that in common.”

“Huntington’s not the only one who’s enamored,” Theodore murmured as he gazed across the carriage.

“Is that so?” Lola said as her eyes met his and held. “I may have fallen victim to a similar condition myself.”

No,that wasn’t true. She wasn’t enamored or smitten. She’d fallen head over heels in love, but that confession was locked in her heart. Because even knowing her past, Theodore spoke about the future as though their relationship would follow a natural course and that was impossible. How could she embrace that same optimism knowing she still had difficult problems to solve? Problems that would ultimately destroy their relationship. Marco was correct when he’d said there’d be a grim choice to make, except it wouldn’t be whether or not to work at Vauxhall.

Not wanting to ruin the thrilling evening ahead, she silenced these misgivings. Her body hummed with anticipation at the thought of waltzing with Theodore beneath countless candlelit chandeliers, the orchestra’s wistful melody in the background. She was sincerely touched by his overwhelming gift. Every time their eyes met, promises were made, not just for dancing and conversation, but for later tonight when they returned to his home. Her pulse kicked up at the idea of returning to his bed.

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