Page 61 of The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes
Kieran made a noncommittal noise, but when Lord Montford continued to look at him, his expression slightly puzzled, Kieran said, “I believe you were off to take supper, Lord Montford.”
“Yes. Right. My dear,” Lord Montford said as he bowed over Celeste’s hand for what seemed like an inordinately protracted amount of time before striding away.
Once she was alone with Kieran, she permitted herself the luxury of a full, unabashed scowl.
“Is there no way to discourage his attentions?” Kieran asked, studying her.
“None that wouldn’t result in my family being effectively shut out of Society,” she answered grimly.
“Hellfire,” he said, his frown matching hers. “I wish Dom and your father didn’t lean on you so heavily.”
Her anger winnowed away, leaving her drained, with a faint headache pulsing behind one eye. “We share that sentiment—but I have no idea what to do to alter my circumstances. There truly isn’t anything to do.”
“I’d change it for you if I could.” His eyes were dark and sincere.
It was too much, and yet not enough. Because she wanted more of him, this man who listened to her and honored the fact that she was a fully formed being with thoughts and emotions of her own.
“How fared your conversation with Lady Caunton and her daughter? Are you expected during calling hours?”
He frowned slightly at her change of topic, but she had to remind herself of the reasons why she and Kieran were occupied in this scheme of theirs.
“They aren’t slaughtering the fatted calf in anticipation of my arrival,” he said dryly. “The lady said she looked forward to seeing me again at one of the Season’s events, and her daughter seconded that sentiment.”
“It won’t be long now before they’re anticipating you leaving your card with the footman.” She shouldn’t be pleased that Lady Caunton wasn’t throwing wide her doors to permit Kieran’s courtship of Miss Goswick just yet. Shouldn’t. But was.
“In the interim,” he said with a smile, “you and I have a nocturnal adventure to undertake.”
Lord Montford and Miss Goswick fell away, as excitement rose at the prospect, dispelling the confining truth of her future. “Is it to be another surprise?”
“Tonight, we are going to the theater,” he announced.
She deflated slightly. “I’ve been to the theater.”
“Not like this.” Lowering his voice so only she could hear, he said, “Wear your usual garments for a respectable evening, but bring with you allthe elements necessary to make your transformation into Salome. Is there a friend you can bring with you?”
“Our adventure is to include my friend?” This was growing more and more curious.
“You will attend with them, and then, at the conclusion of the performance, you’ll part company with your friend and go with me to the next stage of the evening.”
“I’m intrigued.” Her heart already pounded with anticipation.
His smile was enigmatic and alluring, and she couldn’t look away from him or the shadowed mystery that encircled him. “You should be.”
Celeste joined the applause as the performers of Lady Marwood’s latest burletta took their final bows. The work had been incredibly involving. She’d almost forgotten that she was here at the Imperial Theatre for some scandalous event. It was a testament to Lady Marwood’s writing skills, because ever since Kieran had told her thatsomethingwas going to happen at the theater this evening, she’d been in a state of breathless excitement.
“That was marvelous,” Rosalind said beside her, adding to the ovation. “When the thief said to the princess that he’d love her until the last diamond turned to dust...” She sighed. “Thank you for inviting me to join you tonight.”
“Thank you for accompanying me. My father never would have permitted me to come alone.”
“How can I resist the opportunity to be part of a nefarious scheme?” Rosalind asked, eyes glinting.
The audience began to filter out of the theater, and Celeste and Rosalind stood to join the queues of people leaving.
“What are we to do, precisely?” her friend asked on a whisper.
“Kieran said to wait for him in the lobby. Beyond that, I have no idea. I do feel a trifle strange being the only woman in attendance who brought a small valise.” At least she had been able to find one of the theater’s staff to hold on to her bag during the performance. A generous tip of a whole pound had helped secure the discreet service.
“A good thing that the theatrical life is one that’s accustomed to less than respectable behavior,” Rosalind remarked as they headed down the stairs.
