Page 7 of Lady Gambit
Miss Chance’s breathing quickened. “But you can’t. It’s not my gown.” Keen to offer an explanation, she turned to him. “Miss Darrow suggested I meet you wearing my undergarments and a silk dressing gown. I’m sure you agree that would be inappropriate.”
“Most inappropriate.” A picture formed in his mind. An erotic picture of gossamer and ribbons, of soft breasts and a sensual silhouette. A picture that would haunt him for days, weeks, maybe months to come.
“Just step into the corridor so he can see you.” Miss Darrow flapped her hands and looked like a frightened bird about to take flight. “I told him we disagree on the neckline and that you’d rather the dress was blue.”
Miss Chance faced him again. “Will you wait a moment, sir?”
The pleading look in her eyes made it impossible to refuse. He had no option but to take the case and wanted the matter dealt with swiftly. Still, she needed to know he was not a servant to be summoned.
“Be quick. I have an appointment across town in an hour.”
Her grateful smile left him holding his breath. Cursed saints! He would strap Lucius Daventry to the rack for this and take pleasure in turning the crank.
Miss Chance hurried inside, leaving the door ajar.
Eager to learn more about the lady’s relationship with her brother, he moved closer, hoping to hear their exchange.
“Miss Darrow said you’re not sure about the gown,” came the man’s strong voice. “She said you’re not struck on the neckline or the colour.”
Through the gap in the door, Dorian could see Miss Chance in the corridor, wringing her hands and struggling to stand still. “It’s not what I’m used to, Theo. You know I love blue. And where would I wear such an elegant gown? My social calendar begins and ends at the circulating library.”
For some unfathomable reason, Dorian’s heart constricted.
“You look exceptional in gold,” Mr Chance said affectionately.
Being an honest man, Dorian silently agreed.
“We’ll persuade Aramis to have a party. Another excuse to celebrate his wedding. He’ll do anything to please his wife. Wear it then.”
A mocking snort escaped her. “They prefer to spend time alone.”
“We’ll speak to Aaron and see if he’ll permit you to attend Miss Lovelace’s club for ladies.” Theodore Chance was undeterred in his effort to please his sister. “The Burnished Jade is across the road from Fortune’s Den. I can’t see why he would refuse.”
Miss Chance sighed. “You know why. We’ve been told to avoid Miss Lovelace at all costs. We’re not to speak her name or look in her direction. Heaven forbid we were to pass pleasantries.”
“Then we must persuade him otherwise.”
She hesitated before shaking her head. The ebony lock she’d pulled from her chignon caressed her cheek. “The gown isawfully expensive, Theo. It seems such a waste if it’s to remain in the armoire.”
“We’re not scavenging for crumbs anymore, Delphine.” Resentment coated her brother’s words, though it was not aimed at his sister. “She’ll have the gown, Miss Darrow. Measure her for another in a similar style but in pale pink.”
Two things became apparent in their brief conversation.
Theodore Chance loved his sister.
Beneath Miss Chance’s cheerful facade lay a deep sadness that would tug on any man’s heartstrings. Indeed, Dorian was keen to find the lady’s parents. If only to prevent her from ruining her relationship with her brothers.
“Thank you. You always did know how to make me feel special,” she said, sniffing and dabbing her fingers to her eyes. The tenderness in her voice spoke of love and admiration for the brother she’d been forced to deceive. “I promise I won’t be much longer. Miss Darrow will fetch you more coffee.”
“Take as long as you need.”
Miss Chance disappeared behind a door. Seconds later, she slipped back out into the yard. “I’m sorry for abandoning you, Mr Flynn.” A tear slid down her cheek, and he resisted the urge to dash it away. “Forgive me for wasting your time. I know it’s extremely precious. Please tell Mrs Daventry I have had a change of heart. I no longer require your services.”
Evidently, her brother’s affectionate response had made her reconsider.
He should be relieved. He could put this woman from his mind and never think of her again. But there was one thing he loathed more than his father—injustice.
“You’re certain?” he said, keeping an indifferent tone.
