Page 61 of Making of a Scandal
Nudging her as they inspected the offerings of a haberdashery, Diana gave her a knowing look.
“Sister, I feel it is my duty to inform you that if you continue staring at Mr. Burke that way, absolutely everyone is going to know you’re mad for him.”
Lowering her gaze and feigning interest in spools of ribbon, Calliope flushed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh really? Then it would be wrong to assume that sometime within the past several hours, he has done something decidedly naughty to you? Why else would you have that look in your eyes and that foolish grin on your lips?”
“Diana!”
To her relief, the rest of their party seemed engrossed in their shopping.
“Play coy all you want, but I know the look of a satisfied woman. Hastings puts that expression on my face quite often.”
Calliope rolled her lips between her teeth to keep from grinning, no longer ignorant or scandalized by such talk. She understood all-too well what her sister referred to now, thanks to Dominick.
“Oh, Diana … am I foolish for being besotted with him? None of this is according to our plans, but I cannot help myself. The way he makes me feel …”
Diana took her hand, giving it an encouraging squeeze. “You are not foolish. I daresay you are in love, and there is nothing wrong with that. And who gives a fig about plans? I cannot tell you how happy I am for you. At least … Icancelebrate this turn of events, yes? Mr. Burke intends to make an honest woman of you?”
She sneaked another glance at Nick, who stood with his back to them, inspecting something at the counter as he conversed with the shopkeeper.
“I believe he does. There is still much for us to figure out, but … I don’t think it is premature of me to think he has marriage on the mind. We have plans to meet tonight and talk things over.”
Diana let out an excited squeal, which anyone around them might assume had to do with the lovely violet ribbon she inspected. But, her eyes welled with unshed tears as she looked to Calliope.
“I knew he would rise to the occasion. He simply needed a little time to come to his senses.”
“Whatever gave you that impression?”
“Oh, just a feeling. And the fact that he practically seethed with jealousy whenever Mr. Lewes came anywhere near you. I thought they would come to blows.”
The thought of two men fighting over her had no bearing on the warmth that spread through her just then. It had everything to do with realizing Dominick wanted her, and the hope that he perhaps even loved her.
“Say nothing of this to anyone,” she cautioned.
“Of course not. My lips are sealed, albeit grudgingly.”
The rest of the afternoon passed with secretive glances traded between her and Dominick, though Calliope would have to be blind not to also notice the affect this was having on Martin, who was clearly incensed. Guilt niggled her conscience, but she pushed it aside and chose to hold fast to her happiness. It wasn’t as if Martin hadn’t been led to believe he had competition. What did it matter that Dominick’s attentions hadn’t been genuine from the start? Martin was a fine man, and he would find a woman who could care for him the way she did Dominick.
After their return from Box Hill, Calliope returned to Ekta, submitting to the ministrations of the maid to prepare her for dinner. She left Ekta with instructions to find her bed whenever she was ready. She didn’t want Ekta waiting up for her or asking about her arranged meeting with Dominick. If she needed help unfastening her gown, she could always enlist Diana.
Steps light, she left her bedroom to make her way downstairs. A pair of servants breezed past her, seemingly oblivious to her presence. They were in a hurry, the male servant shaking his head as he held up a waistcoat for his companion’s inspection.
“I don’t know what else the man expects of me,” he grumbled, his voice echoing back to Calliope as she paused and turned to watch them go. “His clothes are in such a shabby state, yet he expects me to work my fingers to the bone making them look brand new. I am not capable of miracles.”
Curiosity pricked her as she realized the man was a valet—one who was put out with his master.
The other servant made a sound of disapproval, but he slapped the valet on the back. “You need only put up with it a few more months, at least. If he’s successful with Barrington’s daughter, he’ll be able to afford an entire new wardrobe.”
“I wish he’d hurry things along. He risks losing that fortune of hers to Mr. Burke, the bounder. Did you know it’s rumored to be as much as …”
Calliope leaned against the wall, staring unseeingly after the servants as they disappeared around the corner. She never did hear what her fortune was rumored to be, but it didn’t matter. That Martin’s valet was privy to the knowledge left a bitter taste in her mouth, and she wondered just how he’d come by that knowledge. Perhaps he’d merely been guessing, knowing as everyone did that her father had returned from India a wealthy man before inheriting even more riches along with his title.
Pressing a hand to her belly, she told herself she didn’t care. She had made her choice. Still, it annoyed her to know he had been motivated, at least in part, by her money.
She pushed away from the wall, deciding to be glad she had overheard the servants’ conversation. Now, she could move forward with Dominick without the nagging guilt that she had jilted a man who actually cared about her. London was filled with heiresses and Martin could have his pick of them.
Martin had already arrived in the drawing room, though Dominick had not. Her father was also present, along with Hastings and Diana. Ignoring Martin’s genial smile, she accepted a cordial from a passing footman and approached her sister.
