Page 31 of An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
Chapter 6
Tonight she would be a respectable chaperone. She would fade into the woodwork, observe, and make a mental list regarding Rexton’s suitability. To discourage Gina from falling for the fellow, Tillie needed specific examples. And if she approved of the match—she needed to burn samplings of his exemplary behavior into her mind so she could torment herself with the images of his love for her sister so she, herself, would cease with all these horrendous fantasies of him doing wicked things to her that tormented her throughout the night. She hadn’t slept soundly since the blasted man had come into their lives. She stepped into the hallway—
The high-pitched shriek had her jumping out of her skin and her heart racing.
“What have you done to yourself?” Gina squealed. The abject look of horror on her usually joyful face alerted Tillie that she’d accomplished her goal of ensuring no man would find her the least bit enticing. If Rexton ignored her completely, perhaps her stomach would stop its irritating and continual fluttering whenever he was near. “You resemble a ghoul.”
“Not that bad, surely.” Her black dress buttoned to her chin and her wrists. Her maid had pulled her hair back into a severe, tight bun that caused her skin to feel taut as her high cheekbones hollowed out to dominate her face.
“At the very least someone in mourning.”
She gave an ineffectual tug on her black gloves. They were fitted as tightly as possible and not going anywhere. “As any well respected chaperone should be.”
“This won’t do at all.” Sweeping past her, Gina rushed into Tillie’s bedchamber.
With a roll of her eyes, she followed. Her sister was at her wardrobe, pulling out one gown after another and stuffing it back into place as though it offended her. “Gina, a chaperone shouldn’t draw attention. It was a mistake I made at the theater. I should have dressed in a less striking manner so as to be overlooked. When people notice me it only serves to reinforce we’re related, which serves you no good.”
“But we’re going to the Twin Dragons, and while I’ve never been, I have heard people talk about it. One must wear one’s finest.” Holding up a plum gown, she swung around. “Especially if you wish to be extended an invitation for membership.”
“Why would I want that?”
“So you have something to do in the evenings, other than haunt this place.”
“I enjoy haunting this place.” A lie. She’d wanted it because Downie had loved it so. She’d wanted to take something he’d treasured because he’d taken something precious from her. While the manor had been in Downie’s family for a century, it wasn’t included in his entailment, and he’d been willing to part with it for a substantial sum, much to his mother’s horror. At the time, Tillie had taken satisfaction in her reaction. Although in hindsight, she feared she’d been rather petty. “Besides as I mentioned, a chaperone shouldn’t be noticed.”
“Well, you’re going to be noticed inthat. Dreadfully so. If you don’t want to draw attention, then you must blend in.” She tossed the gown onto the bed. “That one will do nicely. Call for your maid and have her do something with your hair while she’s at it. Pulling it back that tightly makes it appear as though you haven’t had a bite to eat in a year.”
“It’s not that severe.”
“It’s awful.”
All the better then. She wouldn’t imagine she felt Rexton’s gaze roaming over her because she could reassure herself he wouldn’t even look at her. “Gina, sweeting, what I wear is unimportant. Rexton’s attention will be on you as it should be—”
“So you’ve noticed he looks at you.”
She was stunned by the pronouncement. She’d imagined it, but that was her own wantonness rearing its ugly head. “He can’t ignore me completely without being rude.”
“Perhaps,” Gina said nonchalantly. “However my doubt is all the more reason you should be at your best. If he has a wandering eye, then he’s not someone I want, is he? Play the tart tonight. Let’s test his devotion to me. The gaming hell is perfect, because people don’t really behave there, do they? It’s all wickedness, so you can be subtle and it won’t be obvious what you’re doing. I don’t want you to try to steal him away—as I can’t compete with you.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m no competition for you. You’re pretty, young, enthusiastic. You’re wildly fun while I much prefer quiet and solitude.”
“Well, you won’t get much of that this evening, I’m sure, not based upon what I’ve heard of the club. Now prepare yourself for an exciting night of adventure.”
Tillie shook her head. “I haven’t time to change. He’ll be here any minute—”
“I’ll entertain him in the parlor. It’s not as though we’re on a schedule. We arrive when we arrive.”
Tillie hated to admit Gina was correct: Rexton needed to be tested. She wouldn’t be blatant about it, but the club would be the perfect place to observe all the nuances to Rexton’s characteristics. How much he drank. How much he gambled. Was he reckless or disciplined? How much attention would he pay to her if she were as her sister suggested: somewhat tartish?
“All right, but ensure your maid is in the parlor with you. I don’t trust Rexton not to take advantage.”
Gina beamed. “Splendid. Although I daresay I wouldn’t object if he took advantage. He’s just so magnificently delicious.”
The jealousy that speared Tillie with the thought of Rexton kissing her sister took her by surprise, causing a sharp pain in her midsection which nearly caused her to groan. Her reaction was inappropriate, shameful. Gina was obviously infatuated with the marquess. Tillie had to quell her own interest and her own wicked thoughts. “Perhaps the maidandGriggs should be in the parlor with you,” she said pointedly.
Gina merely laughed. “Not to worry. I won’t let him misbehave. I won’t be forced into a marriage.”
“Jolly good for you.”
