Page 114 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
“I said I can’t wait,” Amelia declared, full of false cheer.
Kate’s eyes narrowed. “Why do I not believe you?”
Amelia chuckled. “Because you’re exceptionally bright.”
Kate flushed. “Am not.”
Amelia fought the urge to insist that she was. Her sister-in-law was very clever about particular things. She knew all about the latest fashions, and she was a talented artist, but she didn’t consider herself to be intelligent because she wasn’t academically inclined.
“My lady, this would be far easier if you’d stay still,” Margaret said, attempting to gather Amelia’s hair into an artful array of curls.
“Sorry, Margaret,” she said, duly chastened.
“Well, I’m excited for you.” The bed squeaked. Perhaps Kate was bouncing on the mattress. “The shade of blue that you and Mother chose is very flattering on you. I do wish you’d agreed to wear a ribbon of the same shade in your hair.”
“I’ve agreed to the ball and the dress. That’s enough.”
“You’re no fun. When I have my season, I shall wear the most exquisite gowns in shades of pink, blue, and green.” Her voice became dreamy. “My shoes will match, and I’ll dance all night.”
“I don’t doubt that. You’ll have no shortage of suitors.”
Kate wasn’t destined to be a wallflower like Amelia. In the mirror, Margaret was smiling.Kate wasn’t the only one excited for her season. The maid was eager to participate too. Amelia wouldn’t be surprised if Kate and Margaret had already been practicing how they would dress her hair for her presentation at court.
Margaret bent over Amelia to slide a few hairpins into place. She winced as one scraped her scalp a little too sharply. Murmuring an apology, Margaret adjusted the pin.
“All done.” She stood back. “Is it to your satisfaction, my lady?”
Amelia examined herself in the mirror. While her hair was dressed more elaborately than she would usually choose, she had to admit that it looked good. “It is.”
“Now, for the dress.” Kate sat upright and clapped excitedly. “I peeked at Mother’s earlier. I like that it’s in a similar style to yours, but yours is clearly more modern and intended for a younger woman.”
Amelia shook her head. “It’s amazing to me that you can tell so much just from looking at them. All I know is that they’re similar without being the same.”
Kate preened.
Margaret withdrew the dress from the wardrobe. Amelia undid her belt and allowed the dressing gown she waswearing to slide off her shoulders and drop to the floor. Her undergarments were already in place.
“If you’ll just step into it like this.” Margaret showed her where to put her feet. Once she was in the center, the maid lifted the dress and held it up. “One arm in here, and the other in there, then turn around.”
Amelia slipped her arms through the holes and turned so Margaret could do up her buttons. She’d almost reached the top when there was a sharp knock at the door, followed by a deep voice.
“May I come in?” It was Andrew.
“Yes,” she called back. “I’m almost ready.”
She heard the door open and glanced over. Her husband looked spectacular in a black tailcoat over a gold-patterned shirt that brought out the flecks of gold in his eyes and a waistcoat that matched the color of her dress.
“Ladies, I’d like a moment of privacy with my wife, please,” he said, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“I’m nearly done,” Margaret replied.
“I can finish.” He strode over and took Margaret’s place behind Amelia.
She closed her eyes as his fingertips brushed the sensitive skin between her shoulder blades. Based on the rustling of fabric, she assumed that Kate and Margaret were leaving.
“You chose well.” His voice rumbled near her ear.
She tilted her head to give him better access, and he ran his lips up the length of her neck and nipped at the skin just beneath her ear.
