Page 36 of The Duke of Aces
His sister pulled back and asked, “You consider me a dear friend?”
“Oui.” Their host extracted a note from the sleeve of her dress and tucked it into Charlotte’s décolleté. “The staff…they cannot be trusted. I could not risk giving this to you in front of them.”
Tom stepped up and winged out both arms for the ladies. “Shall we adjourn to the gardens?”
Comtesse Du Montford shook her head. “Non. You go. Mademoiselle Charlotte and I will go have tea now.”
Tom nodded and left his room, leaving the two women behind. He had much to think about. Specifically, the comtesse’s statement about him having fallen in love. Was it really that apparent?
God, he hoped not. If he was that transparent, then his effectiveness as a spy was over.
Chapter Nineteen
Pastel pink, green,and blue silk gowns, alongside stockings and garters, and an array of wraps littered Isadora’s chambers—on her bed, over her reading chair, and draped across the top of her chest of drawers. It was a disaster.
Minerva stood behind Isadora, playing lady’s maid. “Promise to be careful tonight.”
“If you were accompanying me instead of Drake, there would be no need for me to promise, now would there.” Isadora sucked in another breath as Minerva tugged on the dark mauve ribbon wrapped tight about her chest. She glared at Minerva over her shoulder. “Stop worrying, it’s a private masquerade party, and I personally vetted each invitation.”
“But with each attendee donning a domino, you cannot be certain. Promise me.” Minerva had been on edge all evening.
“I promise.” Isadora twirled around and wrapped Minerva in a hug. “You have naught to worry about. Drake won’t leave my side.”
Minerva pulled back. “With Benedict and Diana married, and Gregory and Paul away at school, who else am I going to worry about?”
Isadora imagined wringing Drake’s neck for the thousandth time. Minerva should already be married and caring for her own babies, not playing the role of a spinster sister and worrying over her siblings.
Minerva spun around and shifted through a pile of shawls. “Who did Charlotte list as her guest?”
“Her brother.” Isadora’s heart faltered, skipping a beat at the thought of being in the same room as Tom. Riddled with anxiety and desire to see the man, Isadora was in a constant flux of emotions.
She avoided Minerva’s gaze but noted her sister’s half-hearted attempt to mask a smile. The corner of Minerva’s lips twitched. “I’m surprised the Duke of Avondale didn’t appear on our stoop the eve of his return.”
Tom and Charlotte had returned to London three days ago. He had sent Isadora a note the first eve they were home, informing her he would come to see her as soon as possible. But instead of Tom appearing at the Garnett affair she attended, she received another missive from His Grace informing her he had been detained by the Head of the Foreign Office for questioning. She had collected two days’ worth of brief but poignant notes all stating he was sorry for the delay. Excitement coursed through her and continued to build as she counted down the hours until the masquerade. She craved Tom’s touch, and his touch only. She knew this to be true since she continued to instinctively shy away from all other gentlemen.
Minerva grabbed a shawl that matched the same dark coloring as Isadora’s domino and moved to stand behind her once more. She secured the domino over Isadora’s eyes and nose—the silk fabric was soft against Isadora’s cheeks that were aflame from the mention of Tom. With the mask in place, a surge of confidence flowed through her. She could face Tom without fear. “His Grace, I’m sure, had more important matters to attend to than paying us a social call.”
“Perhaps.” Minerva twirled Isadora by the shoulders. “You need a husband who matches you in intellect, shares your perspective on life, and who will love you passionately and unconditionally.”
“And you believe Tom could be that man?”
Her sister gave her a little push. “Aye, I do. Now, go enjoy your evening.”
Isadora ambled toward the door. With her hand resting on the latch, Isadora asked, “Dare I ask what your plans are for the evening?”
“I shall be here.”
Isadora wanted to roll her eyes at the lie, but she refrained and instead stared directly at Minerva and said, “I don’t believe you. There is a reason why you wanted Drake preoccupied this eve. You didn’t want him following you wherever it is you are going.”
“Since when have you become so perceptive?” Minerva bustled about Isadora’s bed chamber collecting all the rejected dresses.
“Merely because I choose to pretend not to notice your peculiar behavior doesn’t mean I’m not aware.” Isadora searched her sister’s features. The stubborn set of Minerva’s jaw meant her sister was not going to share her plans.
Finding out Minerva’s secrets would take more time than she could afford this eve. Drake was waiting for her. Isadora opened her door and crept down the hall.
Escaping into the night through the terrace doors, Isadora welcomed the chill.
Drake stepped out of the shadows. “Did she share her plans?”
