Page 38 of The Allure Of Lord Devlin
Rosemary was doing her best to ignore her brother’s glare by examining a collection of lace trimmings.
“Come stand in front of the cheval mirror and you’ll see the bonnet suits you well,” Camille urged the Scottish woman.
Fiona was happy to regard herself in a full-length mirror while trying on a midnight blue silk bonnet adorned with delicate ribbons and feathers. “Darling, what do you think? Does it bring out the color of my eyes?” Fiona noticed that Devlin's eyes were focused on Lady Dharma and the material she was being shown by one of the dressmakers on the other side of the lounge, and her lips turned down.
Without removing his gaze from Dharma, he replied, “I’m sure you’d look ravishing in anything you selected.”
Fiona pouted. Not the least bit mollified. “What is that material that Lady Dharma is examining?” she snapped at Madame Camille.
“Oh, that’s a deep burgundy velvet. It would not suit your coloring.”
“I want to see it.” Before Madame could say more, Fiona made her way to where Dharma was discussing the material with Rosemary. “It brings out the blue of your eyes beautifully,” Rosemary said as Fiona arrived.
Steam was almost coming out of Fiona’s ears at Devlin’s steadfast interest in Dharma. “I’d love a dress made from this velvet. See to it.”
Madame Camille rubbed her hands and stuttered, “But there is only enough material for Lady Dharma’s gown.”
“It’s all right, Camille. Mrs. McTavish may have the material. She is our guest and we want to make her feel welcome. After all, she will become part of Lady Rosemary’s family, and I hope a friend.”
Fiona’s anger vanished, replaced by cautious appeasement. “That is very kind, Lady Dharma. Perhaps Madame Camille is correct and the color would look better on you.”
“Perhaps. However, look at this beautiful emerald velvet material. It would look stunning on you. What type of gown would suit Mrs. McTavish's figure? Perhaps we should look through the sketches and find a beautiful design to show off your figure?” Dharma skillfully drew Fiona further into the lounge, away from Devlin’s knowing gaze. He could hardly follow them back here. Women were being measured and changing behind the curtains.
Philippa arrived with some designs in hand. “Come sit with me. I’d be happy to advise you on suitable gowns for all the occasions. Do you have gaps in your wardrobe? Where should we start first?”
Soon the ladies were pouring over gown ideas and fabric, any animosity forgotten. Dharma looked back through the curtains to see Devlin pacing, looking like he could throttle her.
With gowns and material selected, Fiona was finally being measured and Dharma slipped away as Philippa began asking her questions about her life in Scotland and who she knew in London.
She held her head up high as Devlin drew her over to the corner, away from prying eyes and big ears. “Please calm down. We are in a public place looking at material and gowns. What on earth could go wrong?”
“You know damn well why I’m so angry. You’re involving yourself and my sister in something that does not concern you and putting everyone in danger. Plus, if Fiona thinks we are playing games, she could refuse to tell me what I need to know. Destroying any chance of clearing my father’s name.”
“Well, calm yourself. She is so wrapped up in advancing her wardrobe trying to seduce you, she’s as happy as a clam. We are just ensuring that you have the option to choose who you marry once your father is cleared. We believe the lady is playing you false. She slipped out to meet a man at Montague House.”
He glanced around the room and, noting that they were not being observed, dragged her behind a screen. “I should put you over my knee and spank you. When did you visit the museum?”
Dharma wanted to say promises, promises, but instead, she tried to placate his temper. “While you were at Tattersalls. We invited Fiona.”
“You went with her alone?”
“Of course not. We invited Hawthorne and Fencourt to accompany us.”
His hand on her arm tightened. “Fencourt! Now you really are pushing the boundaries. He’s Longton’s son.”
“I don’t think he is in league with his father. He couldn’t care less about Fiona, for one. He wasn’t at all worried when she slipped away. And honestly, I think he’s harmless. He doesn’t have the brains to be deceitful.”
“What would you know about deceit? “
She shook out of his hold. “You taught me how easy it is to deceive. You took liberties and then walked away.” The tips of Devlin’s ears turned red.
“If you despise me so, why are you trying to help?” He had her there.
“If you must know, clearing your father also helps my friend Rosemary. Lord Whetton would have no objections to her marriage to his son.” What she wanted to say was he wouldn’t have to marry Fiona, but she wasn’t about to feed his ego by letting him know she still found him the only man she desired.
Devlin brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek, his thumb tracing the delicate curve of her jaw. “Is clearing my father’s name for Rosemary all you care about? Or is there something else your heart desires?”
Why couldn’t her face hide her inner thoughts?
