Page 38 of Sinfully Wed
Uneasiness, oily and slick, twisted in Odessa’s stomach. Her father was a businessman, one who was determined in his dealings. Once, she’d overheard someone say Angus Whitehall belonged in the rookery, not a ball. She’d ignored the comment, but mayhap she should have paid more attention. Odessa made a note to question Aunt Lottie,reallyquestion her about Papa, and not be put off.
Once she got rid of Emerson.
“I can’t possibly encourage Captain Phillips’s suit with Emerson’s betrothal hanging over my head. I plan to approach him at Lady Curchon’s and make my affection for him clear.”
Aunt Lottie turned back to her with a raised brow. “We saw him only the other day outside of the apothecary shop. While his greeting was warm, Odessa, it was not overly effusive. You’ve no idea if the good captain is committed elsewhere, yet you pin all your hopes on him.”
Odessa bit her lip, staring at the strawberry once more. Captain Phillips might not be perfect, but at the very least, he was her choice, and not her father’s. If Papa saw she was happy with Phillips, he would stop this nonsense of trying to wed her to a title.
“Phillips comes from a well-respected family. He’s connected to a marquess.” Her aunt waved her hand at Odessa. “Or someone equally impressive. Because of his connections, Phillips may be pickier than you imagine. And he did not ask permission to call on you when we spoke outside the apothecary, even though I certainly could have given it.”
A bothersome fact Odessa tried not to think too much on. “Perhaps he’s heard the whispers about Emerson calling on me. Our neighbors do like to gossip. In any case, I would rather focus on the problem at hand.” Standing before the mirror, Odessa drew out the small container holding the tar for her teeth. Carefully, she blackened two on the top and three on the bottom.
“I prepared the ointment,” Aunt Lottie said in resignation. “I’ve an entire jar in my room. It should help the worst of the itching. You may have to plead a stomach ailment if the rash isn’t gone by the time your father returns. Though, if Hayden is correct, one strawberry shouldn’t cause you great discomfort.” She held out the bowl. “Go on then.”
“Emerson gave me no other option. I said I wanted to please him. I hope he is wracked with guilt over my suffering.”
“That is only somewhat dramatic.”
A soft knock interrupted them. Her aunt crept to the door, opening it a crack, speaking to someone on the other side before turning to Odessa.
“Lord Emerson has arrived.” Aunt Lottie paused before the mirror and patted a hair back into place. “I’ll inform Burns of your father’s errand before joining the earl in the drawing room. Listen at the door to make sure he’s gone before you appear.” Her aunt smoothed her skirts.
“You realize Emerson is here to see me, don’t you? You are enamored with him.”
“There is much to be enamoredof, Odessa. I nearly fainted at the mere glimpse of his backside.”
“Aunt Lottie.” Odessa was aghast. Her aunt had always been…vocalin her appreciation of the male form. Admitted to having lovers,discreetly, in her youth. Sometimes when she had more than a nip of brandy, Aunt Lottie became rather talkative. Descriptive.
Odessa thought of Emerson’s hands once more. Touching her. A prickling sensation slid over her skin.
Her fingers picked up the strawberry with determination.
“Your rash was caused by eating a pastry we purchased during our walk through the park. The woman who sold the pastry to us swore there were no strawberries in any of her goods, but she obviously lied. An unfortunate accident for which you must now pay the price.” Aunt Lottie placed a palm over her chest. “I’ll never forgive myself. My poor Odessa.” She pretended to dab at her eyes before raising a brow. “Will that do should your father question me?”
Odessa gave a soft laugh. “You’re quite good, aunt. Nearly as good as me.”
“Practice.” She sailed out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
Staring at herself in the mirror, Odessa checked her blackened teeth once more before plopping the strawberry into her mouth.
Chapter Fourteen
The tingling sensationalong her skin heralded the beginning of the rash. Surprising, since it had only been one strawberry. But the berry had been overly large. Odessa scratched away before her slippered feet reached the door of the drawing room. As she entered, the sensation of pustules breaking across her cheeks greeted her, along with Aunt Lottie’s muted gasp. The rash did make Odessa resemble a victim of some dreaded disease. Leprosy or the pox, perhaps.
She paused at the doorway, staring straight at Lord Emerson, and smiled politely. The wool tied to her backside flopped with every step, intensifying the burn of the rash against her skin. She wanted to roll about the floor like a dog trying to scratch itself.
“Miss Whitehall.” Lord Emerson greeted her politely, those blazing hazel eyes with their sprinkle of green darted over the skin of her cheeks and neck before the left side of his mouth lifted in a half-smile.
No flicker of distaste.
Drat.
With no onion clogging her nostrils, Odessa finally caught Emerson’s scent. Clean linen and leather with a touch of lime. He smelled wonderful. Masculine. Not like pomade or an equally revolting scent.
How annoying.
His coat, obviously new and tailored to his broad form, still pulled at the seams just a bit, enough to showcase the line of muscle covering his shoulders and arms. Dark hair lay in a thick tangle across his forehead and cheeks.
