Page 34 of The Earl's Hired Bride
“Jasper,” he said thoughtfully, “you’ve been in and out of Herrington House?”
“Aye.”
“Do you know the maid, Molly?”
“I could pick her out,” the boy answered.
“Good. I want you to go and pick her out—and deliver a message. We’ll need her help tonight. And tell her not to tell Emily what we are up to, just in case . . .”
Chapter 9
She looked magnificent, even if it was vain to think so herself. Madame Lalbert and her mother had outdone themselves. Her dress was white, with a tight, scoop-necked bodice and short, sheer sleeves. It was the embroidery that made it stunning, however. Intricate designs in the deepest, darkest red drew the eye to the neckline and echoed along the flowing skirts. She carried a thick shawl of the same blood-red and her elaborately curled hair featured a silk ribbon in the same hue.
She stared at herself in the mirror and recognized how the striking combination flattered her pale skin and dark hair, and how the cut of the dress emphasized all the best features of her figure. And still, she couldn’t help but wish for her old armor.
Oh, how she craved her old invisibility.
But it was not to be. Tonight would likely end in notoriety for her—but only for her, if she could possibly manage it.
Everything depended on her ability to bluff Miss Paxton.
“Hart has sent word that he will meet us at my sister’s.” The countess was moving through the passageway when Emily emerged. She stopped. “Oh, my dear, you are stunning.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Hart’s mother looked her over. “Your first ball, is it not? Nerves are expected,” she soothed.
Emily was sick with fury, anxiety, and impending loss, but she couldn’t say that. She nodded, instead.
“My dear.” The countess gave her hand a kind squeeze. “Will you allow me the chance to thank you? I was unsure about this scheme of Hart’s at the beginning—but you have done him good. He appears relaxed . . . even happy . . . for the first time since we lost his brother.”
Emily breathed deeply. At least she’d accomplished that. She nodded again. “I’m so glad.”
The countess let her go and began to pull on her gloves. “Good. Now, let us go forth and conquer.”
She almost laughed. Oh, how she fervently hoped it would be so.
* * *
Young James wasin the receiving line and he gallantly requested the first dance with her. Emily was touched and happy to give it. They’d arrived late enough that she didn’t have to wait long before they took their places. The young man looked as nervous as she felt, but he successfully navigated the steps and appeared as proud as punch when it ended. And again, Emily felt nearly as proud—here was another good thing she had accomplished. If only her time here was not so quickly ending.
But the end did arrive moments later, with a grimly smiling Miss Paxton. “Won’t you take a turn with me, Miss Latham?”
She dragged Emily into an alcove. “Marc—I mean, my men say you’ve done well so far, following instructions,” she began. “I’m glad to know that you are taking this seriously. Just do as I say now and you will emerge from this unscathed and free.”
“While you trick Hart into marrying you?” Emily returned with scorn. “I don’t think I will make it so easy for you.”
Miss Paxton flushed with fast-rising anger. “It’s not as if you have much choice.”
“I do have a choice.” She raised her brow. “Do you even pay attention to the world you live in? Expose us if you will,” she challenged. “Hartford is aman. Yes, his actions will be frowned upon. Some members of the ton will be scandalized. Others will rather admire him. Either way, it will be a three-week-wonder. Something else will come along to capture Society’s attention and because he is a man, Hartford’s reputation will recover. By next Season—maybe even by the end of this one—those shocked girls will be vying for his attention again.
The girl looked livid at being challenged. “Yourreputation won’t survive.”
Emily laughed. “I don’t care. I never meant to stay amongst these people to begin with.”
Miss Paxton snarled. “Perhaps you won’t be so blasé about your family’s welfare. I will have you and your mother arrested.”
“For what? Making a fool of you?”
