Page 71 of Duchess By Accident
“I have a beige one. It is rather more traditional, far more lace than I would usually wear.” Natalie pictured the dress in her mind.
It was one that she had bought as a last resort. She had planned on wearing it to thoroughly put Lord Bolton off, but had never been given the chance.
Adrian wrinkled his nose. “You sound as though you are describing something my grandmother would wear.”
Natalie canted her head towards him, trying not to let him realise just how correct his words were. “You were the one who said they valued English fashion.”
“Yes, but that does not mean you have to look dowdy, like someone’s maiden aunt.” He unclasped his hands and made an emphatic gesture as though to ward off an irritating dog. “I have no desire to be seen with a woman who dresses like a nun.”
“I was not going to dress like a nun. Nuns wear habits.” A blush crept up her throat.
“The dress you described sounded horrendous, and if it is the one I am thinking of, it looks just as bad.” Adrian gave her a frank look.
Natalie frowned at him, folding her arms. “And why exactly were you going through my wardrobe?”
“How did you think I got the dress measurements? I know you think rather a lot of my intellect, but even I have my limits.” He gave her a mocking bow.
She resisted the urge to thump him. Instead she said as acerbically as she could manage, “I think rather less of your intellect than you think I do.”
“Of course you do.” He moved away from her, as though he sensed her thoughts. “Regardless, if you wear that dress, we will not go to this ball. So pick another.”
He strode away before Natalie could say another word. Her anger filled her and she glowered after him. So they were back to demands, were they?
Well, if he wanted her to wear a different dress, she would wear a different dress.
“I am going to make him regret ever thinking he could dictate my clothes.” She smiled to herself.He will only wish that I was a dowdy maiden aunt.
She would have his full attention. She ignored just how good that felt.
Chapter Twenty-One
“You have made all the necessary arrangements?” Adrian asked as Mr. Kember straightened his tails, dusting off his shoulders with a brush.
“Everything is in hand, your Grace.” Mr. Kember assured him.
“Good. With any luck, by the end of tonight all of this will be over.” Adrian glanced at his reflection in the mirror, smoothing a stray strand of hair from his face. “I do love when a plan comes together.”
“Indeed, Your Grace. And this one has come together swiftly, even by your standards.”
“It is amazing what can happen when I am allowed to focus.” The image of Natalie’s face swam into Adrian’s mind and he pushed it away.
He had planned on keeping his distance until the ball, but she had made that all but impossible. Whenever he was around her, he felt tugged, unable to stop himself slipping into conversation or reaching for her hand.
“And I intend to keep my focus.” Adrian muttered, clenching his fists.
Mr. Kember inclined his head. “If that will be all, I shall ensure the carriage is ready.”
“Yes, thank you Kember.” Adrian left the room and strode into the entrance hall.
The sound of footsteps behind him caught his attention and he turned to find himself staring at Natalie. She was not wearing the sad beige dress.
Instead, she wore an elegantly cut magenta gown. It was style in the English way, and the embroidery was subtle, but drew his attention to the fullness of Natalie’s form.
His mouth was dry.Control. You need to stay in control.He could not tear his gaze from her. She was radiant, a refined and controlled air in her every movement. Her hair was fastened in an bun, and about her neck she wore a delicate necklace.
Her eyes met his, her lips parted slightly, colour flushing through her cheeks.
“You will be the death of me.” Adrian growled as she reached him.
