Page 10 of Irresistible
“I’m sorry for that.” Evie’s voice was soft. “My mother loved too much, I think.” She shook her head as if dispelling unpleasant thoughts. “We’ve settled on a distinctive style of movement for you, then?”
“I believe so.”
“Excellent. How else can I help you? Perhaps you just need to visit me a few more times and practice. Don’t forget to use your accent.” Evie winked at her as she picked up her teacup.
What Jess really needed help with was how to pretend to be a wife. As a widow, Evie could likely provide counsel, but how could Jess possibly ask for help with that? She’d have to concoct a story as to why.
Jess realized she ought to be able to do so, that fabricating things would berequiredin her new role. But would Evie be shocked by Jess’s request?
She had to risk it. Having never been married or even properly courted, all Jess’s knowledge came from romantic novels and overheard conversations between maids.
“I do have one more question that I hope you can help me with,” Jess said with more confidence than she felt. Apparently, shecouldact contrary to her emotions. That was encouraging. “I hope you won’t think poorly of me.”
Evie met her gaze directly and spoke with a genuine care that touched Jess. “I would never judge you. We women must align ourselves with one another and do what we can to support each other. How can I help?”
Jess thought she’d truly made a friend today. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. Too many women I’ve met seem committed to competition or superiority. Thank you.” Trying to be as vague as possible, Jess said, “It may be that I meet a gentleman on my excursion. And it may be that we pretend we are married. How do I do that…convincingly?” Now Evie would think the entire enterprise was so Jess could have an assignation.
Evie’s nostrils flared, but that was her only reaction. “I see. Well,ifthis were to come to pass, I would tell you to be sure to behave with confidence. Don’t be timid or give any indication of nervousness. No one will look twice at you if you behave as though you are smitten, especially if you adopt that slightly arrogant tilt to your head.”
“Thank you, that helps.” But it wasn’t nearly enough. To act as though she were married, Jess thought she ought to hold herself a certain way, particularly as she interacted with her “husband.”
Perhaps she should ask Fallin. He wasn’t married, but he had far more experience in the art of deceit than she did. Then again, he didn’t need to act at being haughty. That seemed part of his natural demeanor.
At least it had last night. They’d actually met four years ago when he’d danced with her at a ball, and her impression had been rather different. He clearly didn’t remember the occasion, but Jess had never forgotten. That was the year her middle sister debuted, and Jess had rarely danced at all. She hadn’t minded—indeed, she’d been relieved for the attention that was bestowed on Marianne instead of her. All that had changed when she’d seen Dougal MacNair enter the ballroom. She’d been instantly drawn to his arresting good looks and air of confidence, particularly given the whispers she’d heard commenting on his dark skin and how out of place he looked. She’d thought he looked perfect. When he’d come to ask her to dance, out of all the other young ladies in the ballroom, she’d felt special in a way she hadn’t in a very long time.
When she’d walked into Lord Lucien’s last night and seen that MacNair, or rather Fallin, was to be her partner, a giddy thrill had surged through her, far surpassing the excitement she’d already been feeling. Then he’d behaved boorishly, and she decided he must have changed over the past four years. The man she’d danced with had laughed easily and complimented her with charm and grace. He’d even discussed the war with France. Gentlemen typically ignored her when she brought up such topics.
But then she recalled Evie’s reaction upon seeing him today, along with something Lady Pickering had said last night about Fallin being “called away at this time.” She’d also looked at him with sympathy at some point. Perhaps there was a reason for his bluntness and general disagreeability.
Regardless, Jess would do her duty and pretend to be his wife. All while she investigated whether he was working against the Foreign Office. The enormity of her task was beginning to overwhelm her. Did she possess the skill to fool him as well as those around them? He was an experienced spy who didn’t seem the least interested in having her as a partner. What was she getting herself into?
“It’s my turn to ask a question that I hope won’t shock you.” Evie smiled gently. “Your question about comporting yourself as a wife… Do you wish to convince observers or the gentleman in question? To be more direct, are you looking for advice on how to behave with him? In the bedchamber, perhaps?”
Jess, of course, couldn’t tell her that the enterprise was fake. But now that Evie had posed the question, Jess couldn’t deny her curiosity. She knew the mechanics, owing to certain books and other documents and again to the maids in her father’s households, but hadn’t ever discussed it with a woman who possessed experience. And she certainly had no experience of her own. The awkward kisses she’d shared with Asa Robinson seven long years ago didn’t signify.
Shockingly, she had no trouble imagining at least the prospect of sharing Fallin’s bed, despite his obnoxious behavior. He was exceptionally attractive—tall and broad-shouldered enough so that she actually felt normal instead of overgrown, with curly black hair cropped rather close to his head and rich brown eyes flecked with gold that seemed to shimmer when he’d jerked away from her. She’d felt a jolt of…somethingin that moment and had wondered briefly if he’d sensed it too. Until she reminded herself that he was completely unenthused at having her as his partner, let alone his fake wife, and that he could very well be a villain.
Before she could answer Evie’s question, the butler announced the arrival of Lord Fallin and Lord Lucien.
Evie immediately stood and went to Fallin. She took his hand and stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. “How are you, Dougal?”
It seemed Evie knew him intimately, then.
“I’m fine, thank you, Evie,” he said with a faint smile. They were clearly friends, probably because of Lucien. Or perhaps they’d known each other before Lucien. Jess wanted to ask how they’d met, but Fallin had already admonished her about making queries.
“I’m surprised you’re back from Scotland so soon.” Evie squeezed his hand, her gaze fixed on him with compassion and concern. Why? Another question Jess couldn’t ask.
“I’ve business to attend, but I won’t be here long—just a week.” Because then they would be on their way to Dorset.
Evie nodded. “Come and meet Miss Jessamine Goodfellow. Or have you already been introduced?”
Fallin looked toward Jess, who sat stock-still, wondering how he would respond. “I’m sure we’ve met at some point.” He made his way to the table, and Jess tried not to smirk at the accuracy of his platitude. “I’m pleased to see you, Miss Goodfellow.”
Jess rose and curtsied. “Thank you, my lord. I am as well.”
“Lucien, do you know Miss Goodfellow?” Evie took his arm and walked him to the table.
“Oh yes.” He inclined his head with a smile. “Miss Goodfellow, how delightful it is to see you here with Evie. Is she giving you wardrobe advice?”
