Page 38 of A Scandalous Proposition
‘I’m sure that won’t signify.’ Christine smiled. ‘But tell me, I’ve been dying of curiosity. How was the duchess’s soiree?’
‘It went well enough, I suppose.’ Florentina related the names of all the guests, going on to describe the sumptuous dinner and giving details of the ladies’ gowns.
‘That’s all very interesting but you know it’s not what I really want to hear.’
Florentina opened her eyes wide in feigned surprise. ‘Isn’t it?’
‘Come on, tell me how Adam behaved in your company.’
‘He was very charming, as a matter of fact. He came to the dower house and escorted his mother to the Court.’
‘And you, too, presumably.’
‘Yes, but he could hardly help doing that if he wished to escort his mother.’
‘Indeed he couldn’t.’ Christine’s eyes brimmed with laughter. ‘I don’t suppose that found favour with the new duchess.’
‘No, she was in quite a taking about it. And when Adam asked me to waltz?’
‘He waltzed with you?’ Christine elevated her brows. ‘Oh dear!’
‘Why do you say that?’
‘Because I suspect the duchess planned for him to waltz with her. You can’t have endeared yourself to her by being his first choice.’
‘Nothing I do will ever make that woman look upon me favourably.’
‘I collect that he continues to treat you with courtesy.’
Florentina blushed scarlet, causing Christine to dissolve into fits of laughter.
‘I’ll not embarrass you by asking for any more explanations.’
‘Thank you,’ Florentina said primly.
‘Did he quiz you about your reasons for posing as a courtesan.’
‘Well, yes, but I anticipated that and made up a story to satisfy him.’
‘Did you indeed! That was very clever of you. What did you tell him?’
Florentina smiled triumphantly and retold her tale.
Christine’s expression was openly sceptical. ‘And he believed you?’
‘Of course. Why ever shouldn’t he?’
The door opened and Sophia and Ramon bounded in, too eager to spend time with their sister to wait until they were summoned. Florentina fell upon them and hugged them close, aware of Christine sitting back and smiling fondly at them all.
‘What a charming scene.’
Florentina’s heart hammered against as ribcage as he scrambled to her feet. Adam loomed in the doorway, his expression dark and unreadable. He walked into the room and closed the door behind him.
‘Adam!’ Christine sounded alarmed. ‘I didn’t expect to see you here this afternoon.’
‘Evidently. No one was about downstairs so I took the liberty of showing myself up.’ He inclined his head. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’
‘No, not at all.’
