The Wagered Heart: Signet Regency Romance (InterMix) by Rhonda Woodward

Author:Rhonda Woodward
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781101572894
Publisher: InterMix
Published: 2012-10-01T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“P lease hurry, Harper, I wish to be in the salon when His Grace arrives.”

“I am on the last button, miss,” the maid said, her nimble fingers working quickly. “There!”

With a nod of thanks, Julia picked up her reticule and moved to the dressing table, making one last check of her appearance in the mirror.

She was pleased that she had taken Mariah’s advice and worn the new mulberry-colored sarsenet walking dress and dove gray spencer. Several months ago, when Julia had the ensemble made, the dressmaker had stated that the treble quilling of satin ribbon at the cuffed sleeves was the height of fashion. Julia hoped so, for she felt it was imperative that she look smart.

After a final adjustment to her small-brimmed bonnet, she took a deep breath and left the room.

As she made her way downstairs toward the main salon, Julia decided that it was for the best that Clive had taken Caro off to make calls and visit his mother. If Caro had stayed, Julia feared that she might say something indiscreet in front of the duke.

As a child, Caro had always been cautious and, because of her mother’s tutelage, had a keen regard for the dictates of Society and was excessively attentive to all the proprieties.

Even this morning Caro had not been shy about cautioning Julia to behave prudently. Realizing that Caro was truly anxious about the duke, Julia had done her best to assure her cousin that her behavior would be all that was correct. Caro’s expression showed her skepticism, but she had said nothing further on the matter.

For his part, Clive was no end pleased that the Duke of Kelbourne was calling on his guest. “Ho, ho, Cousin Julia, it is certainly a feather in your cap to have the duke pay you such marked attention.”

Julia had affixed a smile to her lips. Oh, yes, I’m so flattered that a proclaimed rakehell has shown me such condescension. “I shall see you both at dinner,” she had called to them as they left.

Upon entering the salon, she swiftly took in the room. Would it be better to stand in front of the window or be seated on the settee next to the vase of irises? The window, she decided, hurrying across the room, fearing the duke would be announced before she could position herself to the best advantage.

With her back to the door, she twisted this way and that until she felt satisfied that she was in the proper pose. She wanted the duke, upon entering, to see her gazing out the window, which overlooked the back garden, in an artless manner. This way, he would be met by the left side of her profile. When they had conspired together on Tuesday, Mariah assured her that her left side was her most attractive.

Despite the intense pounding of her heart, Julia felt a welcome sense of confidence. Her time with Mariah had put her at ease, and with her friend’s support, Julia knew without shame

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