Her Impossible Husband by Wright Cynthia

Author:Wright, Cynthia
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2022-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

It was going to be a wonderful day, Mouette decided. Her beloved son had come home to surprise them, the Countess of Penhurst’s annual ball was tonight, and her finished gown of rich plum silk had arrived. Mouette held her breath as Gwynn helped her try it on.

“Madame, how beautiful you are,” breathed the maid as she did the last tiny button and they both looked at Mouette’s reflection in the cheval mirror. “Wait until tonight, when your hair is dressed, and you have the proper jewels.”

Before Mouette could reply, a knock sounded at the door and Gwyn bustled over to admit Justin. He entered without an invitation, bringing the intoxicating energy that was his alone.

“Ah, Gwynn, how faithful you are to stay by your mistress’s side today,” he said.

“I take great pleasure in serving her,” the young woman beamed.

“You deserve a reward. Baptiste has prepared a special breakfast tart with the first peaches of the season.” He added a low sound of pleasure. “You must hurry before it is all gone. Anthony has already had two pieces.”

Moments later, they were alone. Mouette’s heart leaped as Justin came toward her, as roughly, deeply appealing as ever. Reaching her side, he bent to inhale the fragrance of her hair, his breath warm against her ear.

“That gown provides an excellent showcase for your beauty, chérie,” he said. “It is elegant, but not overpowering.”

He was right. At Justin’s insistence, Madame d’Amboise had kept the design simple. Fashion dictated excessive decoration with lots of little bows, froths of lace, and hems padded with wads of cottonwool. After consulting with Mouette and Justin, Madame embellished the plum gown with only golden silk embroidered with tiny leaves, twisted into buds that trailed diagonally from one side of the gown’s waist to the opposite hem. The effect was restrained yet striking.

“You speak as if I were still in my first flush of youth,” Mouette said wistfully. “In truth, just the opposite is true.”

Justin shook his head. “Your beauty and experience have a richness that no immature girl could match.”

She swayed closer when he encircled her waist with one hand. The bodice of her gown grazed his chest, and her nipples tingled under the thin layers of fabric. Did he really mean it? When Mouette looked up into his face, she believed him.

“I have brought you a small gift, for tonight.” Justin lifted his free hand and she saw that he was holding a blue velvet pouch. “But you must turn around and close your eyes.”

Mouette obeyed, alive with anticipation. His fingertips were deft and cool on her neck. She felt the weight of a necklace before he fastened the clasp. Opening her eyes, she looked at their reflection and saw him standing close behind her, his hands lightly touching her bare shoulders. At her neck gleamed a beautiful choker of square-cut amethysts set in rich gold, colors that perfectly matched her gown.

“It’s exquisite,” Mouette’s mouth was dry, her heart pounding. “Thank you.”

“There are earrings as well.”

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