Once a Rake, Always a Rogue by Catherine Stein

Author:Catherine Stein [Stein, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, historical romance, fantasy romance, Fantasy, steampunk, steampunk romance, mystery, mystery romance, paranormal, paranormal romance, adventure
Publisher: Catherine Stein, LLC
Published: 2020-03-03T05:00:00+00:00

XXIII

Social Obligations

Thank goodness Marvale’s man had come to spy yesterday and not this afternoon, because he would have witnessed Astrid in a semi-disheveled state, pounding on a gentleman’s bedchamber door.

Even worse, when the door opened, what came out of her mouth was, “Monte, I need you.”

Anyone of sense would forgive her for not thinking quite straight. Monte had abandoned his jacket and waistcoat, and his shirt was open at the top, exposing his kissable throat. His hair was rumpled, and he clutched his pirate novel, one finger marking his page. He had nearly finished, Astrid noted.

His hot gaze raked over her, taking in her unshod feet and the curls of hair tumbling all about. “Do you, now?”

“Yes.” She was so caught up in staring at him it took an unseemly long time for her to explain herself. “I have dozens of accessories, and I haven’t the slightest notion which ones to use. White gloves, or blue? Long or short? Do I take a handkerchief? Do I wear a hat, or only something in my hair? I need a fan, and shoes. I don’t know how to do any of this.”

Monte grinned at her, looking her up and down a second time. “I can help.” He put his book aside and followed her down the hall. “That is the dress you intend to wear?”

“Yes.”

“It becomes you.”

“Thank you. It’s another of Lady Vayne’s. Elsie made adjustments to the fit, and it seems the right size now. I like the bright blue color.”

“As do I.”

He hadn’t lost all his rakish tendencies, because he entered her bedchamber without the slightest hesitation. His eyes flicked toward the terrarium, checking that Bristles hadn’t escaped. Astrid looked away to hide her giggle.

Her room was a mess, with accessories scattered across all flat surfaces. Monte stepped over the five pairs of boots, scanning the array of choices with a frown.

“This is far more than you purchased yesterday.”

“I know. I brought out many of my older things as well. As I said, I have no idea what I should choose.”

“You had a London Season once, and you have attended events since then. Who helped you choose, if you didn’t do it yourself?”

Astrid grimaced. “Everything was pre-chosen. Dresses were ordered from my mother’s modiste, and they arrived complete with accessories. I never did more than select a color. But tonight I wanted to wear a dress that was comfortable.”

“A sensible notion.” He surveyed the room again. “You purchased none of these things yourself except what you selected yesterday?”

“Not a one.”

“Are there any you are fond of?”

She shrugged.

“Right then.” He stopped beside the desk, where she had set out all of her fans. He put aside the black lace and blue silk she had selected the day before, then flung the remainder to the floor with a single sweep of his arm.

Astrid gasped. Monte moved on to the gloves, repeating the procedure.

“What are you doing?”

“You wanted help. I’m helping.”

“But…” She couldn’t think of anything to say. She had already professed her ignorance of fashion matters.

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