Page 50 of Vying for a Viscount
“Yes, of course.”
Two hours later, the Rutherford carriage pulled up in front of Madam Serena’s. Her footman opened the door and assisted her and Jane in alighting. Letitia insisted that Jane come along to help her pick out engagement gifts for her friends. But first, she hoped her modiste had a new creation she could impress Greyson with tomorrow night.
The bells on the door rang as they entered the shop. At this early hour, there were hardly any people inside, which was to her advantage.
Madam Serena stepped through the curtain separating the front of the shop from the fitting and stock room. “Good morning to you, Lady Rutherford,” she said cheerily. “May I help you find something?”
“Actually, I’m attending a dinner party tomorrow night and was hoping you might have an evening dress.”
“Ah, you know me too well. I always have a few beautiful things prepared for just such an emergency.” She swung the curtain back. “Come with me. Your maid can wait out here.”
“I won’t be long, Jane.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Before Letitia had a chance to glance around the fitting room, Madam Serena brought over a forest-green silk dress trimmed with gold lace and ribbon that looked stunning. Letitia could imagine how it would look on her.
“I just finished this last night. It may need a few minor alterations, but I can have it delivered in plenty of time for tomorrow night. That is, if you like it?”
“Like it? I love it.”
“Then let’s get you undressed and into my latest creation.”
“It is perfect,” Letitia said as she turned from side to side, admiring the dress. At first glance, one might think it was a simple silk creation with a wide square neckline, and short sleeves. But when the light hit the dress, the gold thread woven into the green silk made it sparkle and shine.
As it turned out, it only needed a little tuck here and there and a hem. Not only did she take the stunning dress, but she also bought the matching cloak. She joined Jane in the storefront. “I found the perfect evening dress.”
“Wonderful, my lady. Shall we look for those engagement gifts?”
“Yes. I have the perfect shop in mind. I’ve never been there, but I hear it has a wide variety of goods.” Her carriage was parked right outside the dress shop. “Soho Bazaar,” she told the driver.
Two hours later, they arrived back at Rutherford Manor. Letitia was too excited about the gifts she had bought to have them delivered, so she took them home in the carriage. She purchased a lovely mother-of-pearl sewing box with needles and thread for Aurora, whom she knew loved all sorts of threadwork. For Anastasia, she bought a mahogany lap desk and wildflower stationery. For Hunter and Warren, she picked out heavy crystal brandy decanters with four matching glasses.
Now all she had to do was stay busy until tomorrow night, which she managed to do.
Chapter Eighteen
On the dayof the dinner party, Greyson and Cooke met at Club Knight and informed Knight of what they had learned. He had yet to hear from anyone else about their assignments.
For the rest of the day, he stayed busy with estate business and visited with his parents. His father was more lucid than on some days, which eased his sore heart. Then he looked at his mother, pale, thin, weary, and sad, and his heart ached again. There was no denying they were both dying. Would they get to see their daughters married?
Dalton helped him dress for dinner in his black evening wear. As he descended the stairs, voices resonated from the drawing room. He’d come down late on purpose, hoping Letitia would already be present. He listened outside the open doors without looking in, and sure enough, he heard her melodious voice, and awareness spread throughout his body. Ever since they’d made love, he’d dreamed of doing it again. Was tonight the night? His body was hoping.
He entered the room and went straight to her. He had eyes only for her. Everyone else in the room disappeared. Her deep-green loveliness stole the very air from his lungs. Her hair was a curled masterpiece, and her eyes held more green than blue. When he stood before her, their eyes met, and he felt her essence deep within his soul. He took her hand, bowed over it, and brushed his lips across her gloved fingers. “Letitia,” he said when he stood tall, her hand still inhis. “You steal my breath with your beauty.”
He could tell he’d shocked her. Clearly, he hadn’t complimented her enough. Something he needed to remedy. A soft blush colored her cheeks, and she smiled. “Thank you. You look handsome in your evening wear.”
“I see you have met my cousin, Charity.”
They were deep in conversation when he entered the room and now stood side by side. “Yes, I didn’t know she was visiting. But I’m so glad she is. I believe we will be good friends. She was telling me about you as a young boy and what a hellion you were.”
He cleared his throat and glared at Charity. “Please say no more. I’d rather keep those years behind me.”
Both Letitia and Charity laughed.
Thankfully, he was saved by the bell signaling dinner. They filed into the dining room and took their seats. He noticed place cards at each setting. Anastasia, Hunter, Aurora, and Warren sat on one side, while Letitia, Charity, and he sat opposite. He was in between the ladies, which had him sighing in relief. He didn’t have to worry about Charity talking to Letitia nonstop through dinner with more embarrassing tales of him.
The conversation around the table touched on nothing serious, which was good, considering it was a happy occasion. Before he knew it, they were retreating into the drawing room. He poured sherry for the ladies and brandy for the gentlemen. Before anyone could claim either settee, he held out his hand to Letitia. “Come. Let’s sit.”
