Page 29 of Never a Proper Lady

“So what is the plan, my friend?” Harvey asked a trifle too innocently. Likely as not, he knew exactly what had transpired and the ruse about to commence.

After another stolen glance at the doorway, Constantine quirked an eyebrow. “Plan? I cannot think what you mean.”

“Hmph. Not going to give it away, eh?” Harvey eyed Constantine up and down, and another grin threatened to divide his face. “By Jove, you are turned out pretty…a veritable first tulip of fashion. I believe this is the first time I’ve seen you wear that shade of green.”

He motioned to Constantine’s borrowed Pomona green and gold waistcoat.

Constantine glanced downward.

More of Mother’s infernal strategy.

How did she concoct this drivel?

His and Faith’s attire would match tonight, a silent testament to their upcoming union.

Bollocks to that.

Mark his words; this would not end well. Perhaps it saved a bit of chaos at present, but deception had consequences.

Constantine wanted to confide in his friend, but he’d promised not to reveal anything until this evening when he accidentally let it slip that he and Faith were betrothed within earshot of the tattlemongers.

Namely, Miss Adelle Breadalbane, who hereafter would be struck from every polite society invitation list. The loose-lipped girl was about to learn the consequences of spreading tattle about powerful peers.

The other gossips present would do the rest.

By the time everyone regathered in the drawing room after dinner, the faux betrothal would be on every tongue. Lord Constantine Kellinggrave and Miss Faith Roth would be officially engaged for the next few days.

He scratched the side of his jaw.

What would this charade do to their working relationship?

Would Faith continue in his employ after the fiasco was over?

He wanted her to.

It struck him then like a lightning bolt to his chest. In truth, he couldn’t fathom what his days would be like without her there. He’d even come to appreciate their ever-so-polite bickering. Mayhap he’d gone soft in the head.

“Careful, old man, you have that glint in your eye that Ronan Brockman had before he toppled bum over boots into love. The same gleam you vowed you saw in my eyes, not more than a week ago.” Harvey pointed to his almost black eyes, alive with satisfied amusement.

“Don’t be an arse, Harvey.”

“Tit for tat.” Harvey laughed in what might’ve been a slightly diabolical fashion. “I confess, this will be most enjoyable to watch play out.” After slapping Constantine on the shoulder, he wandered away.

“My dear, try not to be so obvious.” Mother had edged to his side, her hand loosely clasping Father’s arm. “I vow you’ve looked at the doorway a dozen times so far.”

Wouldn’t that give credence to his role as a devoted, lovesick swain?

He swigged the last of his wine.

God save him from such twaddle.

“Just stick to the plan, Constantine, and everything should trot along quite nicely.” Mother angled her head toward Lord and Lady Coventry, close friends of hers and the duke’s.

“I hope you are right, my pet.” Father gave her hand an affectionate pat.

He wasn’t the only one.

No doubt, the grand entrance was about to commence.