The Adventuress by TASHA ALEXANDER Page A

after the chaos of Jeremy’s ill-fated swim, I thought it best that I do what I could to try again with her.
    â€œI have let out the seams just a bit, madam,” Meg said, as she lowered my favorite Worth gown over my head. “Babies do take a toll on the waist.” There had been a time when I might have mourned the loss of my waistline, but I cared very little about it now.
    â€œYou need not remind me about my waist,” I said, and smoothed the icy blue voile skirt. “I would rather have you letting out seams than pulling these stays tighter. I have always been fond of breathing.”
    â€œYou’re still awfully slim, madam,” Meg said. “I shouldn’t worry.” While she wrestled with the tiny buttons that fastened the back of the bodice, I clasped a diamond and sapphire necklace around my neck. “Do you think this jewelry is too showy?”
    â€œToo showy, madam? Not at all. If I owned it I would wear it every day without exception. It’s stunning.”
    â€œI want to be careful not to do anything that might be interpreted as an attempt to upstage Miss Wells.”
    â€œLady Emily, that necklace would upstage the queen herself. The sapphires make your eyes flash the same color as the stones. It’s almost like you’re more goddess than woman.”
    â€œYou have been reading Homer, haven’t you, Meg?”
    â€œYes, milady. You did give me the book. Can’t say I like that Achilles bloke much. I find myself wishing I could give him a good slap and force him out of his tent.”
    â€œI could not be more pleased.” I smiled and removed the necklace. “Bring me the lion chain instead.” I had purchased this piece in Greece, although the dealer told me it had been found in Italy. It dated from the fourth century B.C., and from the front looked like a simple, heavy gold chain. The clasp featured two golden lions, their eyes enameled in blue. In antiquity, it would have been worn with matching earrings, but, alas, they had not survived the ravages of time, so I had careful reproductions made based on the clasp, and now snapped them into place.
    â€œYou look very exotic,” Colin said, adjusting his cuff links as he came into the dressing room. “Going Greek tonight, are you?”
    â€œI thought it more discreet than diamonds and sapphires.”
    â€œMy dear, you are so perfectly exquisite your beauty could never be described as discreet, no matter what you choose as adornment.”
    Meg sighed. “Are you going to moon over her, Mr. Hargreaves, or are you going to let me finish dressing her? You’re already nearly late.”
    Far from being late, we were the first of our party to arrive in the dining room. After consulting with the maître d’ to ascertain that the Wellses had not made any specific arrangements to the contrary, I asked that everyone be served a special cocktail, made with champagne, as soon as they reached the table. I wanted to offer a festive toast to Jeremy and his bride. The barman concocted a gorgeous drink, combining my requested bubbles with raspberry liqueur. Even Cécile, who ordinarily objected to any deviation from champagne, agreed it was delightful. When we were all gathered, I rose from my seat.
    â€œIt is with great pleasure that I raise my glass to Miss Amity Wells, the only lady on earth charming and radiant enough to tempt the Duke of Bainbridge into the bonds of matrimony. I wish you much happiness together and am honored to have been included in your celebrations.”
    The others cried “Hear, Hear!” and drank with gusto. Amity’s glass remained untouched, as proper etiquette demanded. One does not drink in honor of oneself. Colin stood next.
    â€œBainbridge and I have had our differences in the past, too numerous to count, let alone catalog, here tonight. He has publicly committed himself to the lofty goal of becoming the most useless man in England,