“Again, not true. Before I start a relationship with a woman, I make it quite clear that nothing will be permanent. Therefore, no so-called broken hearts.”
“Then you never intend to fall in love.”
His laughter could probably be heard outside on the pavement. “Love is for young ladies’ romance novels. And my two brothers.” He mumbled the last part, not even sure why he shared that bit of information.
“What was that you said? I missed it.”
Dante cleared his throat. “I said love is for my two brothers.”
“Do tell.” She offered a bright smile. “I know very little about your brother Driscoll, but I know the Earl of Huntington married a couple of years ago. I must admit it was quite a surprise to most of the ladies who had hopes.”
“But not you?” He grabbed the strap hanging next to his head as the carriage jockeyed over bumps in the road.
“No. I happen to like your brother very much, but I had absolutely no tendre for him.”
It was certainly time to stop this ridiculous conversation. Why were they discussing marriage, love, and other nonsense when they had an investigation to conduct? Another reason why teaming up a man and a woman for an assignment was not a good idea.
Fortunately, they arrived at the Sterling Townhouse before things got more absurd. Dante climbed out first and turned to assist Miss Sanford. As they walked up the steps, he asked, “When is our next event?”
“I gave you a list.”
He sighed. “Yes, I know. However, might you allow me this little misstep and tell me?”
She turned toward him as they reached the top step and the front door opened. The same anachronistic butler stood there. “Good afternoon, Miss Sanford.”
“Good afternoon, James.” She turned back to Dante. “Tomorrow evening there is a ball at Mr. and Mrs. Lenard’s home right outside of London. I will check again to make certain the Ambassador is attending before I waste your time.” She softened her words with a slight smile. “Good day, Mr. Rose.”
He was beginning to believe this entire assignment was a waste of his time.
The following evening, Lydia studied herself in the looking glass on her dressing table. She backed up until she could see her entire body. The deep blue satin gown fit her perfectly. The neckline was sufficiently low enough to cause interest, without being immodest. Of course, as an older single woman, most likely considered on the shelf, she had some freedom in what she could wear.
Her maid, Alice had arranged her hair into an intricate style with pearls woven throughout. She turned one way, then the other, assessing herself and when she realized what she was doing, she groaned and stepped away from the mirror.
She had never spent so much time on her attire when she’d attended these events. Not that she didn’t care about how she looked, but never before was she so particular.
A knock on her bedchamber door made her start with surprise. Why were her nerves so frazzled tonight? This was just another assignment out of the dozen or so she’d done before.
“Yes.”
Alice opened the door and stuck her head in. “Mr. Rose has arrived. I put him in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Alice. I will be right down. Please offer Mr. Rose a drink.”
“Yes, Miss Sanford.”
She slid her gloves on, picked up her reticule and shawl and left the room. She took a deep breath outside the drawing room and nodded for James to open the door.
Mr. Rose stood in the center of the room, sipping on a brandy. She offered a bright smile and demanded her heart to slow down. It did not listen.
He was dressed in formal black except for his silver waistcoat and silver and black striped necktie. As usual, part of his hair fell forward, and he pushed it behind his ear. He studied her over the top of his brandy snifter, those blue piercing eyes going from her feet to her head, leaving a wake of heat in its path.
“I will not comment on your looks, Miss Sanford lest you chastise me again. However, is it acceptable if I mention how lovely your brain looks?”
The laugh burst forth from her mouth before she even gave it a thought. The man was a scoundrel. “Thank you, I think.”
He sauntered across the room, like a predator toward its victim and took her hand in his, turned it over and placed a soft kiss there. She felt the heat through her glove.
Oh, he was good.