After an interminable tour of the house and many accolades from Matteo on everything from the dust-free mantle to the meticulous kitchen, they finally arrived at their adjoining chambers. Annabeth, her maid, and Edwards awaited them. Their apparel for the ball would be nothing short of awe-inspiring and would require several hours of work.

Matteo’s eyebrows rose. “Grateful we are for your help. Perhaps we might have a moment first?”

As soon as Annabeth removed Scarlet’s headdress, they left as discreetly as possible, eyes on the floor, a small crooked smile playing around Annabeth’s lips.

When the door closed, the quiet of Scarlet’s bedchamber relaxing them, Matteo exhaled. His hand found the knots in Scarlet’s neck and began applying a soft pressure until she moaned. He brought her to a chair at her dressing table and continued the kneading at her neck with one hand while the other found each pin in her hair, letting down sections at a time until it cascaded in thick waves down past her shoulder to the middle of her back. He ran his hands through it to its ends. She closed her eyes and tipped her head back as relaxation rolled over her in great waves. His hands began a gentle massage of her head.

With a great sigh, she said, “I would have married you just for this skill.” She leaned her head into his hands.

“Your every pleasure is my greatest aim, tonight and every night.” He moved his hands to her neck again and lightly ran his fingertips over her skin. Pulling her hair back, his lips found the spot just below her ear.

All too soon, Matteo ended his ministrations, Annabeth and Edwards joined them, and their preparations began.

Scarlet bit her cheek to stop a smile when she heard Matteo say, “What outfit is this? Where are my usual clothes, man?”

Chapter Fifteen

“I think you look handsome.”

“Well, that is something, but coming from a woman in your current attire, I hesitate to lay much weight to your approval.” His eyebrow quirked as his gaze searched her from toe to headdress. A chuckle escaped. “What can you mean by dressing us in such a manner?”

His incredulity gave her pause to question. She had pushed the ridiculous to its upper limits, hoping their decoy would further dispel any possible suspicion of her involvement in serious rescue attempts from France. And by involving Matteo, perhaps convince a few suspicious minds of his new allegiance to wealth, pleasure, and fashion. “I have a reputation to uphold, my dear.”

“Am I to now share in your love of fashion extremes?” He gestured to the embroidery on his sleeves.