“Indeed,” the duchess seconded, her eyes bright and lively. “You can wear this tonight. I am sure dear Vernon will be quite besotted at the sight of you. You look a vision.”

Nora had lost count of how many mentions of Vernon had occurred this morning. Clearly, the duchess was matchmaking. Nora fixed a placid smile on her lips, her fingers continuing to work in the luxurious folds of her skirts.

“We need a ball gown for you, too, as I suspect there will be a magnificent ball in our future very soon.”

The duchess waited, looking at Nora as though for great effect, to build anticipation. The lady glanced left and right, clearly fearing being overheard. Nora was not certain who she thought might eavesdrop as it was only Nora and Bea in the room.

The duchess dropped her voice to a whisper. “You could wear it to Constantine’s betrothal ball.”

Nora’s heart yanked hard and locked, clenching to a full stop in her chest.

“Betrothal ball?” she echoed, her voice thin. “Is that set to take place then?”

Bea stilled where she crouched at Nora’s feet as well. Her gaze lifted to fix on Nora’s face, her eyes wide with what could only be characterized as keen interest.

If Nora had any doubt that Bea knew there was something between Nora and Constantine, something beyond simple friendliness, it was put to rest.

Bea knew. The woman was far too intuitive.

Bea perhaps knew what even she could scarcely admit to herself—that Nora held a tendre for Constantine.

She could not look at him without feeling butterflies in her stomach. Without her heart squeezing. Without her pulse racing and her mouth watering. Each time she closed her eyes she saw that beautiful body of his spread out before her on a bed and she physically ached.

Impossible. She could not have him. She gave herself a swift mental shake and schooled her features into impassivity. Bea could not know all of those things. Her maid did not know anything for a fact. She could have her suspicions, but that was all they were.

“Oh, it’s not official yet,” the duchess said. “But His Grace has spoken with Constantine. It is coming. There will be an announcement soon.”

She nodded. Good. Hopefully it would happen very soon. The sooner the better. Truly.

The better for everyone.

Chapter 24

She looked beautiful.

Constantine could not take his gaze off Nora over the dining table. She glowed like a jewel. Like flame. He could blame it on the gown. It was stunning and revealed Nora’s most tempting shoulders and décolletage—her peaches and cream skin that was more peaches than cream. She was so sweet he ached for a taste.

Except the gown would not account for the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed at something Vernon bloody Prentiss said to her. Vernon Prentiss. She could do so much better than that sod.