Free A Matter of Honor by Nina Coombs Pykare Page B

ridiculous, she thought, as the soft folds of silk fell around her. This was a gown and nothing more. Wearing it was a part of her job and did not i n any way indicate her true feelings for Denby .
    She stood silent while the maid arranged the rich folds of silk. This was perhaps the most beautiful gown she had ever owned -worn, she corrected herself. It clung to her body in all the right places, dipping low in the neck, but not too low, and falling to the floor in graceful folds.
    By this time Millie had f i nished with Cecilie and, while she stood by, the maid released Aggie’s hair from its restraining knot. It fell in a great cloud around her shoulders, making her face softer and younger.
    “You should wear it like that, Aggie.”
    “I can’t, dear.” Aggie was careful not to reveal the dismay she felt at this suggestion , one advanced by the Earl long ago. “I’m far too old for that.” And so Cecilie had to be content with Millie’s bringing the tresses together at the back of the head and then coaxing them into two hanging ringlets.
    “Oh Aggie,” cried her ward. “You look absolutely lovely.”
    Aggie was not at all sure she wished to hear this, but looking in the cheval glass, she saw that a transformation had certainly been made. This creature, dazzling in shimmering silk, was not the drab, rather washed-out young woman she habitually saw in her glass. Her cheeks were rosy with excitement and her eyes sparkled.
    “You look capital!” said Cecilie . “Why, it might be your come out.”
    Aggie managed not to wince. Cecilie could not know how painful such remembrances of the past were, remembrances that included a future alliance with the Earl. She found herself wishing that she did not look so well; it could not help her now to be attractive. Poor companions were far better off to be ugly or nondescript; then they were not so apt to be put in the way of temptation. A shiver passed over her as she remembered the feel of Denby’sarms around her, the touch of his lips on hers. She must never allow such a situation to develop again. Never. For she knew quite clearly that once in his arms she could not keep from surrendering to his kisses. Character, honor, duty - nothing meant anything when he held her close. She knew that now. And she must act accordingly.
    * * * *
    In the ballroom later that evening as she stood flushing before Denby’s gaze, Aggie reminded herself of her resolve. It was feather-brained to believe that she saw pain in his eyes. No one had hurt him.
    He looked her over carefully, then smiled gravely. “You are looking quite well this evening , Miss Trimble . The gown was a fortunate choice. Do you approve of the design?”
    Aggie nodded, her cheeks turning scarlet as she grew conscious of Cecilie’s curious gaze.
    “I particularly like the effect of the lace,” he said, letting his eyes fall to where it lay against her bosom. It was impossible for Aggie to flush any deeper, but she felt the heat of embarrassment flooding her whole body.
    “You are looking very good yourself,” said Cecilie , surveying his black silk florentinebreeches, black stockings, and slippers. Above the black waistcoat and full dress coat shimmered a gleaming white cravat.
    The Earl inclined his head and turned his gaze to Cecilie. “That gown is most becoming to you. Lady Bakiston assures me that the crowd will be large.”
    “I wish we might waltz,” said Cecilie , her mouth forming the beginning of a pout.
    The Earl swallowed a sigh. He was obviously determined to be patient. “I’m sure Miss Trimble has explained to you. Until you have been to Almack’s you cannot waltz. And until you have come out you cannot be invited to Almack’s.”
    Cecilie shrugged. “I know all that. I just think it’s unfair. Why should seven old women have all that power?”
    His lordship coughed suddenly, almost, thought Aggie, as though he were concealing a laugh, but his face was suitably stern. “Do not let the