She put her hands up to her face, ashamed at her own stupidity. She would not be so tiresome again. If the Duke flirted with her tonight, she would flirt back. She would meet his dark eyes with that hint of invitation in her own that Sir Harvey had asked of her.
She felt somehow safe now that she knew that the Ducal affections were engaged elsewhere. Whatever Sir Harvey might say, it was frightening to encounter admiration – or was it something more demanding – from someone like the Duke.
The coiffeur came and arranged her hair high on her head, the curls falling on to her white shoulders. She looked different and yet, even to her eyes, infinitely more beautiful.
She was only just ready when the carriage arrived.
Sir Harvey, anxious not to be late, hurried her downstairs after producin
