The Accidental Countess (Accidental #2)(43)

Cass let a giant smile spread across her face from ear to ear. “I plan to test the depth of his devotion to whoever this woman is. I plan to fight for him. I plan to seduce Captain Julian Swift.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE


Cass came down to dinner the next evening in the lavender gown. She’d spent the entire afternoon with her maid, lowering the bodice, taking up the sleeves, adding a little turquoise pendant, and generally making the concoction all but indecent. As a result, her ample cleavage, which she’d never quite appreciated before, was pushed up and out to its full advantage. Garrett raised both eyebrows in obvious shock when she walked into the room, but her gaze was solely on Julian.

Julian’s gray eyes studied her and widened. Then he shifted in his chair as if he was uncomfortable. Perfect. She smiled to herself. He obviously liked what he saw, exactly what she’d wanted. She didn’t have long to contemplate the matter, however, before Lucy hurried over to her. “May I speak with you in the corridor?”

Cass didn’t have time to object. Her friend nearly dragged her out of the room, all eyes upon both of them.

Once in the cool, marble hallway, Lucy studied her from top to toe. “What are you wearing?”

Cass shrugged. “Just a gown.”

“Don’t shrug. You may pop out.” She gestured to Cass’s bosom.

Cass gasped. “I cannot believe you said that.”

Lucy lifted both brows. “I cannot believe you’re wearing that. You’re not the Cass I know.”

“No, I’m not,” Cass agreed in a whisper so the passing servants wouldn’t overhear. “I told you, I’m bent upon seduction.”

Lucy shook her head. “Be that as it may, Captain Swift just asked me a few moments ago whether I thought he should return to London in search of Penelope or was I quite certain she was indeed on her way.”

Cass shrugged. “What did you tell him?”

“I told him I was quite certain she was on her way, of course, but he’s getting more and more difficult to stave off.”

Cass laughed. “Oh, now you’re worried. Really? Aren’t you the one who has said all along not to worry?”

Lucy narrowed her eyes on her friend. “You’re not worried?”

Another shrug. “Not really. Not any longer. Did you seat me next to Julian as I asked?”

Lucy nodded. “Of course I did.”

“Excellent. Then let’s eat.” Cass stepped around Lucy and made toward the door.

Lucy put her hand on Cass’s shoulder to stop her. She narrowed her eyes again. “Who are you?”

Cass flashed her a bright smile. “Don’t you recognize me, Lucy? You created me. I’m Patience Bunbury.”

Cass swept into the dining room. The moment she entered the room, all eyes were upon her again. She boldly strode over to Julian’s side to sit at the empty seat next to him. “Captain Swift.” She nodded to him.

He stood until she sat and helped her push in her chair. Excellent. He was certain to get a good view of her décolletage from above. He looked a bit uncomfortable again when he resumed his seat. “Good evening, Miss Bunbury.”

The service began soon after, and Cass kept the conversation moving at a brisk clip, talking about things like the weather, the delicious food, and last evening’s card games. Every now and again, Julian’s eyes dipped to her chest. A little thrill shot through her. She’d never before used her feminine wiles so blatantly, but tonight, tonight she was exceedingly pleased to have them at her disposal. It was going exactly according to her plan. He winced and seemed uncomfortable each time he glanced down.

Once the last course was removed, Cass put the second part of her plan into action. “I hope you’ll skip the drinks with the gentlemen this evening and take me for a stroll around the gardens before it gets too cold.” Now that was quite bold, indeed. The art of being bold was becoming easier with practice.

“If you wish, Miss Bunbury,” Julian answered easily. He offered his arm and she put hers through his. He helped her pull up her shawl. He escorted her out of the drawing room, through the corridor, and out of the French doors in the library that led to the terrace.

They silently walked down the stone steps and into the gardens before Julian turned to face her. “I must say I was a bit surprised you asked me to escort you out here tonight.”

She tucked her head down. “Did you not say you enjoyed the outdoors?”

“I did. I do. Very much. But given the way you left the library last night…” He cleared his throat.

“I’m sorry about that,” she replied. “I wasn’t feeling quite well, I’m afraid.”

His face reflected his concern. “I’m pleased to hear that it wasn’t my company that caused you to run off. I do hope you’re feeling better this evening.”

“Oh, I’m feeling ever so much better this evening, Captain.”

They strolled a bit farther until they came upon the same stone bench they’d sat upon the last time they’d been in the gardens. Cass released Julian’s arm and took a seat. She patted the space next to her. If he sat there, she’d have him right where she wanted him. She leaned back and braced her hands behind her. Her chest jutted out. Perfect. She let the shawl fall away from her décolletage. Also perfect.