The Duke Identity (Game of Dukes #1)(71)
Lizzie left, and Tessa went to sit on the chaise longue.
After a thorough inspection, her mama declared, “You are a diamond of the first water. Mark my words: Ransom will propose before the night is out.”
Crikey, that was the last thing Tessa wanted. With prickling unease, she realized that she would have to find some way to discourage Ransom whilst appearing to her family that she was going along with the courtship. Not an easy balance to strike.
If only I could tell Mama and Grandpapa the truth: Bennett is the only man for me.
She slid a glance at Mama, who was happily exclaiming over the costume’s merits, and wondered how the other would react. Could her parent understand marrying for love rather than practical reasons?
On impulse, she said, “How did you know you wanted to marry my father?”
Mama blinked. “Well, he asked me. Or, rather, he asked Father for my hand. I had been recently widowed, and your father seemed like a nice man.”
“Were you…in love with him?”
“I don’t suppose I was.” Mama gave a slight shrug. “Love is not a requirement for marriage.”
Although Tessa was aware of the state of affairs between her parents, she couldn’t help but press, “Didn’t you want to love your husband?”
“I loved my first husband. Loving once was enough.” Mama’s lips pressed tightly.
The other did not discuss her first marriage…out of grief, Tessa assumed. From the rumors she’d heard, Warren Kingsley had been an inordinately robust and handsome man, one who’d died far too young in a boating accident. Poor fellow had been found floating in the Thames, hardly recognizable after dining with the fishes.
“Why this talk of love, Tessa? Are you in love with Ransom?”
“No.” Faced with Mama’s shrewd eyes, Tessa was glad she didn’t have to lie. “And that’s the problem. I want to love my husband.”
An amused sound rustled from Mama’s throat. “Heavens, what a romantic you are turning out to be. You’re almost as bad as Father. But take it from me,” she said with crisp pragmatism, “it is better not to burden a marriage with love. Tolerance and affection are more peaceful goals.”
Before she could reply, a fist pounded on the door.
“Tessie, you ready yet?” her grandfather’s voice bellowed. “At this rate, I ain’t going to live long enough to see this ‘secret’ costume o’ yours.”
“Let him in,” Mama advised, “before he breaks down the door.”
Tessa hurried to comply, and her heart flip-flopped as Bennett entered behind Grandpapa. Since she couldn’t very well have a bodyguard by her side at the ball, Bennett was to pose as Baron von Friesing’s footman. The plan was for him to keep a low profile and a watch on things.
To that end, he was dressed in formal livery, the stark black and white garb fitting his tall, muscular frame to perfection. He was the epitome of virile grace, the snowy folds of his cravat emphasizing his clean-cut handsomeness. The gleam behind his wire frames caused her insides to flush with heat.
“Let’s ’ave a look at you.” Dressed in an emerald silk banyan, a matching tasseled cap on his head, Grandfather made a twirling motion with his finger.
Tessa did an obedient spin. Made of champagne-colored velvet, the gown was cut à la mode: the neckline was low and off the shoulders, the bodice fitted, the skirts full. Ermine trimmed the décolletage and elaborate sleeves, and fur had also been sewn to the back of the dress to resemble a short tail.
She thought the costume was beautifully made. There was only one potential problem.
“Ain’t you a pretty kitty?” Grandpapa said with approval.
Drat. When Mama had first seen the costume, she’d also assumed Tessa was dressed up as a cat. Which meant that Tessa’s clever idea was missing the mark entirely.
Why, she thought sulkily, would anyone think I’d go as something as mundane as a cat? And then take such lengths to keep my costume secret?
“I don’t think Miss Todd is a cat, sir.” Bennett’s deep voice held a hint of humor.
“With those ears, fur, and a tail, what else would she be?” Grandpapa demanded.
Bennett’s eyes smiled at her. “I believe she is a ferret. Her favorite animal.”
And that is why I love him. No one had ever understood her like Bennett did.
She beamed at him, and his lips twitched.
Her grandfather glowered at her. “God’s teeth, Tessie, you could ’ave chosen any animal you wanted, and you’re going to a duke’s ball dressed as a bloody rodent?”
She glowered right back. “First of all, ferrets aren’t rodents—”
“That’s enough,” Mavis called from the chaise. “Tessa, we don’t require a lecture on ferrets. Father, everyone will mistake her for a cat, so don’t worry about it.”
Grandfather snorted; Tessa rolled her eyes.
After a moment, he said with a grunt, “Your costume’s missing something.”
“Obviously. Since only Bennett recognized that I’m a ferret.”
Grandpapa raised his gaze heavenward before reaching into the pocket of his banyan and pulling out a small velvet box. “Been waiting for the right time to give you this. Belonged to your grandmama, one o’ ’er most prized possessions. She would ’ave wanted you to ’ave it.”