James grinned. “One thing at a time, my love.”
Together they entered the bathing room where a thick steam fogged the air. Wilhelmina crossed to the tub and carefully tested the water. “It’s really hot.”
“It should cool to the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to step into it.” James came up behind her, wound his arms around her middle, and pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck. “Allow me to assist.”
Working swiftly, he undid the row of buttons at the back of her dress and pushed the garment down so she could step out of it. Her stays and chemise were removed next and finally her stockings. Turning her in his arms, James kissed her while pressing her naked body to his. As scandalous as it was, it was also incredibly right. After living with him for the past week, she no longer shied away from him seeing her like this, even though she knew her body was not that of a young woman in her prime.
With James, however, she’d never felt more beautiful.
“You’re so incredibly stunning,” he murmured as he released her. The heat of his gaze proved he meant every word. He offered his hand and helped her into the tub. “I look forward to showing you off this evening.”
“And I look forward to being seen on your arm.” She sank into the water and sighed in response to its soothing effect. “This is what heaven must feel like. You truly are a genius.”
He chuckled. “I’ll leave you to relax for a bit while I see to a few things I need to prepare for the ball.”
She nodded and waved him off with a satisfied sigh.
When he returned later, he wore a navy blue brocade banyan. “Are you ready to get out or would you like some more time?”
“I’m ready. The water is still warm if you’d like to use it.”
“I plan to,” he said and collected a towel. Holding it up, he waited for her to stand, then wrapped it around her and helped her out of the tub. Without second thought, he took off the banyan and tossed it onto a nearby chair.
Wilhelmina’s heart clenched in response to the intimacy of the moment. She’d not even realized how much she’d longed for this, for a man with whom she could comfortably share every part of herself without feeling guilt or shame. Someone who loved her as he did.
“I want this to last forever,” she whispered while watching the perfect pull of muscles and tendons as he climbed into the tub.
“It will,” he murmured. “We just have to get through tonight.”
Wilhelmina hoped he was right. He’d said he would marry her and had even discussed with her what their future together would look like. But what if something went wrong? What if Cloverfield showed up and made things worse? The duke was a rash young man without scruples, who’d already proven he hated to lose. If he wanted further revenge against her and James, there was no telling what he might do. Or how his actions would influence them.
22
Dressed in his best evening black, James led Wilhelmina up the front steps of Pennington House and into the foyer. A footman standing at attention checked their invitation and offered to help them with their outerwear garments. As previously agreed with the viscount, James and Wilhelmina had arrived late, allowing them the grand entrance James wanted. The flyers he’d ordered had been delivered that morning and would, he hoped, be ready for distribution at his command.
“Are you ready?” he asked Wilhelmina once the footman had collected her cloak.
She answered with a tremulous smile. “No.”
He leaned in and kissed her, not caring if anyone happened to see. “We’re in this together, my love. I’m right by your side.”
A small nod assured him of her trust. She’d placed her faith in him in spite of her apprehensions. He understood. She would be stepping out into Society for the first time in over two years with every risk of facing censure. It had to be terrifying, but Wilhelmina was nothing if not brave. And James both admired and loved her for that.
He offered his arm and, when she took it, led her through the white marbled hallway. “You look incredible, Mina. Have I mentioned that yet?”
“Only a dozen times,” she said with a hint of laughter.
“If your baking attempts fall through, you can always make a career as a seamstress. Mark my word, there’s no woman in there who won’t wish they had your gown.”
“Truth be told, I’m rather pleased with the results myself.”
“And so you should be.”
They reached the entrance to the ballroom where the butler stood, ready to announce their arrival. James’s stomach tightened. He squeezed Wilhelmina’s hand, and prayed he wasn’t about to make a colossal mistake by challenging Cloverfield’s statement in public.
“Mr. James Dale and Mrs. Lawson,” the Pennington butler declared, his voice unnaturally loud.
James tried not to flinch. The music accompanying the country dance currently underway kept playing, but from his vantage point, James saw that the dancers were no longer keeping time with the rhythm. They, like everyone else in the room, had turned to stare. Whispers began. They sped round the room like hounds giving chase to a rabbit. And then the music droned to a halt.
“I hate this,” Wilhelmina murmured.
James heartily agreed although the response they received was nothing less than what he’d expected. He searched the crowd and finally relaxed a little when he spotted Pennington. The viscount was making his way toward them with his wife on his arm. James leaned a little closer to Wilhelmina. “Take heart, my love. Everything will be all right.”
“Welcome, Mr. Dale,” Pennington said as soon as he and the viscountess reached them. “We’re delighted to have you and Mrs. Lawson join us this evening.”
If Pennington was aware of the shocked expressions this statement led to, he showed no indication. “Perhaps you would—”
“What the hell is this?” an angry voice asked.
“Oh God,” Wilhelmina muttered.
James had no need to look for the man who’d just spoken to know it was Cloverfield. He spotted the duke within the next second as he too marched forward, the crowd parting on either side of him as if he were Moses. “Surely these people have not been invited.”
Anger hardened Pennington’s eyes even as he smiled and turned to address the duke. “On the contrary, I issued the invitation myself.”
Cloverfield’s face turned a dangerous shade of red. “I never expected such despicable inconsideration from you, my lord. How dare you force upstanding members of Society to associate with such disgraced individuals?”
“As it happens,” Pennington said, his voice clearly audible in the hushed silence now filling the room, “I believe they have something important to share.”
Cloverfield sent James a look of disgust. “I doubt there’s anyone here who wishes to hear it.”
“I would like to,” Pennington’s brother-in-law, the Earl of Ashburn said.
“As would I,” echoed Michael, who’d also been invited along with Cynthia. He raised a glass of champagne in salute.
James glanced at Pennington. The viscount merely gestured toward him. “Now would be an excellent time for you to say your piece, Mr. Dale.”