Page 77 of The Lyon's Pretty Pugilist

“Are you well, miss?” Diana asked.

Josie’s gaze locked on the mirror. Emeralds and diamonds encircled her neck, hung from her ears, and sparkled in her hair. One long, perfect curl cascaded over her left shoulder. When she moved, her dress shimmered in the lamplight.

Diana peered over Josie’s shoulder and caught her gaze. “Miss, you look beautiful. Everyone will surely think you are a lady. You could pass for a princess. The duke won’t be able to resist you.”

Where had Josie’s confidence fled to? Unconvinced, she swallowed. “I hope you are correct.” But Griffendale didn’t need to resist her. If only she could fill everyone around her in on her plan, then shemight not be experiencing the unrelenting thumping against her breastbone.

The “love match” farce had been immensely insane. But it was also delusional to think she could convince Griffendale she was the superior pugilist. Especially while looking like a debutante. If only she could skip the ball, crawl under the counterpane, and sleep for a very long time. And as for requesting he ask her to marry him as a lark…as bold as she was, she could not do something this brazen. He was a duke, for heaven’s sake.

Suddenly, her airway felt too restrictive, and she struggled to breathe. Not only didn’t she want to do this, but she also couldn’t do it. She would fail miserably, humiliate herself, and ruin Agatha’s reputation in the process.

Josie tried to hide her trepidation with a smile, but apparently, her lady’s maid saw through her charade.

“Do not fret, Miss Josephine,” Diana said. “The Davenports will not let anything happen to you.”

“You are correct, Diana,” she said mostly so she could calm her own nerves.

Without warning, her chamber door opened. Agatha, Mrs. Love, and two of the maids entered. Their faces lit up as they took Josie in.

“Oh, what a picture you are.” Mrs. Love clasped her hands together. “I still remember trying to get you into the backboard your first day here. Forgive me for saying so, but you were like a cat in heat, hissing and baring your teeth.” Mrs. Love took a handkerchief from her pocket and swiped at her tears. “And now you are a proper lady.”

Not at all. Josie was still herself. Beneath the polish and shine, she was a quick-tempered fighter from the East End.

Agatha raised a palm, signaling Josie should stand.

Swallowing her apprehension, she followed the directive.

Agatha circled her finger.

Josie stepped away from the dressing table and spun.

“Beautiful, simply beautiful,” Agatha said. “My dear, I am so proud of you.”

“Even after Lydia crashed into the table?” Josie asked.

“Psh.” Agatha’s flowing silk sleeve billowed with her dismissive flick. “Hopefully, she learned her lesson.”

“But she will be there tonight, won’t she?” Josie asked.

“Yes. As will Baron and Baroness Small. Pay them no mind.”

“Agatha, what if I make a muddle of everything, and you end up ostracized? What if your friends think you did this to make a mockery of them?”

Agatha’s lips pursed, and her usual readable eyes went blank.

Josie’s wildly beating heart pounded against her ribcage.

“Ladies, could you please excuse Josephine and me for a moment?” Agatha asked.

Once the staff was gone, Agatha escorted Josie to the bed. They sat side-by-side, Agatha’s gloved hand clasping Josie’s bare fingers.

“My dear, I don’t think you understand my full motivation,” Agatha said.

“I know your views on the aristocracy and a woman’s place in the world are quite progressive, mayhap even radical,” Josie said. “And please forgive me for saying this, but I must be honest. Much like your son, I believe you enjoy being slightly mischievous.” Josie used her thumb and forefinger to measure a pinch. Hopefully, she had not insulted Agatha, although she suspected the woman reveled in being waggish.

The viscountess chuckled. “Ah, you know me quite well. You are correct, I don’t favor watching my class treat women as broodmares. As I’ve explained, since I don’t give a whit what people think of me, it provides quite a bit of protection as does my friendship with Lady Siddons. ’Tis no secret that I believe the aristocracy needs to change with the times to stay relevant. And yes, I do love a bit of excitement and danger. However, there is more.”

Josie tilted her head, waiting. Maybe she would finally discover the meaning behind the Davenport’s secret communications.