Page 30 of Never a Proper Lady

Before Constantine had finished the thought, Edyth and Faith fairly floated into the room, arm in arm. They made a lovely contrast: Edyth, fair-haired and wearing white, silver, and pink, and Faith’s brilliant reddish-blonde hair complemented by her seafoam-green, gold, and peach gown. A coral and pearl necklace graced her swan-like throat, and matching earrings dangled from her delicate ears.

A pointed elbow jabbing his ribs restarted Constantine’s stalled breathing.

“Close your mouth, dear. You’re gaping like a beached bass,” Mother whispered out the side of her mouth while maintaining a benevolent expression, welcoming smile, and a nonchalant rhythmic swish of her brisé fan.

Father’s amused chuckle confirmed he’d also seen Constantine’s lapse into imbecility.

So glad he provided a source of amusement for his family.

For a man accustomed to being in control and engaging in logic, this sojourn into emotional chaos was most unpleasant.

The focus of every eye in the room, Faith appeared a trifle overwhelmed.

Her silky hair had been swept off her neck and twisted into an intricate knot with a few curls left at her temples. For the first time since Constantine had known her, she did not wear her spectacles, and the vision she presented caused a ball of possessiveness to coil in his gut.

“Go on.” Mother nudged him again.

Subtle as a rhinoceros at tea.

He needed no further urging to claim Faith as his and to execute the plan. Striding forward, a sincere smile of pleasure arced his mouth. He bowed before his sister and Faith.

“Edyth. You are a vision.” Constantine shifted his attention to Faith. “As are you, Faith.”

Nearby, someone gasped at his usage of her given name.

Good.

Step one completed.

He’d presumed familiarity that went beyond acceptable boundaries except for specific relationships. For instance, a betrothed couple.

Playing the role of a captivated beau, he turned and presented Edyth and Faith each with an elbow. “Allow me to escort you.”

Exchanging a wide-eyed glance—he swore Faith was on the verge of bursting into laughter—the women slipped their gloved hands into the crook of his elbows.

Amid stares and whispers, they made their way to the Duke and Duchess of Landrith.

Conversations faded as the guests focused on the trio.

Charlotte and her soon-to-be husband, Wilfred Howerton, had joined Mother and Father.

His older sister fairly glowed with happiness, as did Howerton.

Only Cedric and Leopold, the ducal heir, were missing from the happy familial tableau. Both were expected to arrive tomorrow. Constantine hid a grimace when he considered their reactions to his false engagement.

They’d fall over themselves with hilarity.

He would worry about that later. For now, he must conform to the plan. Pretending that this was the first time Faith met both of his parents, Constantine swiftly performed introductions.

Having been apprised of the situation, Father bent over Faith’s hand and winked. He had always been one who enjoyed a good hoodwinking.

“It is an absolute pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Roth. Constantine has told us so many delightful things about you.” He slid his son a mischief-filled glance. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him so smitten.”

Constantine had never been smitten. Or bewitched. Or besotted.

Emotional rubbish.

Father’s ploy worked, however.