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But tonight would be perfect His father would almost certainly be at the Mottram Ball, on the off chance that they actually made it to Clair House to conduct their search And more importantly, Hyacinth was ready

He’d made sure she was ready

The past teeks had been surprisingly delightful He’d been forced to attend an astounding number of parties and balls He had been to the opera and the theatre But he had done it all with Hyacinth at his side, and if he’d had any doubts about the wisdoone now She was so, but always entertaining

She would make a fine wife Not for most men, but for him, and that was all that mattered

But first he had to reement permanent

He’d begun her seduction slowly, telances, touches, and stolen kisses He’d teased her, always leaving a hint of what ht transpire next He’d left her breathless; hell, he’d left himself breathless

He’d started this teeks earlier, when he had asked her toall the while that theirs would need to be a hasty engagement He’d started it with a kiss Just a kiss Just one little kiss

Tonight he would show her just what a kiss could be

All in all, Hyacinth thought as she hurried up the stairs to her bedrooone rather well

She would have preferred to stay ho to Clair House, but Gareth had pointed out that if he was going to send his regrets to the Mottraht be speculation as to both of their whereabouts But after spending three hours talking and laughing and dancing, Hyacinth had located hera fine time, as Hyacinth had known she would be, and did not wish to depart, so instead she’d sent Hyacinth hoe by herself

Perfect, perfect Everything was perfect The carriage had not encountered any traffic on the way hoht, whichand creep down to the back stairs to await Gareth

She could hardly wait

She wasn’t certain if they would find the jewels that night She wouldn’t be surprised if Isabella had instead left oal

And it would be an adventure

Had she always possessed this reckless streak, Hyacinth wondered Had she always thrilled to danger? Had she only been waiting for the opportunity to be wild?