In The Prince's Bed Read Free Page B

as her own. “Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
    He beamed at her, then returned to his usual state of distraction, probably mulling over a difficult rhyme in his latest epic poem. No,Sydneywould never notice the earl’s glances. And ifSydneydidn’t act soon, Mama might make good on her threats. Katherine set her shoulders. Perhaps it was time to force her suitor’s hand. “I only wish I could also attend your reading at the Argyle Rooms next month.”
    He blinked. “Why can’t you?”
    “We lack the funds to stay inLondonmuch longer. Unless something changes in our situation, of course.”
    How much broader a hint could she give?
    With a frown, he glanced over at Katherine’s mother. “You can’t touch the funds your grandfather left you? You’ve spoken to the solicitor?”
    “He says the will is inviolable. I can’t access my fortune until I marry.” Which was why Mama was driving her mad about settling her future.
    “Dashed inconsiderate of your grandfather to do that to you.”
    Katherine thought it rather clever. Between Papa’s illicit pursuits and Mama’s love of lavish spending, the money would have disappeared in a matter of weeks otherwise. Unfortunately, Grandfather hadn’t expected Katherine to take so long to marry. Or his son-in-law to die young and leave them in debt to half of Heath’s End.
    Sydneywhirled her beneath the crystal chandeliers threaded with sprigs of cherry blossoms. “Perhaps I should speak to Mother about inviting you to stay at our town house.”
    “No, we couldn’t impose.” And she cringed to think of Mama striding about his town house, calculating the cost of the furnishings. A week with Mama close by would makeSydneycry off for sure. “Besides, it might look improper.”
    “True.” That seemed to settle the problem forSydney. “What an unusual gown you’re wearing tonight.”
    All right, so he was changing the subject, but at least he’d noticed her carefully chosen attire. “Do you like it?”
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    “It’s an… interesting color.”
    She swallowed. “I figured red was appropriate for Lady Jenner’s annual Cherry Blossom Ball.”
    “Cherry blossoms are white.”
    “Yes, but cherries are red.”
    “Well, your gown is certainly red. That particular shade is very… er…”
    Fetching? Provocative?
    “Bold,” he finished. “But then, you always do wear bold gowns.”
    Bold was a bad thing inSydneyterms. “You don’t like it,” she murmured.
    “I didn’t say that. In fact, I was thinking that the color would be excellent for my character Serena in La Belle Magnifique .”
    Katherine stared at him. “The courtesan ?” Her voice rose above the music. “The one who’s so flashy she embarrasses the king?”
    Sydneyblinked. “Oh, no… I don’t mean that you… I only meant—”
    “Is that why Serena’s hair is red like mine?” Her hurt deepened. “Is that how you see me, as flashy and—”
    “No, not you—just your gown!” He paled. “Just the color… I mean— Dash it all, Kit, you know what I mean. It’s rather scarlet, don’t you think? And with that gold sash tied about it… well, it draws attention. Especially when you wear it with that cannetille and enamel jewelry.”
    “I can’t afford real gems,Sydney. Not until we marry, at any rate.”
    He ignored that hint. “But young unmarried ladies don’t usually dress so audaciously. They wear pearls and white gowns—”
    “Which, with my hair and figure, would make me look like a candle. My hair is bold, whether I like it or not. But if I have to be conspicuous for it, I might as well give people something to look at.”
    “You could try a turban,” he offered helpfully. “I hear they’re fashionable.”
    She drew herself up with wounded dignity. “I am not wearing a turban, I am not giving up my jewelry, and I am not going to wear unflattering gowns.”
    Alarm spread overSydney’s face.