Chapter 145

Claire fussed over Rosalind's hair before dinner and laid out a dark purple silk gown with a plunging neckline that would no doubt draw Ashton's attention. Rosalind tugged the bodice up and raised a brow at Claire.

"You did tell me to pack lightly, Your Ladyship."

"I did, but I did not mean to pack the gowns with the least amount of cloth to them. It will attract the eyes of every man in the room."

Her maid chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with displaying a lady's bosom in a fine gown."

"I quite agree." Ashton's voice made Rosalind and Claire both jump.

He stood in the doorway, those blue eyes more alive than she'd ever seen them before. Rosalind looked away, still embarrassed by how much of herself she'd revealed this afternoon in the bath. He'd used intimacy to break down her walls and make her share the darker parts of her heart. She feltperhaps not betrayed, but exposed at the very least.