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Prologue

Fonthill

Lord Strange’s country estate

February 19, 1784

Wo to enticeleaf Adam was probably irritable after that business with the apple, so Eve would have done her best with so

So as it still so hard to decide what to wear? As her own onto the bed, Isidore, Duchess of Cosway, tried to decide whether her husband would prefer her in a ruby-colored velvet with a low décolletage or a sky-blue open robe with a little train

The decision would be easier if she’d actually htful in the white lustring silk,” herthat Lucille was losing patience with all the tiny buttons, hooks, petticoats, and panniers involved in each change

“It would be so much less complicated if I only had a few vines to ith, the way Eve did,” Isidore said “Though e could hardly be called Edenic”

Lucille rolled her eyes She wasn’t given to philosophical e

Not only were Eve’s sartorial options limited, but she and Adam went into the wilderness Whereas she, Isidore, had lured her husband, the Duke of Cosway, out of the wilderness of equatorial Africa, and yet the note she’d received saying he’d arrive tonight sounded just as peeved as Adaiven directions

She should probably wear the pale yellon, the one e air of feility Isidore plucked it back off the bed and held it in front of herself, staring into the glass Never mind the fact that docility wasn’t her best virtue; she could certainly look the part For a while

“That’s an excellent choice, Your Grace,” Lucille said encouragingly “You’ll look as sweet as butter”

The dress was edged in delicate lace and dotted with pale ribbons “We’ll put flowers in your hair,” Lucille continued “Or perhaps small pearls We could even add a bit of lace to the bodice” She waved her hand in the general area of Isidore’s chest

Masking her bosom (one of Isidore’s best features, to herwifely modesty too far “Pearls?” she said dubiously

“And,” Lucille said, getting into the spirit, “you could carry that little prayer book from your mother, the one covered with lace”

“Prayer book? You want otten that we are currently at the uest at Lord Strange’s party who even owns a prayer book except myself!”

“Her Grace, the Duchess of Berrow, has a prayer book,” Lucille pointed out

“Since Harriet happens to be at this party incognito—and dressed as aaround with her prayer book in hand”

“It would give you an air of virtue,” her maid said stubbornly