Marsden came in the morning. She took great care with her toilette and selected an especially fetching gown. She told herself it was because she always felt more powerful when she looked more beautiful—only to be peeved when he sat down to business with scarcely a glance at her. “I’d like for us to divide the tasks today,” said he. On the index finger of his right hand, he wore a heavy gold ring in the shape of a lion’s head. The lion had rubies for eyes. “I’m sure the last thing either of us wanted is to work in duplicate.” “Certainly not,” Lizzy said. No, the last thing either of them wanted was to be revealed for who they were beneath the facades they presented. “I’ve made a preliminary list of items needing attention.” He pulled out a longish list. “I assume that you’ll wish to take in hand matters pertaining to your gown, your trousseau, and your personal ornamentation.” “Quite so.” “And I assume you’ll want to delegate the wedding breakfast to Madame Durant?
