Aside from the cream lace which trimmed the décolletage, it was very simple, relying on the shape of the wearer and the rich colour of the fabric for effect. She wore no jewellery, only a pair of long evening gloves which left the narrowest band of flesh on display beneath the sleeves, which were cut less full than was the fashion, for she hated to wear plumpers with evening dress. Judging by Iain’s face when he arrived to escort her, the effect was as she had hoped. She dropped him a curtsy, deliberately allowing him the most fleeting glimpse of her powdered bosom, and was rewarded with his sharp intake of breath. ‘I doubt I’ll have any difficulty in pretending to be besotted with you tonight,’ he said. ‘I doubt I’ll have any difficulty returning the favour,’ Cordelia replied, ‘you look most distinguished.’ He looked much more than distinguished. His black tailcoat fitted his lean frame perfectly, hugging the breadth of his shoulders, making the most of his narrow waist.
