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either. Watching William closely was the key to finding what she wanted. “I understand. I suppose I will have to talk to him about that.”
    “Just as I knew ye would.” Beth took a step back and glanced over Mercedes’ attire again. “Ye look mighty fine, Mrs. Braxton. It will please Mr. Kennedy, that’s for certain.”
    Mercedes gasped, placing her hand on her neck. “Why should I want to please Mr. Kennedy?”
    Beth’s brows pulled together. “Because yer the reason ‘e made Mr. Braxton ‘is partner, which by the way, doubled yer ‘ usband’s wealth. Do ye not remember? If not for yer influence, ‘ e would still be working ‘is fingers to the bone at that small company ‘e owned. Oh, for certain ‘e made good money, but it was pure genius to ‘ ave Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Braxton become partners.”
    Mercedes recovered, dropping her hand and squaring her shoulders. So that was why William was so wealthy. Still, she’d bet anything he was also obtaining money from being a spy. “Well, I only wanted what was best for my husband. What I meant to say was that I do not want Mr. Kennedy to think I dress this way to please him.” She gave an uneasy laugh. “I would hate to distress Mrs. Kennedy.”
    Beth’s sudden bark of laughter surprised Mercedes yet again. She anxiously awaited the maid’s response.
    “Ye must be jesting. Ye ’ ave seen ‘ ow unattractive ‘is wife is. I think Mr. Kennedy would be ‘ appy for yer attention, especially when we all know ‘ e can’t stop from feasting ‘is eyes upon yer loveliness.”
    Mercedes cleared her throat and turned toward the mirror. “Whomever I impress tonight, I better hurry so I do not miss the dinner party.” She glanced down at her bosom again and frowned. “Beth? Can you locate a scarf that matches this dress?”
    “Whatever for?”
    “To hide the most daring décolletage I have ever seen.”
    Beth laughed again. “ Yer acting strangely, Mrs. Braxton. Besides, I think Mr. Kennedy prefers ye in less, if’n ye knows what I mean.”
    Mercedes’ legs weakened, and she grasped the chair next to her to steady herself. Could she have heard wrong? Oh, please, say Katherine wasn’t involved in a love tryst. Mercedes squeezed her eyes closed. Somebody please tell me something good about my sister.
    Mercedes composed herself and stood straight, meeting the maid’s gaze. “Nonetheless, I would like something to place in my bodice to help me feel a little more covered up. This sheer fichu tucked around the edges will not suffice.”
    Beth shrugged and moved into the next room to look through Katherine’s accessories. Within minutes, she came back with a white lace handkerchief and gently stuffed it in the bodice.
    “I think that’s better, don’t you?” Mercedes studied her reflection in the mirror.
    “ Yer just lovely, Mrs. Braxton.”
    Although the handkerchief hid a lot of her cleavage, it still didn’t hide her bare shoulders. She shrugged. She couldn’t have everything perfect. After all, tonight she was Kat.
    She exhaled and gave the maid a nod. “I think I am presentable now.”
    Wringing her hands, Mercedes made her way downstairs to William’s guests. Her legs wobbled like a newborn calf’s, but she forced herself to stay strong. Voices floated from the parlor. She took a fortifying breath and entered. All eyes turned her way, and she feared her legs would collapse.
    Mr. Kennedy’s gaze combed over her in a disgustingly slow leer. Her stomach revolted, and she took a calming breath to keep from embarrassing herself in front of William’s guests.
    Mr. Braxton’s friend appeared older than William by at least ten years, but Mr. Kennedy was handsome, nonetheless. Streaks of silver highlighted his black hair. His tailored knee breeches fit him to perfection. He smiled at her as if they shared a delicious secret. Her stomach twisted again. Right now she wanted to forget her sister and this man may have had a past together.
    She studied