Page 55 of Sincerely, the Duke
Rick glanced at Edwina with a wry grin. “A poet?”
She lifted her shoulders and sighed. “I was prepared to do whatever was necessary,” she said honestly. “The viscount was adamant about washing his hands of us at the end of the Season.”
“We don’t want the truth, Edwina,” Elle said, leaning forward. “We are far past that. We want something poetic and romantic about how the duke desired you above all others. Tell us how his hand casually brushed against yours. How his gaze searched for you across the distance in a room full of people and found you. Tell us how he makes you feel as if you are the only lady in the world who can make him happy.”
“Elle, please,” Eileen complained. “Enough of that kind of nonsense. I’m certain neither the duke nor Aunt Pauline want to be subjected to it either.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t mind hearing a bit more of it, dearie,”Auntie said, perking up from her near dozing. “I thought that sounded quite nice, Eleonora. You should write it down and add it to your book.”
Thatwasvery poetic of her sister, Edwina thought. Could it be that Elle was thinking about the possibility of love again even if she wasn’t ready to admit it? Maybe this was the time to subtly mention the young gentleman Edwina saw eyeing Elle at the wedding. Edwina had wanted to talk to her about it before now, but with all that had happened between her and Rick since the wedding, she’d simply forgotten to do it.
“I’m sure all the gentlemen you saw or met at the wedding will be in attendance tonight, Elle. Perhaps there is one you are looking forward to seeing again.”
Eleonora’s brows rose slightly.
“I doubt that.” Eileen gave a short laugh. “Most of them were the duke’s mother’s age and married.”
“That’s true, but not all of them,” Edwina defended quickly, not wanting Eileen to dampen the bit of interest Elle was showing in a man.
The carriage rolled to a stop, leaving Edwina no time to continue her argument. The sound of music and hum of chatter and laughter were loud as they entered the grand, well-lit building. Edwina had read about the historic Grand Hall, but words couldn’t possibly have prepared her for the lavishness. Shiny brass-and-crystal chandeliers lit the room while tall, wide mirrors hung on walls reflecting and scattering the candlelight. Everything shimmered as if gold and silver particles floated in the air, enhancing the glowing atmosphere.
The ceiling was painted a summer blue and framed by a wide stripe of gold. Puffs of white clouds and cherubs had been added to the scene and looked to be floating inthe sky. Each small angel held a heart, harp, or bow. The heavenly scene was beautiful and whimsical.
Gilt-topped Corinthian columns enhanced the grandeur of the enormous room, each one decorated with streams of colorful ribbons and bows. Large urns filled with colorful flowers and different shades of ferns stood beside life-size statues of Greek gods and goddesses in every arched nook along the sides of the room.
The orchestra had assembled at the far end of a spacious dance floor, which was already swarming with beautiful ladies elaborately gowned in pastels and rich colors of gemstones. Every gentleman looked dapper, clad in black coats with tails, trousers, and waistcoats as white as their collars and neckcloths. They clapped, circled, and twirled to the lively quadrille as Edwina’s mind tried to adjust to the outrageous ambiance and frenzied order of the room.
Edwina turned to Rick and realized he must have been watching her astonishment. His eyes sparkled with charm. Shyly, she said, “I guess you can tell I’m amazed by the elegance and splendor.”
“Members of the ton expect extravagance, and the elite Society who maintains this place gives it to them.”
Edwina glanced at her sisters and aunt. Their eyes were wide and expressions filled with awe. It was evident they were equally impressed by what was before them as they chatted together about the impressive room.
“I don’t think we were prepared for the ballroom,” Edwina added softly. “Just looking at the sketches in books, one’s imagination can’t comprehend how big and elaborate it is. Now that I’m here, I find I don’t know what to do.”
A soft, husky chuckle passed his attractive lips as he moved closer to her. In a low, slow, and enticing voice, hesaid, “We are going to make sure your aunt is comfortable among the other widows and then we will line your sisters up with dances to keep them occupied. You and I are going to drink champagne.” He bent close to her ear and whispered, “I am going to touch you every chance I get.” He ran his thumb casually, unobtrusively across the small space of bare skin on her arm between her capped sleeve and long gloves.
Her stomach tightened.
He lowered his head even closer to hers, “And I’m going to whisper how beautiful you are. How I can’t wait to get you home and make you mine.”
She shivered, yet her skin heated. Yes, she wanted him to do that.
“We’re going to dance and I’m going to hold you so close the gossips will be writing about how scandalous we were in the tittle-tattle columns tomorrow.”
The music stopped. The crowd clapped. Edwina sucked in a deep breath. “You are no gentleman to say things like that to me here and make me—”
“Feel guilty for knowing I want to kiss you right now? That I desire you and no other lady in this room or anywhere else and that you desire me?”
Edwina smiled. What could she say? He spoke the truth. Still, she was sure she shouldn’t be feeling such sensations at a public event.
Rick gave her a knowing smile and turned to her sisters. “Ladies, it’s time we invade the ballroom. I see Mr. David Culbreth and Mr. Oscar Mercy not far away. Let’s go meet them.”
“Begging your pardon, Your Grace,” Auntie said. “Would it be all right if I excused myself?”
He nodded once. “We’ll see you later in the evening.” He then whispered to Edwina, “I’m not going to be goodat pushing your sisters to get interested in the possibility of marriage, but I will get it done.”
Rick led the three of them, one after the other, on a trail through the crush of people, bumping shoulders and nodding greetings until they made it to Mr. Mercy, where introductions were made. It was clear to Edwina the young man was delighted the duke had approached him. Edwina didn’t see sparks of interest in Eleonora’s or Eileen’s eyes but there certainly was acute but nervous interest from Mr. Mercy. His eyes flitted from one sister to the other. To Edwina he seemed to be a happy person. He wasn’t very tall or broad-shouldered but his smile was genuine and his dark-brown eyes seemed as gentle as a newborn puppy’s.
