Page 44 of The Duke's Auctioned Spinster
A young woman, pretty in the way that princesses in fairytales were supposed to be pretty.
“This is Amelia Whitfield, the Earl of Alderley’s daughter,” Edmund said.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” Amelia said with a radiant smile. Her enunciation was perfect, and all of her movements were exact. “When Aunt Beatrice insisted I attend this party, I was thrilled. It’s an honor to be among such fine company.”
Everything about her seemed precise, even her strands of hair. Rose subtly ran her fingers through her own hair, making sure that it was not untidy compared to Amelia’s.
“And fine company it is indeed,” Agatha said, linking her arm with Beatrice’s. “It’s been far too long since we’ve had an event like this. Why, this reminds me of a ball I attended back in, well, the year isn’t too important,” she tittered with laughter. “But I can tell you it is a night I will never forget. Now, who was there… let’s see…”
“Grandmother, why don’t you show the Lord and Lady Bolton the cake?” Edmund said, grinning with pride.
“Oh yes, you must see the cake,” Agatha said, beckoning Thomas and Margaret to follow her. Amelia stood quietly beside Nathaniel while Charlotte and Lydia exchanged a few words. Edmund turned toward Rose, and even though they were surrounded by people, he had a way of looking at her that created a sense of intimacy—almost as if it were possessive.
“You look wonderful tonight. I am glad you did not fall. I tasked the servants to make sure the ground by the ice would not be slippery.”
“Then you must compliment them for me, although I must admit I was not expecting so much tonight.”
“Then you must learn to expect the unexpected from me. It shall be a fine event, and I have many surprises planned,” Edmund said, winking at her. Rose clasped her hands tightly together,once again fearing that a proposal would be one of the surprises. It went against everything they had agreed upon, but how could she ever be confident that he would not change his mind?
This was a special event, and all his family and friends were present. If he ever decided to propose to her, tonight would certainly be suitable. She thought about whispering to him to ease her worries, but before she could, he was already turning, waving to others.
“Forgive me, Rose, but I must get the attention of my cousin, Mary. I shall return momentarily,” he said, and left her.
“I am surprised you agreed to this,” Lydia said, sidling up to Rose.
“What makes you think I had a choice?”
“That has never stopped you before. Or has a miracle happened? Are you actually looking forward to this party?”
“I… I have found that Edmund is a most intriguing man, and it would be remiss of me to refuse such a gesture of his affection. I am flattered that he went to so much trouble for me.”
“Indeed, it surprised even me. He does not usually put this much effort into things. It does make me wonder…”
“Wonder?”
Lydia sighed. “I must confess something to you, Rose. When this all began, I did feel some tension because I feared it might be one of Edmund’s little games and could directly affect our friendship. I even exchanged some harsh words with him.”
“Harsh words? Why, Lydia, I wasn’t sure you had it in you.”
Lydia wore a bashful smile. “I am protective of the people I care about. But it seems as though this is doing you both some good. Are you ready to admit that perhaps there is some merit to the way I view the world?”
“Why? Has Edmund said anything more? My parents believe he is going to propose,” Rose said. Her voice became quicker. Lydia smiled, and Rose thought she might assume that the tone of Rose’s voice had changed, not due to nerves, but excitement.
“Edmund tends to keep matters like that to himself, but I do hope he does. Then grandmother will be right, and nobody will ever forget this night. And more than that, it will make us sisters rather than mere friends! Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Lydia said, clasping Rose’s hands.
“Of course it would,” Rose forced a smile on her face.
“Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I wanted to greet you properly,” Amelia approached them with gentle footsteps and a kind smile.
“Of course. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Rose said.
“The pleasure is all mine. You are an example to ladies like me,” Amelia said.
“In what way?”
Amelia smiled bashfully. “Well, it is my first Season, and while Aunt Beatrice tells me that I shall have no trouble attracting a suitor, it is natural to doubt. But to see a success story is an inspiration.”
“Oh, well, that is flattering, but I should mention that His Grace and I are not engaged yet,” Rose said.
