Page 33 of Saving a Scoundrel
Lucius grasped her hand and pulled her through the anteroom. “Hartwick will order dinner. Come on. You’ve never seen anything like this, I guarantee.”
Ellie gasped as they emerged on the Grand Walk. Hundreds of gas light lanterns were strung, illuminating the pathways, and casting a soft glow on the multitudes of patrons strolling by. Music filtered through the night air. Ellie did a slow turn to take in all the lights.
“What do you think?” Lucius asked. His expression was one of amusement. But Ellie didn’t care if she looked like a country bumpkin; she wanted to take in every detail.
“It’s beautiful.”
He tugged her hand again. “Here, let’s walk this way to the orchestra.”
They strolled down the pathway and then through a large stone arch. The trees gave way to a large open square. Ellie gawked. In the middle was a two-story rotunda covered in colored lanterns. On the first level, an orchestra played, a beautiful woman stood at the front of the balcony singing to a sizable crowd. Tucked under the orchestra were supper rooms where patrons sat and watched the dancing. The third tier, like a bejeweled crown, rose into the night sky.
“The lights are amazing and dizzying. The lady singing has a gorgeous voice.”
“That is Miss Lilliana Ricci.”
Ellie raised her eyebrow. “Do you know her?”
“Everyone knows her. She is quite famous.”
Lucy Middleton walked up next to them on the arm of the duke. “It’s dazzling! Can we dance?”
“Let’s eat first. We’ll come back and dance later,” Hartwick instructed.
“Yes, let’s go to our box. I have a surprise for you.” Lucius steered her away from the orchestra.
A soft breeze caught the edges of her wrap, and Ellie pulled it tighter around her. The rain from the week before had cleared out. The sky was clear of clouds. The supper boxes were organized in a row in a large crescent shape. They passed by happy couples and boisterous groups of diners as they walked to the end of the row. Everyone seemed to be having a grand time out this evening.
“This is our box.” The duke gestured. The four of them settled around a large wooden table.
“Hart always requests this one because he likes the milkmaids.” Lucius pointed to the painting behind the table. Two buxom milkmaids carried their buckets through a bucolic scene.
Miss Middleton giggled, and Ellie tried to keep her grin small as she glanced at the duke to gauge his reaction to Lucius’s teasing. Lord Hartwick just grinned. “Better than the one next door, with the drunken sailors pissing against the tavern wall.”
Ellie’s eyes went round. She surreptitiously leaned back to see into the next box. It was too dark to see the painting though. She would have to pay better attention later when they left. The waiter arrived with a tray of glasses and two bottles of wine.
“Ah, here we are,” Lucius said. “Thanks to having friends in high places, tonight we will tackle number three—drink too much champagne.”
Ellie felt her cheeks warm. “Lucius!”
“Now Ellie, no blushing. Hartwick thoroughly approves of your goal. Don’t you?”
His grace nodded. “I had this sent ahead from my house just for tonight. Please be my guest.” He turned to Miss Middleton. “Not for you, young lady.”
“Pardon?” She looked affronted. “I am twenty-two years old. And certainly not a vicar’s daughter.” She turned to Ellie. “No offense, darling.”
Not offended in the least, Ellie shrugged.
Then Miss Middleton sent the duke an arched look. “Do you think I’ve never had a glass of wine?”
He scowled. “Fine, one glass. You are far too much trouble sober, let alone tipsy.”
Lucius uncorked the bottle and poured four glasses. He raised his glass in the air. “To embracing adventure!”
Ellie took a small sip of the pinkish-hued wine. It tasted slightly sweet, and the effervescence tickled her nose. Delicious. She took a larger sip.
“What do you think?” the duke asked. “I quite enjoy the bubbles. I had several barrels shipped in last winter. They add sugar before they bottle it, and that is what leads to the bubbles.”
“Very nice, Your Grace. Thank you for sharing it.”
