Page 39 of Eloping With The Princess
She knew that ache that had settled in her chest. A longing for that kind of love. Specifically, from her husband, but Jason had shared his exercising room with her as well as his library. That was enough, she told herself. She didn’t need the kind of love these ladies had found. She was safe. The queen was safe. That was what truly mattered.
Chapter Nine
Jason met her on the third floor so they could descend the staircase together and be introduced to the ballroom. His eyes traveled the length of her, but he said nothing. She knew she looked different. She’d seen herself in the mirror. The dress was daring. A low-cut, square neckline accented her décolletage, and the bodice molded to her curves. It deviated from the fashion of the day, as it had no added ruffles or flounces; it simply flowed around her. Perhaps it was too much, too brazen.
“Do you like it?” she asked cautiously.
He swallowed visibly. “I do. Very much.”
She grew warm beneath the weight of his stare.
“I’m glad you are pleased.”
“Very much.” Then he gave his head a slight shake. “I already said that, didn’t I?”
“You did.” She took his outstretched hand. “You look rather dashing tonight, Jason.”
“I stand but in your shadow,” he said.
Her heart stuttered.
He led her forward to the staircase that would deposit them in the ballroom. But the closer they got, the more anxious she became. Panic seized her, and she froze.
“I can’t do this. I don’t know how to talk to such important people. They shall all be looking at me.” Judging me, and recognizing that I’m nothing more than an imposter.
“There is no one in that room more important than you or me. You are a princess. Moreover, you are a hero. Your quick thinking has helped remove the queen from danger.”
“No one in the room, save you, will know that,” she said.
“Yes, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.”
“I do not feel like a princess or a hero. I feel like a girl who was raised in a small school on the outskirts of town. Like a girl who never dared dream of balls or beautiful dresses.” Or a handsome husband.
“They are all people, just as we are.” He tilted her chin up so she met his gaze. “Isabel, breathe. You can do this, I promise.”
She looked away to the staircase that beckoned them forward. She shook her head.
“Isabel, look at me.” His voice was soft. Again, he pulled her chin to face him.
She reached up on her toes and kissed him. The moment his lips touched hers, calm spread through her. She backed away and gave him a tight nod. “All right, I’m ready.” She didn’t know why she felt stronger with him at her side, but it seemed to reinforce something in her.
“May I present to you Viscount and Viscountess Ellis,” the footman said loudly.
There was no turning back now.
Isabel had never given much thought to what she’d find attractive in a man, but now as she watched her husband move through the ballroom, she knew he stood out above the rest. Yes, there were other attractive men here, but Jason was different. Perhaps she was already biased in his favor, but no one moved as gracefully as he did. None of the other men walked with such purpose, such athleticism. Next to Jason, many of the other men seemed soft and uncoordinated.
Evie and Lilith had stayed close to her side once Jason had left to retrieve refreshments. They’d been whispering in her ears as they’d passed guests, giving her information on each. She’d spoken to so many people tonight she knew she’d never remember all their names, but in truth, she hadn’t felt too out of the fabric of the rest of the guests. This was her home, regardless of how she’d acquired it. No one here knew the truth about her marriage.
Of course, the evening wasn’t over yet. There was still plenty of time for her to trip over something and fall on her face. Her mother-in-law, Genny, as she’d insisted on being called, picked the perfect moment to come and be at her side since Lords Somersby and Lynford had come to collect their respective partners for the dance.
“You’re doing quite well,” Genny said.
“I am surviving, and I haven’t managed to do anything too embarrassing,” Isabel said.
“Nonsense. You’re being positively lovely. I saw you charm Lady Bentley, and she doesn’t like anyone.” Genny gave her a conspiratorial wink.
Isabel laughed. “She seemed rather impressed that I was a princess.”
