The earl spentthe day ensuring Belle felt welcome. He and Luke kept the conversation light, and after breakfast the three drove into town to stroll the shops.
It was a week before Christmas, and the northerners said snow was in the air, so Belle realized she might end up celebrating the holiday with her past and present lover if she did not leave soon. She promised herself she’d decide the next day, after supper with the earl’s current lover. Glad she wasn’t in charge of seating arrangements, she gave herself over to the holiday spirit and bought a few trinkets for Charlotte and herself.
There was nothing that spoke to her as a suitable gift for Luke, nor did she plan to be here to exchange Christmas presents. That thought caused an ache in her chest, but she ignored it and bought a hot chocolate for herself, the lords, and their driver. All three men noted her inclusion of the coachman with a smile.
Still, as evening approached, nerves got the better of her. She dithered over the gowns she’d brought, worrying over one being too bright, another being too low cut, then became annoyed with her lack of self-confidence.
Standing in front of the mirror, she practiced the phrase Charlotte had given her, finishing it this time. “I am equal to any man and better than most, and I deserve to be loved.”
Her voice came out as a whisper. Squaring her shoulders, she tried again, louder. Better. She almost believed it.
Shrugging, she chose the lower-cut gown which Luke had seen and complimented.
Luke and the earl were in the same front parlor with drinks when she arrived. When she slid a glance at Luke’s glass, he offered her a sip. “Cider.”
Shuddering, she accepted sherry from his father. Pacing, she turned back to find them watching her.
“Everything all right?” Luke asked.
Her chin went up. “Yes, thank you.” Realizing they were waiting for her to sit, she waved a hand. “Please, sit, I am just feeling restless.”
A footman entered. “Mrs. Whitcomb, your lordship.”
As he stepped aside, a woman about North’s age stepped forward. She was several inches shorter than Belle, and more than a few inches wider around. She appeared... cuddly.
Were you expecting a siren?Belle laughed at herself silently. While she was sure there were attractive women in Northumberland, and beauty took many forms, she had become too accustomed to all the accoutrements of London dress.
Belle had more jewels in her necklace than this woman did on her entire form. Her hair was pinned up in a loose chignon, a mix of blond and gray, and her dress was periwinkle lace over the same color underdress. The cut was several years out of date, but it flattered her rounded figure.
Belle ran a hand over her exposed décolletage self-consciously. Luke took a step closer behind her and placed his hand against her back. She dropped her arm and straightened an inch. The whole point of this dinner was to test others’ acceptance of her, after all. This was who she was.
The woman had a small furrow between her brows, and her mouth was pinched.
She looked as nervous as Belle felt.
North stepped forward, taking Mrs. Whitcomb’s hands and bussing her cheek before tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow to introduce her.
“Luke, allow me to introduce Eleanor Whitcomb.”
“My lord.” She executed a wobbly curtsy.
“No need to stand on ceremony,” Luke said with a smile. “It is lovely to meet you. Please, call me Luke.”
North’s shoulders relaxed as the widow exhaled a sigh that sounded like relief at the warmth of his reception. “Thank you, and you must call me Eleanor.”
He nodded, and North turned to face Belle.
She gulped.
Interesting. The widow mimicked her swallow. Belle’s shoulder muscles loosened a bit at that sign of nerves.
“Ellie, this is Belle. I’ve told you a little about her, but as my invitation noted, she is here with Luke.”
“’Tis a long journey from London. I am so glad you could join Luke for the holiday.”
North chuckled. “There is a bit of a story there, but I am glad we can all be here as well.”
Belle said, “Lovely to meet you. Can we also be Belle and Eleanor?” At the widow’s nod, she asked, “How did you two meet?”
