Christopher couldn’t look away, eyes tracking her every move.
“Are we changing the dress code for dinner?”
“Perhaps not every night, perhaps one or two a week. But I will be dressing for dinner every night that your sisters are here.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
“Are you going to go change?”
Before she could answer the door opened and her sisters returned.
A bitter sweet smile graced her face. She shook her head. “Not tonight, I would hate for everyone to wait on my account, but I will tomorrow. Thank you.”
“Are you sure? I doubt they would mind. I know I wouldn’t.”
She shook her head. “There will be plenty of time for that next time. For the moment, I’d rather just enjoy our time together.”
“Of course. I can understand that. I hope you enjoy their visit.”
“Thank you. I am sure I will.”
Then she turned her focus to her sisters. Christopher stepped back, content to watch them together, a smile growing on his face. She was so lovely. He couldn’t believe it, even in her simple gown.
Going over to Milly, Veronica grinned, taking her in. She was dressed far more fashionably than Veronica had at her age, and the necklace and earrings she wore were nothing to sneeze at. “Don’t you look so lovely!”
She preened. “I thought so as well, but it makes me so happy to know you like it. I spent a long time making sure I packed only my best dresses for our visit.”
“Thank you for taking the time to look so nice just for us.”
“It isn’t just for you,” she confessed, looking away. “I don’t have many occasions to dress aside from family dinners. Father says I am still far too young to be out, but I don’t think that’s very fair. Especially since he got me all of this finery and now I have no where to wear it!”
“I’m sure you will have plenty of occasions soon enough.”
“But why?” She pouted. “I don't understand why I need to wait.”
“Because coming out means you want to get married. Do you think you're ready for that?”
She shook her head. “All I want to do is go to parties and wear my nice dresses.”
Veronica and Rose shared a laugh.
Christopher stepped back for a moment, watching how easily the three of them fell into the old banter they had shared for their whole life. He had no doubt they looked lovely in their finery, but his eyes were locked on Veronica.
She was still in nothing but a simple afternoon dress, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Everything about it was perfect. It complemented her skin perfectly, giving her a radiant glow. Her hair seemed to gleam in the low light of the dining room. And even though she wasn't wearing any jewelry, her eyes sparkled brighter than even the most radiant gemstone.
He didn’t think he had ever seen someone so beautiful before. He was captivated. Hypnotized. How could he bear to look at any thing other than her?
They all enjoyed a pleasant meal, or at least he assumed they did, but he couldn't be positive. He could hardly pay attention to anything other than her. In the austere setting of the dining room, she glowed like a fresh flower in barren, stony ground.
He had meant what he had said earlier. She deserved an endless collection of finery and jewels. He had been robbing her by expecting her to meet him where he was with every little thing.
He knew better now.
He would be better.
Christopher felt almost drunk on her beauty. He found himself glancing at his cup on more than on one occasion to check how much he had drank. But it was scarcely half a glass.
Never the less, he felt his inhibitions lowering. That was the only explanation he could think of.
