“Do you think Louise could be happy here? Really happy, not just pretending?”
The question pierced him with its innocent directness. “I hope so.”
“Me too.” Emily twisted the edge of the cloak. “She smiles more when you’re around. Even when you’re being stiff.”
Aaron found himself without words.
“Anyway,” Emily continued, “Lady Merrow says dinner is in an hour, and you’re not allowed to claim urgent business and skip it.”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Emily grinned and scampered off, leaving Aaron alone with the uncomfortable truth a six-year-old had so easily identified: Louise smiled more when he was around.
Despite his coldness, his distance, his careful control, she still smiled for him.
CHAPTER 16
“You look like a princess.” Emily stood in the doorway of Louise’s room, wearing her own party dress of pale blue silk.
The butterfly comb sparkled in her hair, and her eyes were wide with excitement. She had insisted on dressing up even though she wasn’t attending the ball. Cook had promised her a special supper in the kitchen with Buttercup, complete with iced biscuits and her very own pot of chocolate, and Emily had declared this far superior to any stuffy grown-up party.
“Do I?” Louise turned from the mirror, smoothing the cream silk gown for the tenth time. The fabric whispered against her skin, the silver embroidery catching the candlelight with every movement. “I feel rather silly, truth be told.”
“You’re not silly. You’re beautiful.” Emily crossed the room and tugged at Louise’s hand. “Can I touch the sparkly bits?”
Louise kneeled so her sister could examine the delicate beadwork along the neckline. “Careful, darling. They’re sewn on delicately.”
Emily traced one finger reverently over a cluster of seed pearls. “Will there be cake at the ball?”
“I imagine so.”
“And dancing?”
“Lots of dancing.”
“And will the duke dance with you?” Emily looked up, her expression hopeful.
Louise’s cheeks warmed. “I don’t know, darling. His Grace will have many important people to dance with.”
“But you’re important,” Emily said with the simple certainty of a child who saw no reason to doubt. “You’re the most important person I know.”
Louise’s throat tightened. She pulled Emily into a fierce hug, careful not to crush either of their gowns. “And you’re the best little sister anyone could ask for.”
“I know.” Emily wriggled free, already distracted by something new. “Louise, look! Buttercup is wearing a ribbon!”
From the doorway, Buttercup padded into view. Someone had tied an enormous silver bow around his neck. He looked simultaneously dignified and ridiculous.
“Lady Merrow’s doing, I suspect,” Louise said, laughing despite herself.
“He wants to go to the ball too.” Emily threw her arms around the dog’s neck. “Don’t you, Buttercup? You want to dance with all the ladies.”
Buttercup’s tail thumped against the floor in apparent agreement.
“Dogs aren’t allowed at balls, I’m afraid.” Louise rose and checked her reflection one last time.
The woman staring back at her looked like a stranger. Elegant. Polished. Nothing like the harried sister who spent her days balancing ledgers and worrying about creditors.
“That’s not fair,” Emily declared. “Buttercup dances better than anyone.”
