At the first sight of Jonny, however, she forgot all about David Carter. She couldn’t even have said if David was in attendance tonight, although her mother had spoken of it during the entirety of their carriage ride here.
Those hazel eyes held her, wide, intent, as though he had been waiting for her. His lips parted slightly, his eyes dancing up and down her body, and a blush crept up her cheeks as she wondered whether he was appreciating her dress. The seamstress had done an incredible job. Even Ada could admit that. She was also well aware that this was far from her daily attire and effort into how she looked.
She usually only cared for as much comfort as was possible and didn’t enjoy taking the time to make sure her hair was perfect or her face made up.
But tonight, she had been purposeful in her efforts.
And she could finally admit to herself that it was because of the potential that Jonny might be here.
It annoyed her that she cared so much about what he thought, this man who seemed out to get under her skin — in every way possible, from how he underestimated her to the way he caused her to want him in ways she most definitely shouldn’t.
“Ada?” her mother cut in, breaking the connection, “I believe the Carters are in the next room.”
“I’dlike to greet Emmaline first.”
“Ada.”
“Mother.”
They held one another’s stares in a silent battle for a moment before her mother sighed.
“Fine. Make your greetings. But you know how important it is that we be seen with the Carters this evening.”
Her parents had eventually heard the rumors about her, of course, and her mother had been irate, although, fortunately, her anger was not directed toward Ada but to society in general for creating such a salacious rumor. However, it was partially true given Ada’s father’s involvement in the underworld, not that he would ever take any blame, from himself or his wife.
“I doubt David wants to spend the entire evening with me,” she muttered, uncertain if her mother even heard her before she crossed the room to speak with Emmaline, who was standing with Rhys and was just now being joined by Lily and Colin.
“Ada!” Lily gasped. “You look exquisite.”
“Turn around,” Emmaline ordered, and Ada rolled her eyes, but made a slow circle.
“Oh, that gown,” Lily said, admiring the off-the-shoulder sleeves which provided the smallest glimpse of Ada’s arms, softening their shape while still maintaining an air of sophistication.
Ada usually didn’t care much for fashion, but she had to admit that she loved this dress and how it made her feel. Like a lady who was worthy of admiration, especially with this full, flowing skirt that moved with her as she walked.
She lifted a hand to play with the delicate necklace around her neck, almost surprised once more at the feel of the lace gloves that covered her hands.
She glanced over at Jonny now and then, but he seemed topurposefully avert his gaze every time it came close to meeting hers.
“We’re not the only ones who are enjoying how you look,” Emmaline murmured, her eyes dancing around the room.
“What do you mean?”
“There are more than a few heads turned your way.”
Ada shook her head. “Likely due to the rumors that have been circulating.”
“I don’t think so,” Emmaline said in a singsong voice. “Oh, don’t look now, but you have one of those admirers approaching.”
Ada’s heart leapt as she realized she was hoping that it would be Jonny, coming to collect her as the musicians announced they would be playing their first set in a few moments’ time.
As she turned, she had to fight to keep the smile on her face.
For it was not Jonny approaching, but David.
His smile was somewhat strained, as though he had been ordered this way by his own parents. He came to a stop in front of her.
“Miss Jones,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips. “You look lovely tonight.”
