“How did it go?”
“It went well,” Rachel said as she donned her light coat, gloves, and hat. “I was a bit scandalized, but even then, I suspect that it will be better than when I go to this ball with Lord Strathmore.”
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Chapter 21
The moment she stepped into the ballroom, every eye flickered to her and stayed there. Rachel tried her best not to blush wildly at the attention given to her. The shock on their faces showed the thoughts running through their heads.
Is that Lady Hampton?
What happened to her outdated dresses?
What a transformation.
Rachel held her head up high as she and a smug Lord Strathmore made a turn around the room. The silken skirts of her dress fluttered around her silk slippers as she walked, and Rachel reached into her reticule and pulled out a silken fan, snapping it open.
On her left, Lord Strathmore whispered in her ear, “Have you seen what I see? Several gentlemen haven’t been able to take their eyes off you since we have arrived. Flash them your ring a little more.”
“I doubt it’s my ring that is drawing their attention,” Rachel muttered.
“As I had intended, you are the diamond amongst crystals,” he grinned.
I do have diamonds in my hair.
While she had gotten dressed, the Lord had sent her a set of jewels to wear, including a string of diamonds to thread through her hair and a demure necklace to accent it. But the focus would be on her engagement ring.
“Am I?”
“Most certainly,” he replied.
She glanced around the room and met a few gazes, some that skittered away the moment hers met theirs and some who boldly held the look. The ball was called, and Strathmore bowed over her hand. “May I have this dance, My Lady?”
Rachel shut her fan, stuck it the reticle, and quickly handed it off to Jane before she accepted the Marquess’ arm and allowed him to lead her out onto the floor. Seconds later, the orchestra launched into the intro of a waltz.
Nervous at the thought of dancing in her new clothes, she allowed the Marquess to pull her into his arms and swing her into a graceful arc. From the corner of her eye, she saw more people stare at her from the sidelines and knew that her name was going to be the topic of the breakfast table for a while.
As they circled the floor, Rachel forced herself to relax and allowed herself to enjoy the moment, even as nerve-wrenching as it was.
“You’re a most unusual woman, Lady Hampton,” Strathmore remarked.
“I know,” Rachel sighed. “Very, very unusual. But you know this.”
“I’m not referring to your clothes, your family, or your absence from the ton,” he said.
Cocking her head, Rachel asked, “I’m afraid I don’t understand what you are getting at, my Lord.” She frowned as she eyed him with curiosity.
“You don’t babble on most trivial of subjects like most of the other ladies do while dancing,” he said. “I once danced with a lady who went on and on about French fashion and another who listed all the cures for infantile colic.” He shuddered.
“Oh,” Rachel understood. “I am not much of a talker. I prefer to listen.”
He spun them, “Which is why you are perfect for my bride. I do not care for frivolous conversation or baseless gossip.”
“I do not care for either,” Rachel replied.
“Good,” he said proudly.
As the dance ended, Rachel did her best to smile when her heart was so very far from it. Instead, it was back at her home with William, with his easy loving smile and his warm embrace. Strathmore whisked her away to the refreshment table and dipped a flute under the champagne fountain, then placed it at her lips.
