“Don’t tease,” Isolde said, laughing some more.
“I’m not!” Annora objected. “You’re lovely as ever, and I’m only a tiny bit miffed that I had to hear the news of your engagement from Thomas, and not your own lips.”
Isolde felt a flush rising to her cheeks. “I am sorry. It all happened rather fast.”
“Oh, look at you, blushing! Are you very much in love with him? Tell me everything.”
“Oh, Annora, nothing like that,” Isolde said, her cousin’s misinterpretation of her expression making her feel guilty. “It’s actually all a bit of a mess, but I have hope we might fix it yet.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Annora asked, suddenly looking concerned.
“Don’t worry, please. It’s all right. Here, sit, and I’ll tell you everything like you asked.”
So they sat, Annora linking her arm through Isolde’s in a habit she’d done since they were children. Isolde told her the whole story, and Annora gasped and looked indignant and generally made all the right sort of faces at the right moments.
“Well, I never,” she said when Isolde was finished. “I’d never have thought you, of all people, would get entangled in such an affair!” Seeing Isolde blush again, she shook her head. “No, darling, don’t feel bad! None of it is your doing. And between you and me, it’s all a bit exciting. But come, dear – are you really going to go through with this ridiculous plan?”
Annora’s words stung a little, and Isolde stood up, blinking away tears.
“I don’t think it’s so ridiculous. I like his plan.”
“Oh, don’t be upset, please don’t!” Annora jumped up and hugged Isolde. “I only meant that a marquess is such a good match! Surely you don’t think you’ll find someone better?”
Isolde turned the question over in her mind, answering slowly.
“Perhaps not better … but I should like to marry for love, Annora. It may be a silly dream, but if there’s a chance I can make it happen, then I must take it. And this could be that chance. It could be my only chance.”
She looked at her cousin, her throat tight as she held back more tears.
“Say you’ll help me, please? I know I have a better chance with you by my side.”
“Of course I will, darling! You don’t even have to ask. I think it’s madness to throw away being a marchioness, but if you want to look for love, then that is what we shall do.”
“Thank you, Annora. Truly, thank you.” Isolde felt a wave of relief run through her, and for the first time, she felt less alone in this situation.
“But first,” Annora continued, “we do have a more pressing matter, the thing I actually came to speak to you about.”
“What?” Isolde asked, her heart pounding. What could be more serious than this?
“Why, Mother’s ball, of course!” Annora said, laughing. “You know she always hosts the first ball of the season.”
“Oh, of course,” Isolde said, sighing in relief.
“I know you don’t attend many balls, but of course, you must come. And just think …” Annora smiled, her grin a little wicked, “this will be the perfect place to put your engagement charade to the test –andto look for a real true love!”
***
The night of the ball arrived, and Isolde was full of jittery anticipation. This would be their first public outing since the engagement.
Thaddeus exited the carriage first and then held out his hand to help her down. She had worried that he would be annoyed at her suggestion to attend, but he had agreed readily, and she was grateful he seemed committed to their plan.
The night air was cool even under her heavy cloak, and she shivered. Thaddeus’ hand was warm, and she found herself wishing she could lean into him and borrow some of his body heat.
The bold thought made her blush. Of course, she’d never actually lean close to him. Thaddeus had made it clear he considered their arrangement as if it were a business one, and nothing more.
He was perfectly kind to her, but he seemed detached in all their conversations, simply enduring her presence until he could move on to things more interesting to him.
Isolde’s jitters heightened as they walked inside. It was much warmer in here, and full of color and sound. A quartet in the corner played a lively waltz, and her eyes struggled to take in all the swirling dresses.
