They were yet short one vote.
The third vote, Danbury had surmised, might well be more difficult than all of the others before. For they had only two possibilities, lords Oliver and Newbold. Both of whom professed to be staunch supporters of the present language and requirements of the Corn Laws. If not for a conversation they had both had with Ravensdale over the wintertime where each had admitted to some reservations, Michael would not have considered them at all. As it was, they were holding their positions stubbornly.
Michael had, of course, been privy to the details of Joseph’s betrothal to Miss Glenda Beauchamp. And at the last dinner he’d attended at the Ravensdales, Lady Natalie reminded him that he must be on hand for the engagement ball.
Following it, all preparations henceforth would be focused upon Michael and Natalie’s prewedding ball and the wedding ceremony which was to be held at St. George’s Cathedral.
It had been ages since he’d spoken privately with Lilly.
She and Danbury had upheld the charade of a romancebetween the two of them, and it seemed as though they’d eliminated any threat from Hawthorne.
But Michael needed to see that she was well. He would not reveal his plans though. He would surprise her. He would promise himself to her only when he’d become free to do so.
But now that he been with her again, his entire being yearned for her. He wanted to be near her. At the younger couple’s engagement ball, he could dance with her once. In fact, it would likely be expected of him. He would hold her in his arms for the duration of a set. He would becertainhis dance with her was a waltz.
LAST DANCE
The Spencers were, indeed, a family of considerable wealth.
The mere fact that London Hills had been considered one of the family’s smaller holdings should have demonstrated that fact to Lilly.
And their London home, Burtis Hall, provided further evidence of this fact. Located directly across the park behind tall iron gates, it was one of the largest in Mayfair.
It resembled a park in its own right.
The ballroom stole one’s breath. Three giant chandeliers dangled from the ornate ceiling, each lit with literally hundreds of candles. No less than three stories tall, the walls boasted gilded molding divided by pillars holding up decorative archways. The parquet floor was polished to a high sheen, giving the incredibly large space a feeling of golden warmth. Heavy red drapes were pulled back from the numerous french doors leading outside to the decorated terrace, and spaced along the opposing wall were colorful tapestries.
The terrace doors had been thrown open, beckoning guests to view the fountain statues standing in circular pools spoutingstreams of water from various points. Within the fountains floated candles on wax lily pads.
At the far end of the room, a balcony perched level with the glistening chandeliers. It seated a full orchestra. Smaller balconies were spaced evenly around the room. It was the most impressive venue of any event Lilly had attended all season.
Lady Ravensdale had personally invited Lilly and Lady Eleanor to arrive early with Glenda so they could participate in the receiving line. Glenda’s future mother-in-law, whom Lilly had planned on being in awe of, was warm, kind, and very handsome for a woman with five grown children. Lady Natalie had gotten her fine looks from her mother. She was slim and graceful, with blond hair that had a touch of white in it. Lilly felt she could have been a delightful friend.
The receiving line consisted of the earl and his countess, Lady Natalie and Lord Cortland, Glenda and her betrothed, and then Lilly and her aunt. As the very large entry doors swung open, Lilly felt out of place. It took over an hour to greet the arrivals before the majordomo signaled to enter the ballroom where the earl and his wife would commence the dancing.
The setting was majestic, the music divine, and champagne and wine flowed freely. Lilly stood next to her aunt and observed as Glenda’s betrothed took her in his arms and waltzed with her alongside his parents.
Lilly had been limited in the amount of influence she’d had over her stepdaughter, but a lump of pride formed in her throat nonetheless. What would her sister have felt at this moment had she lived? Glenda held herself, beautiful and poised, following Mr. Spencer’s lead gracefully.
“They make a charming couple.” A familiar voice interrupted her musings. Michael had managed to slip behind her unnoticed. She wished she could lean back—into his arms.
“I am so happy for her.” Lilly tamped down the emotionswhich had been threatening since the first moment she’d seen Glenda in the new gown they had purchased for the event.
Michael bent forward again. So close she felt his breath on her nape and behind her ear. “A place on your dance card, Lilly? A waltz, please.”
Lilly turned then, to look into his eyes.
Did only she notice the fire behind the blue depths? She lifted her wrist, upon which she wore her dance card, and offered it to him. “I’d be honored, Your Grace.” Lilly spoke formally, remembering how they had been overheard once before.
Pulling a pencil from one of his pockets, Michael took hold of her arm. His fingers covered her pulse, which she knew must be racing. He adjusted the card so he could read the names already upon it.
Lilly knew Danbury had already signed for both of the waltzes. Michael scratched out Danbury’s name and wrote his own. Lilly expressed no complaint. She then glanced around at the spectacle surrounding them.
“The Spencers are an extraordinary family.” She could find no fault in his choice of fiancée. “They ought to be the sort who consider themselves above everybody else, but they do not. In fact, they are pleasantly open and likeable people. I am very happy for Glenda. Have I said this already? Not for the magnificence of the family she is marrying into, but rather that they seem to love her already. I understand they have several family traditions. They are already making arrangements for the winter holidays. She will have warmth, and she will be able to raise her own children the same…I am rambling.” By now, her eyes glistened with tears. “It is exactly what I would have wished for her.”
“She is lucky to have you,” Michael said.
Lilly smiled at him. It was a nice compliment. She wished she’d been able to be more of a mother for her. She wishedshe’d found a way to overcome Lord Beauchamp’s insults and objections. If wishes were horses…and all that.
