Nell arrived with a cheery smile. “Feeling better, ma’am?”
“Much better, thank you.” She yawned, then said sheepishly, “I’m feeling rather peckish. Would you have Cook prepare a tray?”
“Oh, no, ma’am. You have to get dressed and come down. There’s a surprise waiting for you.”
Gabby had forgotten all about Adam’s surprise. “What does Mr. Garrity have planned?”
“We’ll get you ready, and you’ll find out,” Nell said, a merry twinkle in her eyes.
Bemused, Gabby allowed the other to dress her in a sapphire evening gown. It was one of her favorites, with a modest square neckline and plenty of ruffles and trimmings on the bodice to hide any unsightly bulges. The skirts were full and flounced, all the better to obscure her lower half.
Nell hummed as she worked on Gabby’s hair. She expertly tamed the red tresses into a bun at the back and braided the sides, looping the plaits over Gabby’s ears.
Sensing the other’s good spirits, Gabby asked, “Have you had news from your beau?”
“Indeed, ma’am.” Dimples appeared in Nell’s apple-round cheeks. “The value of my Tom’s shares in Grand London National Railway continues to rise. He says that after the unveiling of the new steam-powered locomotive next month—which Mr. De Villier claims will be the world’s fastest—the prices will soar sky-high. We’ll have enough money to get married and buy ourselves a home, we will.”
“I’m ever so happy for you,” Gabby said sincerely. “Although I will miss you dreadfully.”
“And I you. You’re the kindest mistress I’ve ever served, and if it weren’t for my Tom, I’d be reluctant to go.” Nell put the finishing touches on Gabby’s coiffure, winking at her in the looking glass. “But never mind me, ma’am. You have your own gentleman waiting for you.”
Entering the dining room, Gabby stopped short.
The austerely elegant room had been transformed…into a romantic paradise.
Dozens of beeswax candles cast a warm and cozy glow over the cavernous space. Huge bouquets of hothouse blooms were everywhere, the scent of roses and greenery perfuming the air. The best table linens and silver had been laid out on the long dining room table, two place settings clustered intimately at one end.
In the midst of it all was Adam. Dressed in formal black and white, he was the epitome of elegant virility. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he drew near.
“What is all this for?” she asked in amazement.
“We’re celebrating.” Candlelight flickered in his eyes.
“Your recovery, you mean?”
“That too. But mostly we’re celebrating you.”
“Me?” Her hand fluttered to her breast.
“You, my dear.” He took her trembling hand and kissed it. “You’ve seen me through a difficult time. I want you to have a respite from the burdens you’ve been carrying.”
As if on cue, the soothing strains of a quartet floated in from the adjoining room.
“You hired musicians?” she asked stupidly.
“I’ve been told I’m rich.” He flashed one of his new, easy grins which made her pulse race.
Feeling as if she’d wandered into one of Fiona’s faerie tale plays, she allowed Adam to seat her at the table. Burke arrived with champagne; popping the cork, he filled their flutes with golden bubbly liquid.
Adam lifted his glass. “Here’s to you, pet.”
Shyly, she touched her glass to his and took a sip. Although she didn’t indulge often, champagne was one of her favorites. This vintage was delicious, crisp and icy cold, the bubbles tickling her nose.
“I’m fond of champagne,” she admitted.
“I know.”
She blinked. “You remember?”
