Everyone for nearly fifty miles had been invited, some traveling from as far as Cumbria to attend. Nearly every member of the McTavish clan had come, which accounted for nearly half the attendees. The Earl of Clyde and his wife had also arrived, with their four daughters, as well as a dozen of professional men from Glasgow. Even old Miss Fletcher had been escorted by Dr. Barkley. Surprisingly enough, she looked nothing like a witch, and was dressed in a very simple, very stylish gray gown, with her salt-and-pepper hair was pulled back in a tight, demure bun.
At least seventy people were mingling and carrying on as Aunt Belle entered the room, and a robust cheer echoed throughout the home upon her entrance. A single, twinkling tear rolled down the old woman’s cheek as she realized what was happening, understanding that they were all there for her. They had come from far and wide and on short notice, all in honor of Belle’s seventy-sixth birthday.
“What’s all this now?” she asked as she came into the ballroom.
She was dressed in an amethyst-colored gown adorned with diamonds and her beloved emeralds. Faith had insisted that she wear her emerald tiara, a gift she had received from the king himself over forty years ago. At that moment, she appeared ageless in the company of so many who loved her. She was flanked by Hope and Graham, both of whom were watching her, smiling.
“Happy birthday, Aunt Belle,” Hope said, kissing her cheek.
“Oh, my dear, did you plan this?” she asked.
“We all did. Graham, Faith, Grace, and I.”
Belle turned to see Faith, who had hurried away after helping her aunt pick out her jewels for the evening. Faith wore a simple, pale-lemon-colored tiered gown with white piping that came off the shoulders, as was the latest fashion. Grace was beside her, wearing a blue dress with intricate lace trim.
“Is that why you kept me locked away in my offices all afternoon?” she asked, bewildered.
“I’m afraid so,” Faith said, coming forward. “I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Of course, my darling girl.”
“And your letters weren’t lost,” Grace added. “They were sent out with the morning post.”
Belle’s mouth dropped slightly.
“What a rascally set of girls you all are,” she said with warmth before adding, as she turned to the crowd, “Let it be known that my grandnieces get their wits and their wiles from my side of the family. A warning to all of you.” Everyone laughed. “Well, don’t let me stop you. Let the dancing begin!”
The musicians took up their instruments with a raucous cheer, and a galop dance began. Graham escorted Hope to the center of the room as dozens of couples followed suit. Belle madeher way slowly through the crowd, greeting all her guests with the utmost sincerity.
Their surprise had been a success, and while Faith was glad for it, the impending meeting with Logan would not leave her mind. Surely she should busy herself with something—anything, really—but she found that she could not. Instead, Grace came to stand next to her.
“I think this party is a rousing success, don’t you?” Grace asked, peering around the room. “Nearly everyone we invited came.”
“Which is a surprise in and of itself considering how late the invitations went out.”
Grace made a face.
“Do not be sour, Faith. The idea came to Hope and myself rather late, and while it may not have been a fully formulated plot when we explained it to you, the results speak for themselves,” she said, gesturing her hand about the room. “Don’t you agree?”
Although London etiquette required much more preparation for a party of this size, Faith had to admit that it had come off rather nicely. Rolling her eyes, she smiled as Grace gently elbowed her.
“Yes,” she admitted, joining Grace in her survey of the room. “It did turn out very well. Oh, and look.” Faith said as her eyes landed on the tall man with short-clipped hair standing near the glass doors that led out onto a small balcony. “Is that not Dr. Hall standing with Laird McTavish?”
Grace’s head whipped around, and after a moment, she spoke.
“It is! You know, I’ve been told by Dr. Barkley that Dr. Hall is quite the reformer when it comes to medicine. Dr. Barkley believes that if I can persuade Dr. Hall to write me a letterof recommendation, I might be able to gain entrance into the University of Glasgow.”
“Really?” Faith asked, stunned. “Dr. Barkley said that?”
Grace bobbed her head up and down quickly.
“Oh yes. In fact, I think I should attempt my pursuit right now.”
“Oh, but Grace,” Faith said, reaching for her sister’s hand to stop her.
Grace gave her a funny frown.
“Yes?”
