“The officers expect to encounter Napoleon by the end of June, beginning of July at the latest, and this peace we have enjoyed will come to an end.”
“And this prompted you to decide to attend a ball?” she asked slowly. He understood her suspicion because this was completely out of character. But Storm was right that Isabella should enjoy some entertainment. He also knew that if he stated that as the reason that she would refuse.
“I should mingle with superior officers, if you must know.” He tossed the invitations back on a small table. “It is better for my career if I do not ignore their invitations.”
“Then go!” Isabella insisted. “You do not need me.”
“How could I go to a ball and leave you back here?” Orlando took her hands. “You need to get away from here too. Enjoy a night of dancing and champagne. We both deserve a night of pleasure.”
“What am I to wear?” she countered.
Bloody hell! He had no idea. Her dresses were serviceable and some were blood stained and certainly could not be worn to a ball given by a duchess.
“You had not thought about that now, had you?”
“I have funds,” he said. “Go into Brussels and buy a dress.”
Isabella laughed and started for the entry of their tent. “That shows how little you know, dear brother. A modiste cannot simply make a ball gown in two days’ time.”
Blast! The plan was over before it could begin.
“I will see what I can find,” she finally said, then left the tent.
He hoped that she was successful because he wanted her to attend that ball and he wanted to take Blythe with them.
Chapter Eleven
“Are you certain that you do not want to attend a ball?” Orlando asked as soon as he arrived at her chamber.
“Why?”
“The Duchess of Richmond is holding one in two days time and I have promised a Captain that I would see that my sister is present. Isabella will not go without me.”
“The Duchess of Richmond?” Blythe needed to make certain she heard the name correctly.
“Yes. Do you know her?”
“I know of her. She and my father are acquainted, I believe.”
“Then she might not even know you,” he offered.
Oh, Blythe would like to attend a ball on Orlando’s arm. They would dance, drink wine, and stroll in the moonlight gardens.
And it would be a mistake.
“I cannot. I do not want to see people from my past and be forced to explain the absence of my husband. I just want to remain here, free and alone.”
“Should I leave?” he asked with humor.
“You will always be welcome wherever I am, Orlando. I hope that you know that.”
“Because I am not fine when you are not here, and neither are you,” he reminded her as he walked forward and took her hands in his. Warmth spread from her fingertips, up her arms and to her heart.
“A day does not go by that I do not wish that I had met you before you met your husband.”
She could admit the same but it could lead to confessions neither should make. “It is wrong of you to say such.”
“It is the truth,” he insisted. “You live here, Blythe.” He placed a hand on his heart.
