***
Genevieve put the finishing touches on Triana’s hair, having curled and piled it atop her head and interlaced the coiffure with a silver ribbon that matched her elegant gown. “Oh, my lady, you’ll be the belle of the ball, for sure! You look every bit the grand duchess.”
“That she does.”
At the sound of Gabriel’s deep voice from the doorway of the adjoining master’s chambers, Triana stood with a light blush. Genevieve, sensing the sudden chemistry in the room, gave a light curtsy and took her leave.
As Triana walked toward her husband, the dark green of the satin gown, lined with silver threading, swished around Triana’s legs. She’d had it specially made for just this occasion, and she desperately wanted Gabriel’s approval, and by the greedy look in his gaze as he took in every inch of her — from the tips of her kid slippers… to the bodice that showed a charming amount of cleavage… to the Chiltern jewels that sparkled around her neck and ears — she had the feeling he was far from disappointed.
“I changed my mind,” he said huskily. “You can’t go downstairs.” He took her gloved hand in his, and kissed the top, his gaze smoldering as he held hers. “You look much too delectable to share with anyone.”
In turn, Triana took in her husband’s attire with a hitch in her breathing and a pounding in her heart. He was formally dressed in a perfectly tailored pair of black trousers and jacket, with a silver waistcoat and starched, white cravat — complete with his own emerald stickpin and signet ring in place. She raised a delicate brow. “I think it’syou, dear husband, upon whomIshould keep an eye, for every lady will surely try to steal you away from me tonight.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Then perhaps we should just stay here for the evening.”
She tapped him with her fan, although her stomach swirled with the anticipation to come. “After all the work I’ve gone through? How dare you suggest such a thing?”
He offered her his arm. “I suppose you’re right.” He sighed. “But don’t expect me to dance until dawn, when I have more promising positions in mind.”
“Duly noted, Your Grace.” Triana’s lips curved merrily. “Although do try and remember that we are the host and hostess, as well as the guests of honor.”
With a grimace, he led her out into the hallway. “Alas, that is my misfortune.”
***
“I must say London has been deadly dull without you stirring up the papers, Your Grace,” Korina Haverswyth said with her usual dry wit, as she embraced Triana on the edge of the glittering ballroom, which had come to life with silver garland and boughs of greenery.
Candles had been placed throughout the room to enhance the glorious scene of glittering gowns and jewels, while the champagne flowed freely amidst clinking glasses, laughter, and the murmur of more than four hundred and fifty guests. All in all, it was the final crush of the Season that had been predicted, as well as the first ball Triana hadn’t minded attending since her disastrous debut.
“But then again,” Korina added with a glance at the crowd, “I do believe most of thetonis here at Chiltern Hall.”
Triana merely laughed. The statement was nothing less than she expected from the cynical, American blonde. She had wondered what had happened in the woman’s past for her to have such a negative outlook on life, but she undoubtedly had her own reasons. After all, it wasn’t so long ago she had had the same thoughts of the future.
“I’m so glad you could come,” Triana said sincerely.
Korina gave a wink. “You know me. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to stir up some new scandal. Although it’s regrettable you won’t be joining us on our sojourn to America.”
As she moved on and disappeared into the crowd, Gabriel bent down to murmur in her ear, “What was that all about?”
Triana smiled. “Merely a friendly pact between ladies,” she returned.
He winced. “In that case, spare me the details.”
Shortly thereafter, Alyssa arrived with her aunt. With a squeal of delight, the brunette gave Triana a tight hug. “I knew it would all work out somehow.” She whispered in Triana’s ear. “Because you deserve nothing but the best.”
Triana gave a watery grin. “I know fate has something in the cards for you too.”
“Perhaps,” she teased, but Triana didn’t miss the sudden, wistful look in her eyes. However, she didn’t have time to remark on it before Rowena stepped forward.
“So you’re the first,” the tall blond murmured. “And here I thought it might have been Isabella.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen her yet this evening.” With a considering frown, Triana glanced at her husband, who took a break in talking with Baron Nightingdon to shrug. “I don’t believe so, although I made sure she received an invitation.”
Triana gave a thoughtful pause. “Now that I think on it, I haven’t seen Izzy since the Westerville ball over a fortnight ago. But then, I’ve been rather… preoccupied.”
“Hmm. I haven’t talked to her either,” Alyssa said, her tone one of concern.
“I’m returning to London tomorrow,” Rowena said. “So I will make sure to pay a call.”
