When he pulled back, tears were stinging her eyes. “I always felt the same,” she returned in all sincerity.
“You must promise me the second dance at theengagementball,” he said heartily.
She nodded, remembering their dance in his room that still choked her up whenever she thought of it. “Of course,” she whispered.
“Actually,” Travell spoke up. “We may not have time for an engagement ball. I was rather hoping to have an intimate ceremony in the village tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow!” his father exclaimed. “Oh, that just won’t do. The gel will need a trousseau! She must go to London at once!”
Travellrolled his eyes. “We don’t need those thingsbeforethe ceremony takes place.”
The earl strode forward and pinned Travell was a firm look. “Now, you listen here, m’boy.” He pointed at her. “That gel deserves the respect of being your wife and a future viscountess. Shewillhave a proper ceremony!”
Alyssa hid her smile as Travell sighed in defeat. “As you have it, Father.”
***
A week later, the last of Alyssa’s gowns from Bond Street arrived at Abernathy House, compliments of Lord and Lady Trenton. The Duke and Duchess of Chiltern had been acting as her escorts during her stay, and now Trianaoohedandahhedas all the silks and fine muslin gowns were revealed. Bonnets, undergarments, and a variety of other items were just part of the generous gift that the earl had insisted upon.She had never wanted for anything when her aunt was alive, but as the pile began to grow on her bed in the mistress’ chamber, it was rather overwhelming.
“There’sjustso…much,” she breathed.
“I know!” Triana grinned. “Isn’titwonderful?” But as she picked through the last of the items, she wore a slight frown. “I don’t see your ball gown for thebetrothalparty tonight.”
She stared at the bed with her hands on her hips. “If you can’t find it, then no doubt it’s buried.” When Triana didn’t reply immediately, Alyssa turned to find her wearing a rather sheepish look. She knew that expression and it likely didn’t bode well. She covered her face with her hand. “Oh, no. What did you do?”
Triana laughed. “Nothing that bad, I promise. I justmayhave addedsomething morewithout your knowledge.”
Alyssa dropped her hand to wave toward the bed. “You didn’t think this was enough?”
“It’s something special,” Triana returned. “Something I rather…picked out for you, because I know you wouldn’t have chosen it yourself, but the moment I saw the fabric I knew it would be perfect with your coloring.”
Alyssa’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, but since her friend’s heart was in the right place, she couldn’t very well fault her for that. Whatever it turned out to be, she would wear it with pride because it was a gift from her future sister-in-law. “Thank you, Tri.When it arrives, I shall wear it with honor.”
The duchess’face was wreathed in smiles as she said, “Shall I ring for some tea?”
Alyssa nodded. “That would be wonderful.”
As Triana left, Alyssa sank down in a chair by the fireplace,as there wasn’teven enough room to sit on the bed. She sat back with a sigh, and allowed her thoughts to drift to Travell. She hadn’t seen him since the morning after her birthday when she’d been exiled to London to await his arrival at their betrothal ball.
But that didn’t mean she hadn’t allowed him to visit her room one last time. Hehadleft her with a light kiss sometime in the middle of the night,and she hadn’t laid eyes on him since.
That stolen moment wasall she had to carry her through the endless rounds of shopping, and the continual pinning, and tuckingthat she’d endured at the modiste as they had scrambled to complete everything by today. No doubt Lady Trenton was also feeling the strain, for she had taken charge of sending out the last minute invitations. At last count, the day before she had written to say that there would be nearly three hundred guests that had already accepted, the responses being prompt, as many of thetonhad returned to town following the summer months.
Alyssa had nearly choked on her dinner when she heard that, but Triana assured her that she had everything in hand, that she’d already hired extra staff, taken care of the menu, and ordered flowers and candles.
Needless to say, the past seven days had gone by in a flurry of activity, but at long last, she would be reunited withthe man she loved. She had missed him dreadfully, from the curve of his lips,to the stormy blue of his eyes, and the way he touched her so tenderly, as if she was the only thing that mattered on this entire earth.
A brief knock at the door interrupted her musings. The door opened to reveal a footman. “Your presence is requested in the parlor, my lady.”
Alyssa was confused, as she thought Triana intendedfor themto take tea in her sitting room, but she said nothing, just headed downstairs.
However, the moment she walked over the threshold, she found that the duchess wasn’t alone. Three other women stood up with shouts of “Surprise!”
“Oh!” Alyssa laughed as she hugged each of her friends in turn. Lady Isabella, now Mrs. Ridge Claymoore, Lady Rowena, now Lady Rutherford, and even KorinaHaverswyth, the American heiresswhomthey had drawn into their little spinster circle was there. With tears streaming unchecked down her face, she said, “What are you all doing here?”
“As if we would miss the chance to stir things upa bit?” Korina remarked dryly, amischievous curve tilting her lips and a sparkle of something rather wicked in her hazel eyes. “I daresay it has been rather stale without you girls keeping the papers busy. I suppose it shall have to fall on me to cause the next scandal.”
Ro giggled. “No doubt you will do an admirable job of it.”
