The Havisham townhouse managed to dispel the dark thoughts that were encroaching on her. The light and noise completely shifted her train of thought. Instead of worrying about Joshua’s strange behavior, she now had to endure the curious gazes of people who’d seen her arrive.
People were watching her closely. What happened to the drab lady who wore shapeless grey dresses? Tonight, she wore a color that shimmered under the lights. The midnight blue also made her skin look like alabaster and her dark hair almost inky black. She had to admit the contrast was lovely.
Even older matrons took notice. They paused mid-gossip, their fans slowing down as their eyes scanned her from head to toe. Young men stood straighter as she passed.
Did the dress have magic? It must be what young ladies with splendid budgets for the modiste felt all the time. Now, she had it, and I made her feel lighter, almost powerful.
Lucy could not help but smile. The only thing that dragged her down a little was the weight of Joshua’s gaze following her as she moved.
What Lucy did not notice right away was that Daniel stood not too far away, looking at her. His hands were clasped behind his back, as if he were restraining himself.
From where he stood, the crowd was a blur. All he could see were sparkling jewels and shiny silks blending with smooth coats and a handful of hats. His eyes were focused on a target, though, and when he finally found her, his breath stuttered.
Lucy was wearing the dress he had bought her. She was a vision in midnight blue. The dress hugged her in all the right places, and the color highlighted her porcelain skin.
“Careful, friend,” Theo warned teasingly. “If you stare at her any harder, you may burn a hole through that lovely silk. It would be a shame to destroy such an expensive gift. Don’t you think?”
“I am merely giving each guest the attention they deserve,” Daniel replied, but his eyes remained on the object of his obsession.
“Oh, right. And I am here for the Medieval shields and the Roman pottery,” Theo snorted. “She looks transformed, as ifshe’s tasted some freedom. Some hope. You might have just given her something dangerous: wings.”
Guilt wracked Daniel again. Had he given her false hope? He did not regret buying her the dress. It suited her well.
Joshua had been hiding his sister for no good reason. He should have realized that Lucy would have long married if not for his interventions.
Possessive pride rushed through Daniel. There was also a little relief. Perhaps if the Earl were not such a strict brother, he would not have had a chance with Lucy.
He didn’t even know if he wanted a chance.
He shook his head angrily. He was so confused.
The Brighton sisters descended upon Lucy. They seemed very ecstatic at her decision to wear the dress.
“I did not know you bought it,” Victoria gushed, her hand on her chest. “You look beautiful. You always do, but this dress does not hide your charms at all.”
“The color is absolutely exquisite on you,” Marianne agreed, fanning herself rapidly. “It may be unlike you, but it is the right decision.”
“It’s not just the color. The silk simply suits your figure, Lucy,” Daphne said with a small smile.
“Dare I voice my thoughts?” Elizabeth asked jokingly. “You are not just an artist, but a vision of art.”
Lucy blushed at the words of praise. “I certainly was not planning to purchase this dress, but apparently we belong together.”
It was the only thing she could say without having to lie to her friends.
After exchanging a few stories, they drifted away from each other. Each had to converse with particular acquaintances or rejoin their spouses. Lucy used the time to investigate some of the antiques. Her fingers hovered over the engravings on some antique plates when a shadow fell over her.
She turned around to see what it was and had to stifle a groan. She could not help but frown, though. She had conducted herself impeccably. She had stayed within the space he deemed acceptable.
What was he going to tell her now?
“That plate is from the Roman elite, Lucy,” Joshua said, in the haughty tone she was familiar with.
Relief flooded through her. At least, he was not acting strangely like earlier. He was just himself.
“It might have been used by a senator’s wife.”
“Actually, Marsleigh, it is a ceremonial piece, used for offering fruits on the temple of Juno,” a deep voice interjected.
