“Speaking of which.” She knocked a hand on the roof, and it jerked into action. They ambled down the road to where she had agreed to meet Leonard to switch conveyances.
Honora watched Samuel, her eyes trailing over him and taking note. His hands were clasped tightly over his stomach, and he stared out the window with a clenched jaw.
“Nervous?” she asked.
His head jerked toward her, but he didn’t answer right away. “I am.”
She opened her mouth to reply, but he cut in.
“But mostly excited.” And then his smile returned, and she was momentarily stunned by just how handsome he was. Yes, there was a sallowness beneath his eyes that bespoke of ill health, but his eyes themselves were quite catching, as was his bright smile. And while she could see a faint similarity to Leonard, his coloring was overall lighter.
“You will have to pace yourself tonight,” she said. “Looking as handsome as you are, you are sure to draw a lot of attention. We don’t need you overexerting yourself.”
He dipped his head with a bashful grin. “I doubt that will be a problem.”
The carriage rolled to a stop, and shortly after, the door opened, letting in a cold breeze. Leonard stood in the opening, his face lit with a mischievous smile. He wore his black evening attire, and she had to unstick her tongue from the roof of her mouth.
Her heart didn’t stand a chance with that man. Being the one to bring out those rare smiles was an experience she now seemed to chase.
Then his smile fell, and his eyes widened. “Let’s go!”
“Oh, right.” She cleared her throat, then stepped out. They made their way to the Stantons’ carriage, and Honora spun back and grabbed a satchel from the trunk of her own conveyance.
“Can’t forget this,” she said, lifting it in the air. Leonard took it from her, then helped them all in.
The ride was quiet. Leonard’s leg tapped away, and she nearly put her hand on it to keep it from bouncing so much. But that seemed a bit too far, even for her.
“It will be all right,” Honora said. “The worst of it is over.”
“No, the worst of it will be getting Samuel home without my parents catching wind. And,” he continued, crossing his arms, “you aren’t even invited. I don’t even dare to imagine how you plan to get in there.”
“Don’t worry about me,” she said. “I will manage just fine.”
“But I do worry about you.” His dark brown eyes flicked over to her.
She huffed. “What’s the worst they can do? Throw me out?”
“Perhaps.”
When they neared the estate, the carriage slowed to a stop. Honora went to open the door, and Leonard clasped his hand over hers. “Be smart, Honora.”
“When have you ever known me not to be?” With that, she pushed the door open and stepped out into the dark. She reached back into the carriage and took the bag Leonard held out to her.
Once she shut the door, the coachman snapped the reins—and they were off.
Honora made for the back of the home, which stood with stately windows, each with its own candle lighting them for itsguests. She acted for all intents and purposes as if she had every right to be there. That’s what most people didn’t realize. Half the battle was simply giving off the air that you were exactly where you were supposed to be.
After a moment, she was safely in the home, having entered through the servants’ quarters. She wove through a hall until she came upon an unoccupied room, then slipped inside and into the gown she had stowed in her bag. It was specifically designed for such a cause, having a ribbon that she only had to pull to cinch the back herself. After tucking her bonnet and modest dress inside her bag, she tucked her belongings under a sofa.
Now dressed as a lady attending a ball, she made her way toward the main quarters of the home. The room was outfitted in grandeur—chandeliers lit with hundreds of candles, casting everyone in a flattering glow. Leonard had said he would be situated by the doors to the terrace. Her eyes trailed over the room until her gaze caught on the large glass windows on the opposite side. And there, just in front of them, stood Leonard and Samuel.
She pulled her shoulders back and strode over. When she drew close enough, Leonard’s eyes skimmed past her, only to jerk back and rivet upon her. As she came closer, his eyes trailed over her.
“Good evening,” Leonard said, his voice low. “You’ve made quite the appearance.”
“Oh?” She looked over to Samuel, who was gazing over her shoulder. “Is something amiss?” Twisting her head to look at the back of her gown, she tried to see if anything was out of place after her hurried change.
“No,” Samuel said, smiling. “You’ve only caught a bit of attention.”
