Late the following morning Frances arrived at The Pavilion with her mother to begin decorating for the ball. The numerous garlands, wreaths, and balls of evergreens tied with bright red bows were cheerful and festive. The ballroom would certainly smell delightful and hopefully look so as well.
The two remaining days before the ball should be more than enough time to accomplish everything they needed to do.
But as she looked around the large space that appeared rather dreary in daylight, doubt crept in at the daunting task of transforming it into the ballroom she had envisioned.
She pressed a hand to her stomach at the flutter of nerves there. Knowing Thomas would attend the ball was both exciting and nerve-racking. She wanted everything to be perfect. It felt as if the ball was a reflection of her own worth. That if she made it perfect, he would see she could be perfect for him as well. That she was more than a shy wallflower and would make him a wonderful wife.
How she longed for that to be true.
Keeping her goal in mind, she directed the footmen, who carried in the boxes and crates of garland and other decorations, where to set their burdens. They’d only started sorting through the contents when the other members of the literary league arrived to help as well.
Harriet was the first to greet her and came forward with both hands outstretched to clasp hers. “Isn’t this exciting?” she asked as she glanced around the ballroom. “After all our planning, the ball is quickly approaching.”
“I only hope we will be ready,” Frances said as she followed her friend’s gaze.
“We will.” Harriet glanced over her shoulder as Viscount Garland entered the room. “We will have more than enough help,” she said with a smile.
Though Frances wanted to ask if the viscount had proposed, she held her tongue. Harriet would share the news as soon as she was able. For now, it was enough to see the two of them so happy together.
She greeted the others, including Rebecca, Eliza, Winifred, Millicent, and Tibby. Captain Shaw accompanied them as well. Then, to her delight, Thomas entered the room. Her stomach danced at the sight of his tall, broad-shouldered form, so handsome and capable.
After a brief glance around, he strode directly toward her, and her knees weakened in response. He looked so pleased to see her that she could hardly catch her breath.
“Good morning.” He included everyone in his greeting, but Frances felt his gaze hold on her.
Everyone chatted for a few minutes before the ladies started to offer suggestions on what to place where.
Despite that, Thomas remained by Frances’ side. Once the others had walked away, he turned to her.
“Now then, I am at your disposal. Where shall I begin?” His gaze lingered on her face and caused a flurry of sparks to bounce through her middle.
Where?
Her mouth opened and closed as the most inappropriate thoughts filled her mind. Of her pointing to her cheek and Thomas kissing her there. Then the place below her ear. Then along her neck.
“Frances?” He looked closer at her, concern in his eyes. “Are you well?”
“Y-yes.” She jerked away her gaze and drew a breath. What on earth was wrong with her? “I’m fine.”
Now was not the time to think of how much she cared for Thomas or what the future might bring. They had a ballroom to decorate.
“First, we need to hang the longest garlands above the windows.” Thomas followed her gesture toward the nearest one that allowed in what little sunlight managed to fight through the grey day.
“Consider it done.” Thomas looked at her again, those blue eyes seeming to see into her very soul and guess at her earlier thoughts. Or could it be that he had similar desires?
She frowned. That couldn’t be, she reminded herself. Especially not now when they were supposed to be decorating.
But then he reached to brush a strand of hair from her cheek and tuck it behind her ear, his movement slow and deliberate.
Her mouth went dry as desire pooled deep within her.
“Thank you.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound as tremulous as she thought it did.
“You’re very welcome.” He nodded and strode toward Garland, pointing toward the boxes of greenery and the windows as he spoke with him.
Frances tore her gaze away and greeted Phoebe, who had just arrived. But all she could see was Thomas.
Time passed swiftly as the league and their handsome assistants worked their magic. The ballroom was transformed into a space more than Frances had hoped—truly a winter wonderland.
