“Goodbye, Jenna. I am counting the hours until midnight.”
###
Jenna fidgeted in the carriage seat beside Stuart as they rolled toward Lady Lockhart’s residence. She was paying the price for her extended toilette as she tried to remain still so her appearance wouldn’t be mussed. She’d spent hours making sure every hair was in place, that she had chosen the perfect dress.
The result, she had to admit, was rather satisfying. Even Stuart seemed stunned into silence. She’d decided on a green silk gown with a pearl-beaded bodice. The square neckline accentuated the swells of her breasts, and the light green sash that was secured just below the bustline marked the contrast between the lighter green skirts and the emerald bodice.
She wore the locket, though she would have preferred to wear her emerald necklace Mamma had gifted her with on her last birthday. She settled for wearing the matching emerald drop earrings instead.
Tonight she felt beautiful. She only wished Gray could see her. She’d sent him a message saying she couldn’t meet him tonight since she didn’t imagine Stuart leaving the ball before well into the morning. Without their rendezvous to look forward to, the night seemed interminable. But then Graywasa close acquaintance of Lady Lockhart, so maybe he would be present. It was the only ray of hope for the entire evening.
Stuart leaned forward in excitement as they pulled into the line of carriages outside Lady Lockhart’s townhome. To her chagrin, he still appeared to be infatuated with Henry VIII period clothing. The only change from the last time she’d seen him was the color of his costume. Instead of red, he wore royal blue, which she did have to admit matched emerald better than red.
She chanced a glance at his hose-covered legs, surprised to note the muscles that were barely disguised by the stockings. Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to the moving carriage line. Stuart could be quite handsome if he weren’t so devoted to looking like an idiot.
When the door opened, she and Stuart descended and entered Lady Lockhart’s home. They waited to greet their hostess in the receiving line, and Jenna scanned the crowd looking for Gray. Disappointment settled over her when she saw no sign of him.
“Jenna,” Stuart hissed beside her. He nudged her forward, and she offered Lady Lockhart a curtsey.
“I am so glad you came, Lady Jenna,” Lady Lockhart said with a smile. “And of course, you too, Mr. Eglin.”
“We’re so honored to be invited,” Stuart gushed.
They continued past Lady Lockhart as she greeted the person behind them. Beyond, the ballroom was ablaze with light and packed tight with people. Couples whirled by in flashes of color and smiles. The atmosphere was festive, yet her mood was subdued.
She stood with Stuart and smiled as they conversed with some of his acquaintances. She had a steady stream of dance partners, and she performed just as an earl’s daughter was expected. But underneath the polished, practiced exterior, she was picturing entwined, undulating bodies. Hers and Gray’s.
After she was escorted back to Stuart by her dance partner, she excused herself to the ladies’ retiring room. To her surprise, Lady Lockhart entered behind her. “My lady, the ball is lovely,” Jenna said, feeling compelled to say something.
“Thank you, my dear. It was good of you to come. And quite frankly, I looked forward to speaking with you.”
Jenna looked inquisitively at the older woman. Though not on the fringes of youth, she was still exceptionally lovely. Jenna was willing to wager she had been a diamond of the first water in her day. Not a single trace of silver dotted her blond hair, and her face was smooth and unmarred by wrinkles.
She led Jenna over to a rose-colored settee and gestured for her to sit. “I won’t keep you long, but I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am to you.”
“I don’t understand,” Jenna said, her confusion growing by the second.
“I am referring to Grayson, my dear. You’ve made him smile again.”
All the blood drained from Jenna’s cheeks. Her face froze in a mask of horror. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve shocked you.” Her voice was filled with regret, but did she honestly think Jenna wouldn’t be shocked?
Anger and humiliation tightened her stomach as she regarded Lady Lockhart. “Yes, I’d say you have.”
“Please accept my apologies,” she said in earnest. “I only wanted to tell you what a wonderful influence you’ve been on Grayson. He’s been so unhappy for so long. Roslyn’s death hit him hard. Hit us all hard.” She dabbed at her eyes with a kerchief and looked back up at Jenna, tears bright in her eyes.
The truth hit Jenna like a ton of bricks. “Roslyn was your daughter.” It all made sense now. Papa had attended the funeral of Viscount Lockhart and his daughter five years earlier, though Jenna had never known her name.
“Yes,” Lady Lockhart said in a shaky voice. “After she died, Grayson and I remained in contact. We were the only two left who loved her, so it made sense.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, my lady.”
“Thank you, my dear.” She patted Jenna on the hand. “I am truly sorry to have shocked you. I guess I just wanted to lend you support. Grayson is a wonderful man, and no matter what happens, I will be eternally grateful to you for putting a smile back on his face.”
Jenna offered a tight smile and nodded. Her back was rigid and she rose stiffly. “I best return to the ballroom before Stuart worries.”
“Yes, of course.” Lady Lockhart rose and Jenna walked hurriedly out of the room.
