“Lady Dawley invited us to her ball!” Annabel raised her brows in surprise.
“Indeed. As you can see, betrothal to a viscount has its advantages. This invitation to one of the last balls of the Season is a prelude to what’s in store for you next Season.”
“Do you mean to say that people already know about this engagement? Even though I have not yet accepted this man?”
“People in this town know everything. They talk, andyou willaccept the man I have chosen for you.”
“I will only agree to meet with him and consider the proposal. You cannot force me to marry. Once I turn one-and-twenty, I won’t need your consent.” She held her breath and steeled herself for his wrath.
“Have those silly novels finally muddled your brain, daughter?”
Annabel lowered her gaze. “Of course not. I merely want to assert my right to refuse should I find the gentleman in question…distasteful.”
“Distasteful?” Mr. Leonard’s forehead creased.
“Not to my taste, then,” Annabel clarified.
“Not to your taste? What nonsense you speak. He is a viscount. You will be a viscountess. What more can a woman want?
She opened her mouth to respond, but her father cut her off. “Do you wish to make me look the fool in a society that judges us already?”
“Of course not, Papa.”
“Good. Then I shall expect no trouble from you tomorrow evening. And know this—” he lifted a finger in the air as if to mark an important point—” There won’t be a long, drawn-out engagement. Plans for the wedding will commence the day after official introductions have been made.”
“May I go now?” Annabel’s head ached. All she wanted to do was retire to bed.
“There’s one thing more.” Mr. Leonard reached into his jacket pocket, a sly smile on his face, and withdrew a small gold box. “I bought you something special to wear for the occasion. You will want to make a good impression when you meet your future husband.”
She stared at the box, unable to move.
“Take it.” Mr. Leonard coaxed. “It’s yours.”
She stepped forward and accepted the box but could not find the courage to lift the lid.
“Open it, girl.” Mrs. Leonard’s voice teemed with irritation.
Annabel lifted the lid. An emerald nestled in an oval pendant and attached to a delicate gold chain lay on a plush green cushion.
“How beautiful.” Mrs. Leonard peered at the stone.
“It complements your eyes,” Mr. Leonard said. “Here, let me show you.” He picked up the delicate piece and secured it around Annabel’s neck.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, and before Mr. Leonard could respond, Flora burst into the room.
“Where’s the surprise?” she squealed.
“It’s here.” Mrs. Leonard pointed to Annabel. “Your sister is going to be a viscountess.”
Flora gasped. “Annabel’s going to marry a prince?”
Mr. Leonard chuckled.
“She’s not marrying a prince,” Mrs. Leonard corrected, “but you might one day.”
Annabel noted the wistful look that passed over her stepmother’s face.
“Look at the magnificent pendant I gave Annabel to congratulate her on her fine match.” Mr. Leonard puffed out his chest as he often liked to do.
