Isobel blinked up at him, her heart in her eyes. “Alright, Your Grace,” she said. “I should be delighted to attend.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Dear Georgiana,
Can I beg a favor, Mummy? I’ve a gown in my bedroom that I need sent up to Syon Hall. The groom bearing this letter will wait for you to fetch it and return with it. It’s the emerald-green silk with moss-colored trim; you’ll find it in the back of my second wardrobe. I’ve only the one gown appropriate for evening, so it won’t be difficult to find.
The duke’s family is hosting a ball, if you can believe it.
Tonight.
Here at Syon Hall.
In their inveterate generosity, his family has included Samantha and me—and you.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Forgive me for not leading with it, but I did not want my request for the dress to be lost in the excitement. (I must have the dress—so do not forget!) But also you should determine some attire for yourself. I would worry this catches us unprepared except for the three trunks that traveled with us from Cornwall. Show no restraint, Georgiana Tinker. It’s a ducal ball.
Northumberland will send a coach for you at six o’clock. Samantha will remain here with me until the ball and borrow a dress from one of his sisters.
There is more to say, but you’ll forgive my brevity here. I’m hoping to send off the groom straightaway. Thank you for gathering up my evening gown. I look forward to seeing you tonight at Syon Hall. You will not believe it, Mama, you simply will not believe it.
Much love,
Bell
My Darling Bell,
Here is the dress; I hope it is correct...
Please thank the duke for the invitation. A more gracious mother would decline and leave the fun for the younger set, but I am not that mother. I will be ready at six o’clock. Do not fear, I will make us proud.
In case we are not afforded a moment alone at the ball, I would wish you a most unforgettable night, my darling Bell! And remember, caution isnota virtue, it is a fail-safe. It can keep you safe but it can fail you in other ways.
Do not miss the sweetest moments in life because one time, long ago, you took too much sugar.
Your adoring mother,
G.
PS: Perhaps try your hair in some style other than the bun?
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jason valued society balls about as much as he valued farm inventory, but the event had seemed important to his mother and sisters, and so he’d agreed. Now it seemed predestined. Isobel had come to him, and the ball was an opportunity to make a demonstrative gesture in a very public way.
If his proposal had been too atypical—the two of them alone, together, in a heated pool—he’d declare for her in a crowded ballroom. Far less arousing but hopefully the sort of undeniable gesture that Isobel could accept.
He snatched the small jewel box and the special license from his dresser and paced his bedchamber, flexing his shoulders and tugging his sleeves. He was never comfortable in snug evening clothes. He passed the mirror and did a double take, seeing his father’s reflection in his own face. A day ago, he would not have been able to look Gerald Beckett in the eye. But tonight, his father would... if notapproveof Jason, he would at least not fear for the survival of the family. Tonight his father, God rest him, would be able to see some way through.
He made a face at his reflection, a little unnerved by how much he looked like his papa. The beard was goneat least—and good riddance. What a relief to shake off his debilitating malaise and feel like himself again.
He could scarcely believe his two most pressing problems solved themselves in one day. The woman he loved had come to him, and his sister had revealed herself as savior of Syon Hall.
Knock, knock.
Jason looked to the door. “Oy,” he called, pulling on his gloves.
