“See her?” David blinked rapidly, surprise flooding his chest. “Whatever do you mean?”
“She is here in London.” Lord Broadford looked surprised at his lack of awareness. “You did not think that she would stay back at her father’s estate, did you? She must make a match, as does her sister. The reason I ask such a thing is that she will be at Lord Gosemere’s ball this evening, I am quite sure of it. Her father is closely acquainted with the gentleman.”
David’s throat closed. He had not expected her to be in London at all, let alone at a ball he had agreed to attend. “I will not attend.”
Lord Broadford snorted and rolled his eyes. “You cannot do such a thing, my friend. I can understand why you might desire to stay away from the lady, but you will not be able to avoid her company this Season. She will be seen by you – and you by her – at some juncture.” He leaned forward in his chair, pinning David with his gaze. “You say that you were without courage before. Do not show the same lack of courage again, my friend, I beg of you.”
David said nothing. He reached for another cake and steered the conversation elsewhere, but Broadford’s question about the codicil lingered in his mind long after his friend had taken his leave.
5
“Iam convinced you will both be happily married by the time this Season comes to an end.”
Nora tried to smile as Louisa beamed back at her from across the carriage, clearly delighted with her mother’s words. “I do hope you are correct in that conviction, Mama.”
“Oh, I am certain of it. Lord Winchester was very taken with you last Season, Louisa. If he is still unwed – and I believe that he is – then he might well come in search of you again.”
“I do like Lord Winchester,” Louisa remarked, as the carriage continued on its way through London. “He is a gentleman with the kindest eyes.” She let out a small sigh of contentment and folded her hands together, pressing her fingers into her palms. “And with an excellent fortune too, I must say.”
At this, both she and their mother laughed together, but Nora could barely manage a smile. She turned her head toward the carriage window, pressing her gloved fingers against the glass. Would he be in London?
“You do not look excited for the ball this evening.” Louisa reached out and touched Nora’s hand. “Are you quite all right, Nora? You are not anxious, are you?”
“No, not in the least.” Smoothing her skirts, Nora forced a smile she did not feel. “Lord Gosemere’s ball will be a little quieter than usual, will it not?”
“I would expect so. All the same, there will be many gentlemen for you to dance with, so you need not have any concern in that regard. I do wish your father had attended with us, but he was much too distracted by some business.” Lady Somerset gave a small sigh as the carriage began to slow, having reached the townhouse. “Come now, let us hurry inside. We do not want to be tardy.”
The carriage door was barely open before their mother was ready to climb out, grasping the hand of the footman as she stepped down. Louisa was next, followed by Nora, who, with a heart that held no anticipation or excitement, stepped out into the evening air and looked up at the house. There were already a few guests at the door, no doubt waiting to be greeted by their hosts. Hearing her mother chatter away to Louisa, Nora followed after them both and let her heart slowly sink to her feet.
How different this is from last Season.
Now he was gone from her and would remain so for the rest of her days. No doubt he was already married.
And somehow, I am meant to find a husband, she thought to herself miserably. I am to set all that I feel aside and find another gentleman who would make me a very pretty match indeed, even when my heart can never belong to him.
Nora took her sister’s arm and stepped inside.
“You are excited for this evening, I hope?”
Nora, having greeted their hosts, stepped into the ballroom alongside Louisa, who quickly took her arm. “I am, yes.” The words felt stale on her lips, flat and unconvincing, but such was Louisa’s excitement that she did not seem to notice. “I do hope you will soon have your dance card filled, Louisa.”
Louisa giggled, striking against Nora’s weighted heart. “We shall both enjoy many wonderful dances, I am sure. I must admit to hoping that Lord Hawkley will come to ask me to dance, however. He is so very handsome, do you not think?”
Nora allowed her sister to speak as she wished, making only a few murmuring remarks in response. She did not have any real desire to dance with anyone, although she certainly would not be able to refuse, should she be asked. Her mind was too full of thoughts about the dances she had shared last Season with Lord Hampshire.
“Lady Louisa, Lady Nora, good evening!”
The very gentleman that Louisa had been speaking of greeted them both warmly, as Nora dropped into a curtsy.
“You have only just arrived, yes?” Lord Hawkley was talking directly to Louisa, no longer even glancing at Nora. “It is very bold, I know, but the quadrille is just about to begin, and I must hope that you are not only able but willing to stand up with me?”
With a smile of delight, Louisa accepted at once, taking Lord Hawkley’s arm and looking toward Nora. “You will stay and inform Mama where I am gone, yes?” Without waiting for an answer, she allowed Lord Hawkley to lead her to the centre of the room, leaving Nora to look about for where her mother had gone. Lady Somerset was only a few steps away, deep in conversation with another lady that Nora did not recognize. Choosing to stay where she was rather than return to her mother’s side, Nora took two steps back so she could hide a little further into the shadows at the edge of the room, remaining in sight of Lady Somerset. With a heavy sigh, she lowered her gaze to the floor and did her best not to allow any tears to form or to fall.
The orchestra began their music, playing something bright and giddy as the quadrille began. Nora lifted her head and began to watch the dancers, seeing the whirl of silks and the broadsmiles of the gentlemen as they took their partners’ hands. The dull throb of longing and sorrow combined and sank into her frame, only for her chest to tighten, her fingers pressing so hard into her fan that its ivory ribs bit through her gloves.
Lord Hampshire.
Her heart betrayed her in an instant, feeling no anger or frustration at his presence. Instead, it wrenched itself towards him with such strength that she was forced to take a step forward. Gathering her composure, she moved back again, unable to tear her eyes from his.
