Danielle tittered. “Are you wrapped around mine?”
Andrew arched a brow but didn’t reply as he watched his cousin and her new husband make their way to the French doors at the back of the ballroom. “They’re already off to the gardens,” he remarked, his brows continuing to waggle.
“Mr. Thomas Grandby and the Lady Victoria Grandby,” the announcer called out.
“What a gorgeous gown,” Danielle said as she watched the Duke of Staffordshire’s daughter walk down the stairs. Victoria was wearing an orchid gown with a full skirt. White tulle surrounded the neckline and trailed down to a huge bow at the back of her waist. “It’s perfect with her dark hair,” she added in awe.
“They’re off to the gardens as well,” Andrew commented as he watched the second set of newlyweds follow their friends out the French doors. “I would think it would be too chilly to go out to the gardens.”
Danielle gave him a quelling glance. “I suppose it all depends on what they’redoingout there,” she said, arching a brow.
Andrew’s eyes widened. “Oh!” he responded, which had her tittering.
“The Right Honorable Viscount Hexham and the Right Honorable Viscountess Hexham,” the butler called out.
Danielle inhaled softly as her gaze darted back to the stairs. George Grandby, Viscount Hexham, and Anne Wellingham, daughter of the Earl of Trenton, had only been married a few months and had recently returned from their wedding trip.
The Fitzwilliam and Comber twins had been in attendance when the pair had become betrothed at a dinner party at Torrington House only the December prior.
“Anne looks as if she’s positively glowing,” Danielle said on a happy sigh.
“And George looks as if he’s spent a good deal of time in the sun,” Andrew chimed in.
“That’s because they’ve just returned from Italy,” Danielle said. “With any luck, we’ll look like that in a few months,” she added with a wink in his direction.
“What do you suppose has become of my brother and your sister?” Andrew asked as he led her toward the refreshment table.
“I can’t imagine they’re having second thoughts,” Danielle said as she accepted a glass of champagne.
Andrew furrowed a brow, hoping his brother wasn’t reconsidering the arrangements he had made with Dahlia. All had seemed perfectly fine earlier that afternoon.
Meanwhile, in an alcove near the top of the stairs
“What is this about?” Dahlia whispered as Anthony pulled her into an alcove, away from the Weatherstone Manor butler and other prying eyes.
“I want you to be sure,” Anthony replied, lowering his forehead to hers.
“Of course, I’m sure,” Dahlia replied, leaning back to regard him with alarm. “Why ever would you think I’m not?”
Anthony winced. “You’ve had over two entire days to think about it. All day. I... I feared you might have changed your mind.”
Dahlia shook her head, her brows furrowing in worry. “You’ve changed your mind,” she accused, one of her hands coming up to cover her mouth.
“I have not,” Anthony replied. “Especially after what happened the other night. I’m in love with you, Davy,” he claimed. “I merely wanted to make sure you were still of a mind to marry me before Gilbert announces it to the entireton,” he whispered. “I ruined you thoroughly, but if for some reason you had a change of heart—”
“I haven’t changed my mind,” Dahlia stated. “Now have you changed yours?”
He shook his head. “I have not.”
Dahlia angled her head as she regarded him with suspicion. “Breckinridge,” she said with a hint of warning.
“Anthony,” he corrected her. “Or you can call me Tony, like you did the other night,” he said, his eyes darting to the side. “I rather liked how you said it. All breathy and bossy and needy all at the same—”
Dahlia stood on tiptoe and took his lips with hers, essentially cutting off his comment. When she released him, she regarded him with an arched brow. “Mother always said it is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. However, I have not,” she stated. She took a deep breath and let it out before adding, “Now, can you honestly say you still wish to marry me?”
Despite the number of aristocrats who waded through the receiving line and despite those who hovered nearby waiting their turn to descend the stairs, Anthony wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her hard against the front of his body. His lips nearly crushed hers in a punishing kiss, which had several nearby ladies gasping in shock and one earl saying, “The library is down the hall, Breckinridge,” whilst a marchioness sighed and said, “Oh, how I miss young love.”
When Anthony finally released Dahlia, he said, “Yes. God, yes. And if we don’t make our way down those stairs this very minute, I shall take you to the library and have my way with you,” he warned, pretending to ignore those who stood nearby. Surreptitious glances were occasionally aimed in their direction.
Dahlia’s eyes widened. “Oh, will you?” she asked, with far too much enthusiasm.
Anthony blinked, his eyes widening. “Youminx,” he accused. His expression soon displayed a brilliant smile.
Giggling, Dahlia placed an arm on his. “If only you could have seen your face just now,” she murmured happily. “Why, I think you were more shocked than you were Saturday night.”
“That’s because I was,” he replied, finally offering his arm. “Now, before you change your mind...” He hurried them over to the top of the stairs. “Viscount Breckinridge and his betrothed, Lady Dahlia Davida Fitzwilliam,” he said to the butler.
Gilbert called out the announcement, a smirk appearing as he watched the couple descend the stairs. He was quite sure that by the time of next year’s ball, there would be a number of new members to theton.
