A DINNER WITH A FUTURE FAMILY
Meanwhile, at Aimsley House
As soon as Hummel had opened the front door to allow Anthony and Dahlia to enter Aimsley House, Anthony knew something was different. Although the hall was quiet, muted conversations were occurring elsewhere in the house.
“Good evening, sir, my lady. Dinner is about to be served,” Hummel said as he took Dahlia’s mantle.
“Lady Dahlia will be joining us this evening. Can you see to it another place is set at the table?”
“Already done, sir,” Hummel replied. “Lady Aimsley is expecting you both for dinner.”
Anthony gave a start and then remembered his mother had insisted he invite Dahlia for dinner.
“Lady Dahlia will take Mr. Comber’s place since he is having dinner at his townhouse this evening.”
Dahlia exchanged a quick glance with Anthony, well aware her sister was with Andrew. She had looked for her at Norwick House, and her lady’s maid had confirmed Danielle hadn’t returned from the garden party.Oh, she’s having dinner with a friend, Dahlia had said, remembering to cover for her sister’s absence.
“I’m so glad my presence won’t be an inconvenience for your mother,” Dahlia whispered.
Anthony chuckled. “Even if it was, she would take delight in it,” he replied quietly. “Besides, she’s the one who insisted that I invite you.”
He took Dahlia’s hand, and when the butler was making his way toward the dining room, he kissed her. He grinned at seeing her eyes widen in surprise. “You have the softest green eyes,” he murmured. He held up his left hand. “Like the emerald in the ring you gave me.” He wiggled his pinky.
Dahlia blinked. “Yours are so blue,” she countered. “They match the sapphire in the ring you gave me.”
She was about to stand on tiptoe to kiss him again when the sound of a clearing throat had the two turning to discover Adam, Earl of Aimsley, standing outside the dining room. “Well, what have we here?” the earl asked as he made his way in their direction.
“I’ve brought a guest for dinner, Father,” Anthony said.
Dahlia dipped a curtsy. “How do, my lord?”
“Father, Lady Dahlia has agreed to be my wife,” Anthony said with a slight nod. “We’re to be married sometime in April.”
Grinning, Adam took Dahlia’s gloved hand and lifted it to his lips. “Ah, then my wish to have a daughter will come true,” he said jovially. “Best wishes are in order. Come. Join us in here,” he said as he waved them into the dining room.
The eyes of Diana, Countess of Aimsley, and Daphne Streater widened upon seeing Dahlia enter on the arm of Anthony. “Mother, may I have the honor of presenting my betrothed, Lady Dahlia?”
Diana stood, her look of astonishment turning to a huge grin. “Oh, you most certainly can,” she replied as she hurried over to greet Dahlia. “Even though I knew this news would be coming soon, I cannot tell you how glad I am that it’s today,” she gushed.
“Oh?” Dahlia replied, her nervousness dissipating. She knew this family. Had known them her entire life. Well, all except for the blonde girl who stood regarding her with a curious expression. “How do?” she said as she dipped a curtsy. “I believe I saw you at the garden party earlier.” Although she might have looked like Little Bo Peep when she was sitting with the earl, the girl certainly didn’t now. She wore a dinner gown that was nearly a replica to that of the countess’.
“This is my niece, Daphne,” Diana said as she held out a hand in the girl’s direction. “We’re borrowing her from my sister for a while.”
Daphne dipped a perfect curtsy. “How do, my lady?”
Dahlia didn’t have a moment to consider Diana’s odd comment before she said, “It’s very good to meet you.” She curtsied to the young girl.
Turning her attention to Anthony, Daphne said, “You might have introduced me to Lady Dahlia at the party earlier.”
Anthony chuckled as he pulled out a chair for Dahlia. “You appeared far too preoccupied,” he replied. “I seem to remember you flirting with a number of boys.”
Daphne’s eyes rounded as did her mouth. “I did no such thing,” she replied, her fists going to her hips.
“Anthony,” Dahlia scolded. “You shouldn’t tease your cousin like that.”
Grinning as he took the chair opposite of Dahlia’s, Anthony looked suitably sorry and apologized to his cousin. “Perhaps it was the boys who were flirting with you,” he suggested.
Straightening in her chair, Daphne turned her gaze on him and said, “They were, as a matter of fact,” she replied. “Why, if I hadn’t warned him off, Xercioius Roderick would have kissed me by the daffodils,” she added in disgust.
