PREPARING FOR A BALL
Tuesday, April 2, 1839, Aimsley House
“You’re wearing that waistcoat?” Anthony asked in disbelief as he regarded Andrew from the threshold of his brother’s bedchamber. He was dressed in his very best evening clothes and an embroidered waistcoat of bright blue silk.
Andrew opened his black superfine top coat and glanced down at his silver metallic waistcoat. “Too flamboyant, do you think?”
Sighing dramatically, Anthony disappeared for a moment. He returned with a gold waistcoat embroidered with vines and leaves done in silver metallic threads. “Wear this one. It will go much better with Lady Danielle’s gown,” he instructed.
His eyes rounding, Andrew asked, “How is ityouknow what Danny will be wearing to the ball?”
“I asked Mother to find out,” Anthony replied as he helped Andrew into the gold waistcoat.
“Is it your intention to always match your bride’s gowns when dressing for entertainments?” Andrew asked as he buttoned up the waistcoat. He turned to regard his image in a cheval mirror and his brows shot up. “I rather like it,” he remarked. “A bit more sedate.”
“I should like us to look as if we’ve taken care in our choices, especially when we’re dancing a waltz together,” Anthony replied. “Dahlia is wearing a blue gown, by the way,” he said as he indicated his own waistcoat.
“I suppose you know what color Danny is wearing?” Andrew asked, not expecting him to know.
“Sapphire blue satin with a gold sarcenet overskirt and gold soutache braiding along the neckline.”
Andrew blinked. “I have no idea what that is.”
“Of course you don’t, which is why I need to see to your choice of waistcoat,” Anthony countered. “Are you ready? We don’t want to be late.”
“I am,” Andrew replied, slipping his feet into his dance shoes.
“Father says Weatherstone will insist we be announced this evening,” Anthony went on as they headed for the stairs. “We’ll descend the stairs into the ballroom with our ladies on our arms. That should stave off any young bucks who think they might have a chance at the twins.”
Andrew frowned. “You make it sound as if we own them,” he replied. “They are allowed to dance with others, you must know.”
His brother scoffed. “Just because she’s allowed doesn’t mean I want Dahlia to be dancing with every man who approaches her.”
Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, Andrew stared at his brother. “A week ago, and you wouldn’t have given it a second thought to see Davy dancing with someone else,” he accused.
“A week ago, I wasn’t...” Anthony clamped his mouth shut.
“What? A week ago you weren’twhat?”
Anthony dipped his head. “In love with her,” he whispered. He rolled his eyes. “I cannot believe I just said that.”
Andrew gave a start as he stared at his twin. “Humbling, isn’t it?” he asked in a quiet voice.
Still reeling from having put voice to his feelings for Dahlia, Anthony frowned. “What do you mean?”
His attention going to their parents as they descended the stairs, Andrew jerked his head. “To allow another to own your heart? I’ve been living it my whole life, as have they,” he explained.
Anthony’s gaze followed suit, and the twins stepped aside to allow the couple to complete their descent to the marble floor of the hall.
“You two look rather dashing,” Diana said happily. The dark green satin ballgown topped with a gold sarcenet overskirt set off the emerald-jeweled comb she wore in her hair. “As do you, darling,” she quickly added, her gaze turning to her husband.
“I think I may have chosen the wrong waistcoat,” he replied, referring to his jewel-toned tapestry garment.
“Nonsense. There’s no reason for your waistcoat to match my gown,” she replied.
“That is a gold sarcenet overskirt,” Anthony said to Andrew, indicating his mother’s gown.
Andrew rolled his eyes. He surreptitiously reached out and fingered the gold, though, his expression suggesting he was impressed.
