“Let me think on it, Daniel.”
It was a long silent drive, but she remained in his arms, and he whispered poetry and his vision of a future at Finchely for three.
When they arrived at Sandlin, he led her to the door. “The ball is in two weeks. That should be plenty of time to decide. In the interim, should you need an escort to the market, I’m at your disposal as long as it’s a light day at court.”
She locked her hand with his. “Our little disagreement at Lady Shrewsbury’s dinner was of great interest. With an engagement at her ball, the scrutiny upon us will be intense.”
“Ahhh. I sense someone has made up her mind.”
“Daniel.”
“The earl and his volatile heiress will make believers out of thetonof opposites attracting. And I want to dance with my betrothed out in the open with music and candles. I never did that.”
“What if I need more time?”
“Hope and I will give you more, but she doesn’t want a nanny. I think a mother will do.”
Her eyes grew wide, such lovely pools of the best, the most delicious chocolate, with minty bits of jade.
“This widower comes with a little girl who thinks the world of you. She hasn’t stopped asking for you. She’s even started calling you Mother. I’m tired of correcting her.”
Tears streaked Jemina’s cheek. “I love her too. How could one not?”
When he kissed at her wrist, he felt her hand tense. “Jemina, I know this to be right. Put away your questions of the past, just for now, for a little while. Focus on what’s in front of you. Find me at Lady Shrewsbury’s ball. Let there be a yes upon your lips.”
With a nod, she ran inside. He didn’t give chase for that proper kiss he wanted. He could wait, for he knew Jemina would come to the same conclusion as him, that they were meant to be, that they would be good together.
Hope would have a new mother, and he’d have a mistress and helpmate, all in the right order.
He whistled and boarded his carriage. Daniel could wait for her answer, for he was sure Jemina would say yes.
CHAPTER 32
JEMINA—THEWIDOW’SBALL
The Lady Shrewsbury’s dining room now seemed endless, open in all directions. Every inch of it, including the chalked floor for dancing dazzled in candlelight. It took my breath.
Yellow and orange petals of trefoils cascaded silver vases on tables about the perimeter. These were common flowers that Lady Shrewsbury had us pick in the fields. Such a simple act, and it was amazing to see them displayed in places of honor. This was Shrewsbury’s symbolism, that all, no matter our backgrounds or story, could be renewed and made wonderful. The common could be resplendent like ashes God blew upon and made into beauty.
“This is spectacular,” Patience whispered. “Some widow will have an offer tonight. They will write a new chapter to their lives.”
Could Patience read my thoughts? I hadn’t told her of Daniel’s offer. She’d been sick, and the duke had insisted that she rest.
I nodded. “Someone will catch the romance of this place and be inspired.”
A footman in silver livery passed with goblets. I wasn’t thirsty for ratafia or any spirited drink. Patience waved him away, and he soon disappeared, swallowed by a hall.
Arm in arm, my dear friend and I journeyed further into the dining room and stopped at a refreshment table. Crystal sconces shed shimmering stars of light onto a table of sweets—perfect molds of colorful jellies shaped like crowns, cakes, large and small with fruit and bliss icing.
Spinning around, I saw beautiful women, our fellow widows of our secret society. My fellow conspirators as Daniel would call them, the ones who gathered around Lady Shrewsbury’s kitchen table, wore gowns of many shades—cream, pinks, blues, greens, everything but mourning black.
Shining silver bands—the rings the countess, leader of the Widow’s Grace, had given us to replace what was stolen—glistened on hands about the room. I think I was ready for a new ring and new promises.
“They are so lovely.” Patience clapped; her long pearl-trimmed gloves matched the luster of her bronze-green gown. “Lady Shrewsbury is a mastermind and the perfect hostess.”
“Our friends, Patience, all so brave and ready to start anew.”
“You’re brave too, Jemina. You should think of what you want and seize it.”
