Yet when he did show, the man was immaculate—white breeches the color of snow, an ivory tailcoat resembling the freshest dairy cream and embellished with seed pearls that surely took weeks to stitch into place.
His white waistcoat glimmered with silver threads. I’d always thought the duke a handsome man, but this was breathtaking. I wasn’t affected because of any sentiment of fancying him. It was how he carried himself. He seemed above everyone in this place. Much of the old money, the ton, was here to taste his wines and devour his foods, to find him lacking.
No one could. Not even the Prince Regent.
The shock and, now growing, awe could be seen on the older guards’ wrinkled faces, their lowering snide noses. Why was it so hard to imagine a man of color with wealth and breeding could be anything less than amazing?
The faint tan in his light olive skin made him beautiful. With touches of art and even his beloved kartoshka piled on silver plates next to a beautiful white soup, he was as English as everyone here but also Russian and Blackamoor.
I felt very proud to know him. I was grateful the Duke of Torrance had championed the Wilcox family.
“Everyone,” I said in a voice unable to hide my glee, “I think our host has found us and is coming our way.”
“Yes, he is.” Katherine sounded wistful. Then I noticed seed pearls on her train. The duke made their outfits match. She looked as if she were the hostess for his ball. Couldn’t she see that if she confessed and told him everything about the pregnancy, the babies, he’d forgive her?
The duke passed the dancers and the performers who wove in and out of the crowd waving colorful flags of silver and gold.
“Welcome to my ball, ladies.” He tapped his large nose as he seemed to examine us, chignon to slippers. “Lovely ladies. You honor my ball.”
Scarlett raised her finger to him. “Sir, what is the significance of the flags?”
“Silver is redemption. Gold is for power. I think they are strong themes to suggest change.” He looked us over again. “I wish to dance with the prettiest Wilcox.”
His hand reached toward Katherine, but then he bent and asked Lydia, “Shall we, madam?”
For a moment, a tiny second, Katherine’s blank expression formed a frown. Then she acquiesced and put the child’s gloved hand in his.
“The duke has singled out our Lydia, Katherine.” I waved them off. “That’s good.”
My sister turned toward the refreshments and disappeared.
Watching Lydia giggle, the duke whirled her around the dance floor.
“I think she’s standing on his toes to waltz,” Scarlett said. “That’s adorable. He’s so good to her.”
It was a humorous, endearing sight, the big man and his biggest admirer swaying under the enormous crystal chandelier.
Mr. Carew entered the hall. Dressed in an ebony tailcoat and dark pantaloons, he looked formal and austere, not the relaxed, affable man we’d known for years.
His hands—they fumbled, rubbing together in white gloves. He seemed nervous. Then he saw us and smiled.
When he came toward us, he bowed. “You look lovely, Miss Wilcox. And Miss Scarlett Wilcox, you’re breathtaking. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you in women’s slippers, just your father’s boots.”
He laughed and extended his hand to my sister, and they began to dance.
Oh my. I realized that during the duke’s parade of men, Mr. Carew didn’t know of the competition. He was merely a man caught up in reciting Shakespeare.
Carew wasn’t here for me or anyone.
The duke came to my side. “I didn’t have a conversation with Mr. Carew yet. I thought you might want a little more time at this magical ball to discover your magic.”
“Again, Duke.” Lydia hugged him about his legs. “One more dance.”
“But you can win the bet, Your Grace. Mr. Carew would not refuse to honor your request.”
He stretched a hand to my cheek. “How can I win if you’re the slightest bit unhappy? Don’t fret. As Lady Hampton would say, the d’yavol will have his due.”
The duke bent and picked up Lydia but held my gaze. “Be careful tonight, there are reporters here and darkness. Stay in the light, the brightness of your good heart. All will be well once you perform.”
