Page 27

Ten

HefferwickshireBallroom

CHRISTMAS EVE, 1826~ TEN MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT

Ting. Ting. Ting.

Papatapped a knife against his crystal wine glass. “MayI have your attention, please? Servants are circulating the ballroom with champagne. Please take a flute in preparation for a toast.”

Slowlythe guests’ conversations faded as they turned their curious attention to the Duke of Latham and his duchess standing before the four-piece string quartet. Likely, those who attended the Lathams’ annual ChristmasEve ball anticipated Papa’s usual Christmastide speech.

Thisyear, they were in for a surprise.

Giddywith anticipation, Althelia pressed one hand to her stomach, the other securely wrapped in Owen’s warm and comforting hand.

Hesqueezed her fingers as if sensing her excitement.

Herparents had agreed to their betrothal but asked Althelia and Owen to wait until spring to wed. Althelia couldn’t be certain, but she suspected they made the provision in case she changed her mind.

Shewouldn’t.

Thiskind of love, though sudden and unanticipated, was a forever love.

Castinga sideways glance at Owen, she wasn’t surprised to find him staring at her in wonderment. As if he couldn’t believe she wanted to marry him.

“I love you,” she whispered, gratified to see his intense green eyes soften with adoration.

Helifted her hand to his mouth, murmuring, “AndI love you, my heart,” before grazing her knuckles with his lips. “I don’t have an engagement ring for you yet, darling.”

“I do not care.” AndAlthelia didn’t.

Aring merely symbolized to others what she treasured in her heart.

“HaveI told you how beautiful you are tonight?” Owen’s gaze held male appreciation and a promise of something much more intimate. “Pink becomes you.”

“Yes, you have, and pink is my favorite color.” She hugged his arm to her chest. “You look quite dashing too.”

Shehad no idea how they’d managed it, but Owen wore a new ebony suit, complete with a holly-berry red waistcoat. Undoubtedly, a tailor’s purse was much heavier for completing the difficult task in record time.

“Everyone. My duchess and I have a wonderful announcement.” Papa glanced around until he spied Althelia and Owen and motioned them forward. “Come, come, children.”

Astonishmentfollowed by delight skittered across Owen’s rugged features.

Altheliacould’ve hugged her father for his consideration and would later on.

Herparents would treat Owen, a bastard orphan, as their own. He would finally have the love, acceptance, and family his birth had denied him.

Althelia’sheartbeat accelerated as Owen led her to the front of the room, and her family formed a semi-circle behind them.

Oncebefore, at a similar ball, she had faced a crowd, humiliated and defeated. This time, with this remarkable man at her side, nothing and no one could make her feel anything but ecstatic.

“Family and friends.” Beaming, Father lifted his glass. “Permit me to announce the betrothal of my daughter, LadyAlthelia, to OwenLockington.”

Oohsand aahs followed by polite applause swelled around the glittering ballroom, lit by hundreds of beeswax candles suspended from crystal chandeliers.

Leonidasslapped Owen’s shoulder. “I expect to be asked to be the best man.”

“I wouldn’t dream of having anyone else,” Owen assured him.