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"Is it so obvious?" Kate asked, raising her hands to her heated cheeks. "I used to think Bella was so silly about George. So utterly illogical! I could never understand why she behaved so differently whenever he was around. But I believe I understand her perfectly now."

"We are lucky when that type of love touches us, miss," said Sarah in a low voice. "It don't happen for everyone."

Before she could say anything in reply, a knock came at the door. "Come in," Kate called.

Her mother appeared, carrying a small velvet box in her hand. "Oh, Kate, dearest, you look beautiful!" Elizabeth exclaimed, stopping in the doorway to admire her daughter. "I knew that gown would become you, but it suits you even better than I imagined. Sarah, you have done a wonderful job."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Sarah, looking pleased.

"I have brought you something I thought might complement it." Elizabeth opened the box to reveal her emerald pendant, a beautiful piece that Kate had admired since she was a little girl. A single, deep green emerald hung from a fine gold chain, surrounded by a delicate setting of tiny diamonds. It was one of her mother's favourite pieces, and Kate could remember sitting on her lap as a child, fascinated by the way the stone caught the light.

"Mama! Your emerald?"

"Now do not get excited, it is just a loan. And it’s hardly doing anyone any good sitting in my jewellery box, is it? I think it will look very fine with your green gown."

"But you never lend this to anyone!"

"Your father gave it to me when we were first married, and I have guarded it most jealously ever since. This necklace reminds me of a very, very happy time." Elizabeth smiled at the memory. "In fact, I believe you are one of the few people in the world I would trust with it, so take care not to lose it. I shall be most cross if you do!" She laughed. "Come, let me put it on you."

Kate turned while her mother fastened the delicate chain. Elizabeth rested her hands on her daughter's shoulders for a moment, looking at their reflections in the glass.

"You know, when I first met your father, he gave a dreadful first impression. I thought him the most disagreeable man in all of England."

Kate laughed. "You have told us, Mama. Many times."

"Well, it bears repeating. I could not abide him, and he thought me an impertinent country miss, far beneath his notice. Or so I believed. And now look at us. More than twenty years married, and I do not want to imagine what my life would have been without him." She smiled at Kate in the glass. "I suppose what I am trying to say is that love can take us by surprise. And it is a wonderful thing when you find the other half of your heart. But you must also find someone who understands you and will encourage you to be who you truly are."

Kate looked down at the emerald. "I think I can be myself with Nathaniel. More than I ever have been with anyone outside our family."

"I know, my darling. I have seen how you are together, and it makes me very happy." Elizabeth gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "Your father has, after we overcame our initial misunderstandings, never wanted me to be anything more or less than myself. Though I am certain there have been occasions when he has wished it otherwise! Particularly when I am cross with him."

Kate laughed and tried to will away the prickling at the back of her eyes. It felt as if she were at the start of a grand journey. A journey that she was eager to set out on, but one that would take her away from everything she knew and a life that felt safe and certain.

"I hope that you and Mr Briar will experience the same happiness I have enjoyed with your father. I think you have found a very good man, Kate. Secret viscount or not."

Kate laughed. "Mama, you are terrible! But you are correct in that he is a very good man."

"Then that is all I could wish for you." Elizabeth kissed her cheek before stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Now, let me look at you again. Oh, Kate, you are magnificent. Your father will be beside himself when he sees you."

Her mama gave her shoulders a final squeeze. "Now, I must go and see that all is well with dinner. I will see you downstairs, my love."

Kate watched her mother leave before turning back to the glass. She touched the emerald at her throat and smiled at her reflection. She wondered what Nathaniel would think when he saw her.

✽✽✽

By the time Kate reached the drawing room, the rest of the party was already assembled. She paused in the doorway, feeling unaccountably nervous, and smoothed her skirts with trembling hands. Her sisters were seated on a low sofa, talking with their mother, while her father, George and Nathaniel stood close to the mantelpiece, each with a glass of wine in hand.

Her papa was the first to turn towards her, and he looked struck by the sight of her, blinking rapidly before setting down his glass. He crossed the room towards her, his face full of wonder, and Kate felt her throat tighter.

"My darling girl, you look exquisite!"

"Thank you, Papa. It is a new dress, and very pretty, I think."

"I think it is more than pretty. You are glowing. I should ask them to snuff out the candles as I am certain you could illuminate the room. And you are wearing your mother's emerald!" He took both her hands in his and looked her over once more. "Oh, my darling girl, you are everything lovely."

He bent to kiss her cheek, squeezing her hands as he did so. His eyes looked a little glassy, and Kate once again felt tears threaten. She was not an overly emotional person by nature, but it was as if some strange, heightened atmosphere had settled over the house that evening, and she felt she could easily turn into a watering pot.

"Now," said her father, offering his arm with a slightly shaky smile, "I believe there is a young man who wishes to say good evening."