Page 65
Casey obeyed and was greeted with gasps of delight. She turned slowly so that the onlookers could admire the whole gown. Finally, she looked into the tall mirror, and gasped herself.
The gown was made of lustrous gold satin that shimmered and dazzled and was trimmed with a silvery lace that enhanced the gold satin. Her hair was a golden crown that matched the gown. She still wasn’t entirely sure that she felt like a lady, but she certainly looked like one.
She looked like her mother, who was the greatest lady she’d ever known. And looking like her mother warmed her heart.
After swallowing hard, she said, “Thank you, Naomi. This is magnificent! I will never look better.”
“You will if you patronize Naomi’s shop when she opens one,” Tamsyn said with a smile. “She’ll be able to support the shop with just Tremaynes as customers!”
There was general laughter, and then everyone dived into the tea and cakes. Casey removed the gown with Naomi’s help and put on the morning gown again. She hoped that Cameron would return in time to see her in all her glory.
That night, she once more slept in the warmth of his emotional presence. But it would be even better when he arrived back in person.
CHAPTER 16
Once more Cameron slept in the peace of Casey’s warmth, which didn’t last once he’d dressed, eaten, and set off for Faversham. He felt the advancing storm, but it hadn’t arrived yet. With luck, he’d be able to take care of his business and be home in time for the ball, but he figured the odds of making it in time were about even.
He and Arthur made good time to Faversham, where he planned to learn about Casey’s vile father, if the man was alive or dead, and if there was an inheritance for Casey. She must understand her situation to help her plan for her future.
He was returning to the livery stable where he’d left Arthur when he passed a small but elegant jewelry shop. On impulse he went inside. The well-dressed man behind the counter asked, “Are you looking for something in particular, sir?”
“Yes. A ring.” It wasn’t something he’d thought about before, but now he was quite certain that he needed a ring, and he’d find exactly the right one here.
“For a lady, sir?”
“Yes.”
The jeweler pulled out several flat display cases containing rings, but it took Cameron only a moment to find the right one. It was made of gold with delicate designs etched between the plain edges. “This one.”
“An excellent choice, sir. Subtle but rich,” the jeweler said. “If it doesn’t fit the lady, you may bring it back for a size adjustment.”
“This one will do,” Cameron said, hoping he had enough money to pay for it.
He did, barely. After sliding the slim velvet box inside his coat for safety, he left and headed for the livery. Now it was time to ride!
He was able to make good progress toward London before it was time to stop for the night. Once more he slept with the feeling that Casey was near. Just not near enough.
The ball would be held the next night. He set out the next morning. As the first snowflakes began drifting from the sky, he wondered if he would make it home in time. His progress slowed as the snow deepened. Anxious though he was to get home, he had to take care to ensure that he and Arthur arrived home safely.
As the snow deepened and the part of his face not covered by a scarf numbed from the cold, he reminded himself that even if he didn’t make it home this evening, he would be able to see Casey tomorrow.
That might have to do.
CHAPTER 17
Cameron still hadn’t returned by the time Naomi came to dress Casey for the ball. “He might still arrive tonight,” Naomi said comfortingly.
Casey moved to the window and looked at the deepening snow. It was falling so thickly that she could barely see the street. “It’s much more important that he and Arthur arrive home safely.”
“True,” Naomi said as she finished with the ties on the back. “But it will be lovely if he can see you in all your splendor! Shall we go down now?”
Casey nodded. As they stepped into the hall, she heard music floating up from the ballroom. She was equal parts excited and nervous. When they entered the spacious ballroom it sparkled with lights and greens and bright ribbons.
“It’s just starting,” Naomi whispered. “Our balls always start with Gwyn and Rhys performing a minuet together.”
Guests were gathered around the edges of the ballroom as Rhys and Gwyn stepped out together in the minuet. They danced with such exquisite grace that Casey had to choke back tears. They were not only excellent dancers, but love incarnate.
When the dance ended, they held hands and bowed to the other guests. Then the music struck up again and dancers flooded onto the floor of the ballroom. Rhys cut through the chattering guests and offered Casey his hand. “Dance with me, Casey?”
