Just avoid him. Find ways to keep busy. See if Mama needs anything. Mingle and chat with friends and family.
And if all that failed, she could always rely on the time-honored female weapon of choice— a convenient headache. One which would see her retire early to her room. Monsale was not going to spoil her evening.
Making her way downstairs to the elegant main ballroom of her home, she was the picture of a young woman without a care in the world. No one would ever suspect that it was taking every ounce of her courage to maintain her composure.
Monsale of course would be among the guests at the ball this evening. With the Jones family home being too small to hold such a gathering, Lord and Lady Steele had graciously offered to host the wedding celebrations for Gus and Evangeline at Redditch House.
Dutiful daughter that she was, Naomi came and stood alongside her mother and father as they welcomed the arriving guests.
I am like an ice queen. Serene and untouchable.
She kept this mantra going in her head, fearful that if someone did actually lay a hand on her, she may well shatter.
Jane and George Hawkins were the first to arrive, followed by Alice and Harry. They had just said a quick hello before Bridget and Stephen joined the gathering.
“Naomi, I do love your gown,” said Bridget.
They exchanged a brief hug. Naomi gave her new dress a twirl. “I had this made for the social season, but never quite found the right occasion for which to debut it.”
She had thought to cleverly accessorize the red and white striped gown with a dark blue Spencer, as a salute to Evangeline’s home country, but Kitty had suggested that might be a touch unpatriotic at a London social event. In the end she had left the gown without a jacket or Spencer, relying on a cotton chemise to keep her warm. In her hair she wore a small headband decorated with fresh red roses.
Bridget leaned in close. “Is Monsale here yet? I heard his search for a bride is not going all that well.”
“No, he isn’t here as yet. We expect him any minute. The first two ladies on the list are both gone, which means he is fast running out of options,” replied Naomi, keeping her expression placid.
Only time would tell if Monsale changed his strategy.
“Are you going to make a move?” asked Bridget.
Having finally found happiness, her friend was clearly desperate for Naomi to also share in the joy of wedded bliss. “No. I am not. He can come to me,” replied Naomi.
The front door of Redditch House opened once more. Gus’s parents, Captain, and Mrs. Jones were announced. They gave a cheery wave to everyone, then quickly stepped aside.
An excited murmur rippled through the gathering, followed by applause as Gus and Evangeline stepped inside the foyer.
Naomi held her hands together as emotion welled up inside her. Evangeline, the blushing bride, was dressed in a cream gown, with dark pink bows embroidered on both the bodice and the skirt. In her pale, blonde hair she wore a matching pink ribbon.
“Absolutely stunning,” Naomi whispered.
She and Bridget exchanged happy grins. Her gaze had just turned back to the newlyweds, when Monsale stepped through the doorway. He appeared embarrassed at having arrived after the guests of honor, moving quickly around to come and stand alongside Jane and George. Naomi caught a curt. “You are late Monsale,” from Jane.
Jane Hawkins hadn’t grown up in London society and never appeared intimidated by the likes of nobility, especially the Duke of Monsale. George’s wife was the perfect foil for her reformed thief of a husband. She didn’t suffer fools gladly.
“Yes, sorry. Last-minute snag, with my solicitor and the marriage settlements. I had to dash here on foot from Mount Street,” he replied.
Naomi shot Bridget a sideways glance. Watching Monsale be put in his place by a mere female was always great sport. The fact that Jane was heavy with child, only added to the fun.
With the guests, all now having arrived, the gathering moved into the main dining room. Gus and Evangeline sat with Captain and Mrs. Jones either side of them. Mrs. Jones paid particular attention to her daughter-in-law, constantly making sure that she was eating properly and was able to understand the conversation.
Naomi found herself seated with Alice on one side, and Sir Stephen Moore on the other. She silently cursed her mother for having placed Monsale directly across the table from her. Every time she lifted her gaze, she met his mischievous gray eyes.
After the third time their eyes met, and she caught the hint of a smile on the edge of his mouth, Naomi decided to focus on her soup. Chicken and vegetable broth was a safer option than being teased by a man who seemed intent on vexing her this evening.
When the speeches and main course were finally done a weary hour later, she was one of the first people to rise from the table and head toward the ballroom.
Thank heavens that is over. If I had to sit opposite Monsale for another minute I think I might have committed murder.
She took a deep fortifying breath as she stepped into the room. Her parents had spared no expense with the evening. Cream and pink paper lanterns were draped across the ceiling corner to corner. There were also several large vases filled with pink roses lining the far wall of the ballroom.
