I glanced at the men clustered against the wall, where Edward straightened with a grin. His hand reached out swiftly, passing something to another man who stuffed it in his pocket, his brow furrowed before he slipped away.
“I hope you bet on the right man, Grenville.”
Edward’s wicked grin widened. “I shan’t tell.”
Lord Chudley laughed and slapped Edward on the shoulder. “Good man. Tell me, will you and your delightful sister come to our ball? Promise me you’ll come with me to White’s later in the week as well.”
“My sister has spoken of nothing else. I believe Mr. Sinclair and I shall go as her chaperones.” Edward straightened the lapels of his elegant coat, the action bringing my attention once again to my dated attire.
“Oh?” Lord Chudley’s piercing gaze swiveled to me and I couldn’t help but wonder what he thought of the news.
“Yes, Grandfather has designs for those two. I must warn you—it’s been in the making for decades.”
Lord Chudley raised an eyebrow before he smoothed his expression. “Well then, I’m certain Mr. Sinclair will prove equally light on his feet on the dance floor. I look forward to seeing each of you tomorrow night.”
As we parted ways, one thought burned clear: Lord Chudley might charm his way into Miss Grenville’s favor—or her future.
And I couldn’t help but wonder if he would also consider me a rival. In more ways than one.
8:Kitty
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
DANIEL 12:3
Strains of violins drifted through the ballroom, mingling with the laughter and chatter of London’s elite. This event was the last ball of the season and my first true entrance into society. Edward, Aunt, Mr. Sinclair, and I had only just arrived, yet already the chandeliers glowed overhead as evening descended, casting golden light over every polished shoe and shimmering necklace. I moved through the scene like a comet drifting among constellations, feeling radiant. But not entirely untethered, considering the expectations of my family.
Nervous anticipation bubbled up. For once, I was no longer observing the stars from a lonely rooftop but floating among them.
Across the room, Mr. Sinclair stood in conversation with a stranger—a member of Parliament, according to my brother, who remained by my side.
“Relax, Kit,” Edward said grimly, sounding as though he was in need of his own advice. Aunt had found friends already, choosing to gossip behind fans. Together, Edward and I stood on the sidelines.
“If only I could.” I sighed. Could I deter Grandfather’s plans for my life? Could I plot a fairy-tale encounter that would set me on a new course?
I had come prepared this evening, abandoning the severe hairstyle and dowdy dress.
My white gown with matching gloves boasted a delicate tulle overlay edged with silver embroidery that caught the light like stardust. A circlet of silver stars crowned my dark hair, their sparkle reflecting the excitement of the crowd as I stood among the ton, a part of their celestial dance.
“You have no need to impress anyone,” my brother added dryly. “The ton is nothing special. Grasping creatures. All of them.”
I refused to let his cynicism stain me. Especially as the host of the ball, Lord Chudley, moved through the crowd, heading in our direction.
“You are a vision, Miss Grenville. An absolute vision,” Lord Chudley said as he halted in front of me. He lifted my hand to his lips, his touch warm through the thin silk of my glove.
“I’m glad you approve, sir,” I replied, sounding more breathless than I ought to when he released my fingers.
Edward cleared his throat. Suddenly I was aware that we had captured the attention of those around us.
Mr. Sinclair, standing at the edge of the brilliant scene, also spotted me, his intense gaze rooting me to the spot. For a moment, I felt a pull toward him, my orbit faltering despite having the earl’s attention.
Mr. Sinclair’s jaw tightened as Lord Chudley leaned closer and murmured something about a waltz. My heart stuttered, caught between the attention of this handsome man and the weight of Mr. Sinclair’s stare.
Couldn’t he see that I would never marry a Company man?
The orchestra struck up a new lively tune, and I let out a breath, determined not to let Mr. Sinclair’s presence dim my light. I needed to focus on the man in front of me.
Lord Chudley smiled down at me, a conspiratorial gleam in his eye. “Miss Grenville, I hope your dance card isn’t full.”
