AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jay squeezed her again, before being swallowed by the crowd.
All right, time to make herself invisible. It was difficult with the hoops; skirts were becoming unmanageable. No optical illusion of a smaller waist was worth this much trouble. Though maybe the trend would lead to the demise of the corset.
Ursula spotted a large porcelain urn by the drapes in the first parlor and backed her way into the corner. She could observe but not be found out from her vantage point. Fortunate, as Priscilla, Agnes, Katherine and two other young women she didn’t know soon passed in a swath of crinoline and lace.
She inhaled and exhaled as the minutes dragged until she spotted Jay, two glasses in one hand and a plate in the other. Her heart sang with joy. Finally. And with everything she’d requested. Giddy, she rushed forward and collided with him, her bosom hitting his chest.
“Good thing I’m steady on my feet.” The rumbling in his torso from the words, right against her heart stirre
d something inside her. Her stomach flipped but not with illness or at least not with an illness she’d known. And she was warm, so very warm, but her body ached to press even closer to his.
No.
Ursula pulled back and fanned herself.
“I’m sorry. I’m a bit out of sorts today.” She grabbed her glass and poured the entire contents down her throat.
Jay cocked his head to the side as if to study her. He drank his champagne and offered her the plate.
“Sweets?”
“Yes, please.” She stuffed an éclair into her mouth, and a second, and a third. Blast, she was hungry.
“Tonight we’ll be brilliant, Ursula.” Jay stroked her hand. “Just remember what I taught you. Look at everyone and see what they want. Give them what they desire and they’ll adore you. And whatever you do, do not hide what you can’t change. Who you are, your father’s money, even your bosom, are no more peculiar than the shape of your nails. Natural variance.”
If only it were that simple. Though perhaps for a casual conversation in a ballroom it could be. She didn’t have to be friends with these people—she just had to survive them.
“Come, we’ll take a few turns on the floor, make everyone jealous and then mingle.”
* * *
What was happening to Ursula? She’d been off the past few days. Something must have occurred, something she refused to tell him.
Jay snaked his hand around her waist, pulling her to his side. She fit so well. They did make a handsome couple, just as the papers said. The jealousy in the room was palpable. If she could behave, they could turn the envy into admiration and longing for their presence. They could be unstoppable.
Ten dances later, he led her to the refreshment table to replenish. Even in an odd mood the woman had energy. He opened his mouth to tease her about the four chocolate tartlets she grabbed when a deep voice brought his entire evening to a halt.
“Fancy seeing you here, Jay.”
He froze.
No.
He should still be in Delaware. He wasn’t due in Philadelphia for a few more weeks. There was supposed to have been more time.
Trapped with the silver laden table blocking his exit, Jay turned around to meet his fate.
“Father, how good to see—”
He could no longer speak. It wasn’t just J.T. Truitt, but both his older cousins, Samuel and Matthew, or, if one wanted their Christian names, Somber and Serious, in identical, pressed, wrinkle-free coats and pristine white ties. None of the three matched him in height, but each managed to tower above him in every other way. The universe must really loathe him. His skin already itched.
At his side, Ursula cleared her throat. Three heads snapped towards her as she made a low curtsey.
“Mr. Truitt, how good it is to see you again. And you must be Jay’s cousins.”
“Yes, this is Samuel and Matthew Hale, my elder cousins. Gentlemen, this is Miss Ursula Nunes, my fiancée.” His voice only shook a little.
Eyebrows rose and glances were exchanged between Dour and Disapproving.
