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Chapter30
The day before the ball dawned overcast, and Lady Edith was a ball of nerves. If we had rain, her plans to open the courtyard were dashed and the ballroom was bound to become too much a squeeze. If it did not rain, all would be well. She and I had not spoken of our argument since it occurred two days before, and I had hardly seen James.
He’d not come to my room in the last two evenings, and I wasn’t sure I could attend such a large ball without his steadfast support. But as it was to be given in my honor, I had little choice in the matter. I’d rolled his words about my mind over and over again since they left his mouth and could not reconcile the truth with his concerns. I’d given James no cause to believe that I preferred his brother—a simple truth, since I did not prefer anyone to my husband.
I descended the main staircase, a flurry of activity going on around me in preparation for the ball, and a footman approached when I reached the checkered floor.
“Yes?”
“You’ve visitors, ma’am, in the drawing room.”
This was exactly the last thing I needed. If it was the Whitstones hoping to gain my favor again after their rudeness at the Grenville ball, I would feign a headache. I did not care if it was rude.
“Who are they?” I asked.
“Mr. and Mrs. Lennox, ma’am.”
Jane. My heart leapt clear to my throat. I could have collapsed on the floor in relief. “Thank you,” I said calmly, though inside my heart raced, and I went directly to the drawing room.
Jane stood near the hearth, admiring the painting above the mantel, her tall husband beside her. She looked a picture of poise, her raven hair styled neatly and her green traveling gown without a crease. Ewan looked ever the gentleman, his dark hair swept to the side, and it was never obvious until he spoke with a thick brogue exactly how Scottish he was. Though there was a tanness about his face that suited him well.
“Jane, Ewan,” I said, entering the room.
Jane turned, and we both crossed the room swiftly, embracing upon impact. She gripped me by the elbows and leaned back. “Felicity, this house! It hardly warrants the name.”
“It is much to take in, I know it well.”
Ewan stepped forward and took my hand, placing a chaste kiss over the knuckles. “Aye, what we saw of the grounds were bonny when we drove up. I canna wait to see more of yer fishing pond.”
His hint was easily understood. “I am certain my husband will be more than pleased with any excuse to fish.”
“Indeed,” James agreed, coming into the room. His dark eye patch still wrapped around his head, but his smile was not dimmed. “I take great pleasure in escaping for a quiet afternoon at the pond.”
Jane leaned close to me and whispered, “Are all the brothers so handsome?”
I nudged her with my elbow to quiet her. “James, come meet my cousin Jane and her husband Ewan Lennox.”
The appropriate bows and curtsies were exchanged. James came to my side, and I had not realized how greatly the space between us these last two days had affected me until he stood so near. I ached to reach for his hand but feared his rebuff.
“The ball is tomorrow evening,” I said. “You received my invitation?”
“Shortly after your letter, yes. I came prepared with a ball gown.”
I clasped my hands before me. “I wrote to invite your mother and Lord Moorington to the ball, but as I did not receive any word back, I can only assume they are not at Arden Castle presently?”
“No, they are spending some time in Brighton just now. But I am certain Mother would have attended your ball had she been home.”
“It is to be a crush,” I said. “Or so I’m told.”
“In this large of a house? I do wonder how that shall be managed.”
James smiled. “My mother does not entertain often, so she invites everyone she knows when she does.”
“That is kind of her. I’m certain it shall be great fun.”
“So long as I dinna have to dance with anyone but ye, I will be pleasantly occupied,” Ewan said, his brogue thick.
Jane blushed prettily and swatted her husband playfully on the arm. “You will sound uncouth if you are not careful.”
