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Chapter 65
Lucy and Aunt Joan were dressed in their very best as they arrived at the Sweet residence for the engagement party that Dinah was hosting to celebrate Lucy and Silas. Aunt Joan was dressed in an elegant black bombazine, while Lucy wore her yellow silk dress. She was pleased to be wearing it again, along with a simple pearl pendant on a golden chain that was a gift from Silas. When Silas saw her, he seemed to melt.
Beaming, he took her hand, bowing over it and then kissing her knuckles. She could feel it through her glove, her cheeks heating up as she blushed.
“Welcome to your engagement party,” he murmured, his eyes seeming to drink in the sight of her. She wanted to remember him this way—the love that was in his eyes—forever. She wouldn’t have to—she would never be without him again.
“Welcome to yours, too.”
Dinah and Aunt Joan were deep in discussion; Aunt Joan was complimenting her on her pink silk gown, while Dinah was gushing over Aunt Joan’s. Silas used the moment to lean in and whisper in Lucy’s ear.
“I plan to sneak you out for a private moment, later.” His breath was warm against her cheek. Lucy felt a rush of anticipation. She looked him in the eyes.
“I can’t wait.” Her voice was a soft purr.
“I’m surprised at you, Miss Wilds.” He was clearly proud of her, his blue eyes sparkling. His lips quirked upwards in a devilish grin.
“You shouldn’t be, Lord Thornbridge.” She nudged his arm gently with her fingers. The feel of his hard bicep made her heart race.
“Come, come!” Dinah urged, waving for them to follow her. “Everyone’s waiting to see you.” The four of them walked up the stairs to the parlour.
Everyone was there—the three Sweet siblings, Susan, Violet, Rosemary, Levi, and Lord Browning, as well as several of the partygoers from Thornbridge Manor, like Lady Baldwin, all of whom were close friends to the Sweet family. Lucy found herself surrounded by loving, happy, familiar faces. She was smiling from ear to ear, so much that her cheeks ached.
She wasn’t used to being the centre of attention, yet she allowed herself to enjoy it. Everyone here loved her. Especially Silas, who never left her side for one moment. He placed her hand on his arm, then kept it there, trapped her arm beneath his own.
“If things go on like this, we shall never get out,” he whispered, clearly impatient to have her all to himself.
“It just so happens that this party is for us,” she replied with a laugh. She could see in his eyes what he planned, and the promise there was delicious. She loved it when they were alone. She craved his touch, his kisses. It had been far too long since their last private encounter.
The footmen brought in some champagne on silver trays. Dressed in dark coats, they looked like blackbirds moving in a V-formation, as though they were flying south for the winter.
“Everyone, take a glass!” Dinah ordered, clinking a fork against her own. “I want to say my toast!”
Once everyone had a glass of champagne, Dinah raised her glass. “I want to thank you all for coming to the little party that I’ve arranged this evening,” she said, turning towards Lucy and smiling at her. “I met Miss Lucy Wilds during this past summer, when she and her aunt came to the party that my father threw at Thornbridge Manor.”
Lucy beamed at her. She felt a lump forming in the back of her throat.
“From the moment that I met Lucy,” Dinah went on, “I had a good hunch that we would certainly get along. The very day that she arrived at Thornbridge Manor, we went for a walk in my mother’s garden, where I immediately found Lucy to be the very sort of person who I could be good friends with. She is intelligent and opinionated, with good taste in books.” Everyone laughed.
“And, she is one of the best and dearest ladies of my entire acquaintance. I had no idea that my brother thought the same thing, but I’m glad that he does. Lucy, I look forward to being your sister. Silas, you’ve certainly chosen well. Please join me in raising a glass to Lucy Wilds, and my brother Silas!” Dinah declared. “May you both live a long, happy life together!”
“Hear, hear!” everyone agreed.
Lucy glanced over at Silas, who was grinning. They clinked their glasses, then sipped. The champagne was cold and crisp, with a sweet, bubbly taste. She hadn’t much experience with champagne, but she knew that Dinah had splurged on this party. Silas had been happy to give her free rein on his bank account to fund it.
Dinah made sure things moved on quickly. Everyone was given a short while to greet each other and to talk, while sipping their drinks. Not long after, the gong for dinner was rung and they all went into the dining room. Lucy was pleased to find that she was seated between Dinah and Silas. Aunt Joan sat on Silas’ other side. The dinner was a full six courses, and Dinah’s excellent planning skills were on full display.
There was roast pheasant, with a cranberry glaze, and roast potatoes in butter and rosemary. This was prefaced by a white soup, braised scallops, and fresh salmon, and was followed by a very good chocolate cake with blackberry sauce.
Everyone enjoyed it immensely and ate until they were absolutely stuffed. Afterward, the group retired to the parlour, where coffee and brandy were served. Lucy observed everyone. She felt pleasantly full and warm. The room had a soft glow as the candles flickered, spreading light over all of Lucy’s friends and loved ones.
Susan and Dinah were in a very lively discussion with Lady Violet and Lady Rosemary. Lucy knew that all of them were going to be good friends, bound by lively and intelligent discussion. Lucy was proud to count herself among their number.
Michael and Levi and Lord Browning and Aunt Joan arranged for a card game to be started. Lucy could sense Silas looking for the opportunity to slip from the room. She glanced over at him and smiled.
