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Chapter 42
It had taken months, yet here Silas was, standing in the newly renovated house. It smelled of fresh paint and new carpeting, but it was still home. He and Michael had decided to spare no expense. The house would be used by the whole family, for many years to come. An update to a more modern style was necessary.
It was good to be back in their own home—in his own bed. Silas had been pleased that the staff had been able to rescue his soft red velvet duvet with a thorough washing.
His valet was helping him to dress for the party, in his dark blue frock coat, his cream-coloured breeches, and tall black boots. He studied his reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of his jacket.
Michael came to the door. “Are you ready, Silas?”
“I am,” he said, waiting for the valet to finish running the brush over his shoulders.
He turned toward his brother, who was dressed similarly. He and Michael had come to an agreement, of sorts. Michael had agreed to stop doubting Silas’ affections toward Lucy.
Silas missed her—over the past week, he had become wrapped up in their removal from the rented home, and back into the townhouse. He’d had to arrange for the workmen to be paid and the party to be planned. The servants had all needed their orders, and the decorations had had to be gone over. Luckily, Dinah had largely taken over the planning thereof. She certainly had an eye for it.
When he had a spare moment, Silas had sent Lucy letters. She had answered them. Although, it wasn’t the same as having her there with him. He missed her, and he was looking forward to seeing her this evening.
“And you’re all right with Percy coming?” Michael asked. “I’ll be sure to keep an eye on him, to make sure that the ladies are safe.”
Michael had helped Percy to get a job at one of the businesses that the Viscountcy of Thornbridge financed. The two brothers had kept tabs on him, and so far, the reports were favourable. Percy was a model worker, and he had begun to pay back his debts.
Michael had even been able to convince Silas to allow Percy to come to the party. Silas was in a good mood. The agreement was that Percy not speak to either Silas or, heaven forbid, Lucy.
“Why not?” Silas mused. “If he’s working an honest job, and our sister is not even a little bit in danger, then I can forgive him for the moment.”
It would be the first engagement for the Sweets since the death of their father. It would be a small get-together, since they were still in their mourning period. Nothing extravagant—just an intimate housewarming.
“The musicians have arrived,” Michael informed him. “I had them set up in the corner of the ballroom.”
“Very good.”
The three Sweet siblings met in the foyer. Dinah was dressed in a simple blue silk gown and wore the Sweet family’s diamond necklace, which glittered at her throat. She was always smiling these days. With her marriage to Reginald right around the corner, she was just about to start her life. Silas was happy for her.
Just as he, too, would be starting his life with Lucy, as soon as he was able to ask her. He wanted to be sure that she was comfortable with the idea of becoming viscountess. He knew better than to push her into something before she was ready. He loved her and wanted to be sure she was happy.
Their guests began to arrive, and the three of them greeted the parade of friends. Silas’ cheeks hurt from smiling so much. The house slowly began to fill up with friends and relatives, many of whom he hadn’t seen since the funeral.
Silas saw Lucy the moment that she walked up the steps and his heart felt so full that he feared it might burst. She was dressed in a lemon-yellow silk gown and wore a pair of cream-coloured kid gloves.
Her brown hair was arranged in curls, framing her cheeks, the rest of it pulled back in a low, elegant chignon. He beamed when he saw her, a warm, bright feeling blooming inside of him. She had on a plain grey cloak to keep her warm, which she handed to Mr Morton to hang up.
“Miss Wilds,” he said, taking her hand, then bowing. She curtsied delicately. “You look stunning.” He was proud to say that he was courting her. The neckline of the dress was cut low, baring the pale swell of her breasts. His eyes were drawn to it immediately.
“Thank you, My Lord,” she murmured, her eyes catching the aim of his gaze. The grin that she shot him was pointed. She turned to Miss Joan Wilds, who stood behind her. “My aunt and I are most grateful for the invitation.”
He turned his gaze to the aunt, beaming at her. “Miss Wilds. So good to see you.” It truly was—he was so pleased to have them both here. He hoped that Lucy liked the changes he had made to the house—he had done them with her in mind.
“Thank you, Lord Thornbridge. It’s good to see all of you,” Miss Joan Wilds was then gasping over Dinah’s blue gown, which afforded Silas a moment to speak with Lucy.
“I hope that you’ll save the first dance for me,” he murmured to her.
“Of course, I will,” she said, then she and her aunt moved the rest of the way inside. Silas’ attention was then called away by Lord Browning, who had just arrived at the door.
Silas grinned. He felt like he was floating, his mind on the myriad ways in which he and Lucy could sneak off for a private moment.
