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Chapter One
Elm Park, Surrey, England, 1821
Bella looked downat the adorable, chubby baby in her arms. “Zachary looks like an angel,” she said to the baby’s mother, her sister, Carrie, the Marchioness of Pennington. Carrie gazed at him fondly.
“He won’t be if his father is anything to go by.”
Bella had just seen her brother-in-law riding out over his lands with the bailiff. Nicholas’s greatest love aside from his family was his vast estate with its beautiful park, dense woodland, and meadows of rolling green dotted with sheep. He also took a personal interest in the lives of his tenant farmers, helping where he could.
She carefully placed the baby into the waiting arms of his nurse, and after Carrie kissed his nose, causing him to squeal happily, left the nursery with her arm tucked into Carrie’s. “What are you wearing to the Count and Countess Von Abensburg’s Christmas ball?”
“The lilac. Are you pleased with your new gown?”
“I prefer deep colors, but I expect to wear white for years until I marry or become a spinster, and then I could wear a potato sack if I wish, and no one will notice.”
“Heaven forbid that you become a spinster.” Carrie laughed. “I don’t know why you expect it to be ages before you meet someone you like. I know what a passionate soul you are, dearest. When you meet the right man, you will fall in love and wish to marry.”
“I shan’t let it interfere with my career.”
“No, of course not. How wise you are. The embroidery on your gown is exquisite. It is delicate and appropriate.” Carrie doubted Bella could have both a loving marriage and a career in music.
“It shows rather a lot of my chest.”
Carrie laughed. “That is the fashion. White sets off your wonderful red hair to perfection.”
They ambled along the corridor toward the grand staircase. “Wasn’t it kind of the countess to invite you to play the harp for her guests? Are you nervous?”
“A little. But it’s my hope it will aid my future career.” She glanced anxiously at Carrie. “I am grateful to Nicholas for agreeing to it.”
Carrie nodded without comment. They were both aware of Nicholas’s preference for Bella to marry. “Everyone will enjoy your performance. And afterward, there will be dancing. Just think, your first dance.”
“I shan’t have met many of the gentlemen.”
“Lord Crispin Waldermere’s mother told me he plans to attend. He will ask you to dance. Remember, you danced with him at the last assembly.”
They descended the stairs into the great hall. “Yes. He seems very serious.”
Carrie smiled sympathetically. “Oh, poor Crispin. He’s very taken with you. And so he should be. My pretty sister.”
Bella turned to gaze at Carrie. She was unquestionably the beauty of the family. If it were possible for her to marry, Bella wanted the man to be just like Nicholas. So kind, clever, and honorable. He became Jeremy and her guardian after their father died three years ago, and he made her feel safe. She remained deeply moved and grateful for his bravery when he had fought to keep them protected from an evil relative prepared to stop at nothing to gain the barony. He and Carrie, married more than two years, were still very much in love. While it was wonderful to see her sister so happy, Bella’s wish was to become a famous harpist. She’d performed at musicals, and her music tutor held high hopes for her.
As they traveled in the coach to attend the count and countess’s ball, a snowstorm blew in over London and parts of Surrey. Snow drifts deepened, spreading across the roads, the horses struggling with their footing.
“Perhaps we should not have come.” Carrie peered out the window, although snow obscured the view.
“I suggested staying home,” Nicholas commented, a corner of his lip quirking up. “But my sweet, nothing would persuade you.”
“You were of the same mind, Nicholas.” Carrie wrinkled her nose. “Bella must not miss the opportunity afforded her to play before theton. It is perfectly proper for her to dance at a private ball. It will be months before her Season begins.”
Nicholas took Carrie’s gloved hand and pressed a kiss to it. He smiled. “And you won’t, Bella, if I have to wade through the snow pulling the horses by their reins.”
Bella laughed. “I do believe you would, Nicholas.”
Suddenly, the coach jerked to a stop. With a crack of the whip, the coachman shouted at the horses, urging them to move on, but it appeared their coach wheels were stuck fast.
Nicholas climbed out, sending a blast of freezing air into the carriage, made cozy by the heated brick beneath the seat.
“Goodness, what have I done?” Carrie clasped her hands. “The poor horses.”
