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30
Aphrodite
“Never has Everely seen anything such as this,” Evander said, astounded. We were both on horseback as he gazed at the house. “It seems that everyone is abuzz with this ball of yours, desiring to secure an invitation. Even my banker asked if he and his family were on the list. And he did not seem to believe me when I told him I knew nothing of any list.”
I grinned and nodded. “Mr. Marworth’s invitation shall reach him this afternoon. He should at least see why there is such a large hole in the accounts this month.”
“So you are aware of the excitement you’ve caused then?” he mused as our horses passed groundskeepers planting decorations.
“It is my first ball. It must be a tad excessive,” I answered. Then as if to prove my point, or his, the animal keeper walked by, nodding to us. In his arms were the peacocks I wished to have wandering the grounds.
“A tad excessive?” He laughed at me. “Aphrodite, I have never seen such decorations, not even at the palace!”
“You are exaggerating. This is nowhere near as fantastical as the palace—well, maybe close,” I said the last part quickly.
“Good morning, Your Graces,” additional decorators said, their arms full of silk ribbons.
I nodded down to them. “Good morning.”
“Pray tell, men, what on earth are you carrying?” Evander asked.
If we had not been on horseback, I would be tempted to kick him!
“Silk, Your Grace, for the trees,” one answered.
“For the trees?” he exclaimed.
“Carry on. I shall explain!” I waited for them to go before glaring at Evander, who was still grinning at me. “Leave my decorations be.”
“Very well, wife, but what will you do if it should rain?” he asked, speaking my greatest fear aloud, as I had no remedy for nature.
“Do not use your mouth to curse us!”
“I think I foresee at least drizzle.”
“Evander!”
He laughed, then rode ahead of me, and I followed after him.
“If it rains, I shall lay the blame at your feet.”
“Surely you cannot think to blame me for poor weather.”
“I can, and I shall, for it has been beautiful the last several days.”
I had announced this ball a few days ago and put most of my effort into securing all that needed to be done. I was grateful that Nanny Phillipa was here for Emeline as I worked. Emeline was wary of her, but not hostile.
“I heard Mrs. Topwells tried to visit yesterday,” he said as we entered the forest.
“She did, but I rejected her, as I was far too busy. I did respond, though, and of course, sent her an invitation.”
“You have written back and forth quite a bit. Why have you taken to this girl?” he questioned.
“I feel something is amiss with her,” I said, trying to think of the best way to explain it. “Maybe I just see myself in her.”
“I have not spoken to the girl, but I am very confident there is no comparison. You are the daughter of—”
“Yes, yes, I know the difference in our status, despite her wealth. It is not that.” I frowned as I looked at him. “I know what it is like to be enraptured by a man. And sometimes, when I look at her giggling and smiling, it reminds me of how I was at that age with you. So young, so in love, so…blind.”
