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Chapter 6
Afew evenings later, Mina lay on her bed staring at the ceiling unable to fall asleep. The earl had kissed her…and, even more alarming, she had returned that wicked embrace quite passionately. For the dozenth time, she pressed trembling fingers to her lips and closed her eyes recalling the taste of him, the powerful and arousing feeling of being pressed against his body.
A welcome breeze fluttered in through the window, cooling the aroused heat on her flesh. How could a single kiss be so earth shattering?
Mina feared she was becoming ensnared in the coils of love and lust. Again. Though if she were honest, as a girl of sixteen she had been more infatuated than in love, nor had she felt desire. It had been years since she allowed herself to be this close to another man, and once again it was for someone that would never marry her.
“Why am I so silly?” she muttered in the dark, rolling over to bury her face in the soft pillow. “It makes no sense to like the earl. None.” Striving to not think about him, she closed her eyes with the fervent hope that she would soon succumb to sleep. Thankfully, they had no lessons until next week. She needed that space to clear her head and shore up her resolve.
Mina awoke several hours later, feeling rested even if a bit overheated from the ridiculous dream she’d had. With a light laugh, she pushed from the bed and rang for Sally who worked in all capacities of the household, even sometimes serving as her maid. A short while later, refreshed from a bath and dressed in a simple, yellow day gown, Mina went downstairs and met Aunt Imogen in the parlor.
Mina collected a few sandwiches and a slice of cake, placed them on a plate, and sat. Her aunt artfully prepared the cup of tea for her.
“You should be having a proper breakfast,” Aunt Imogen said. “Once again you overslept.”
“I daresay cakes are good enough.” She took a healthy bite of the lemon slice, murmuring her pleasure. It had been months since they’d had sweets and delicacies at the table.
“Mrs. Cobbs informed me you’ve paid her back wages and also up for the next month.”
“I have,” Mina said, “and I also paid Sally.”
Her aunt nodded and looked away at the fire. Mina got the sense her aunt was mortified about the entire situation.
“Aunt Imogen,” she said softly. “Please do not be melancholy.”
“A sweet young lady such as yourself should be attending balls and looking for a good man,” her aunt said with a heavy sigh. “Not working.”
Mina wrinkled her nose. “I value my independence and I do enjoy my work.”
Her aunt slid her a considering glance. “How are the Fairbanks?”
Mina hesitated, fighting the blush wanting to rush into her cheeks. Her aunt’s eagle eyes did not miss anything, but thankfully she did not comment.
“I have only met Fanny and Lizzy Fairbanks thus far. They are quite lovely and gregarious. As I understand it, the earl also has triplet sisters, but they are currently in Bath with their mother and three other sisters.”
“Gracious me,” her aunt said. “In Bath with six girls? What a tangle!”
“Not all of them are out. Julia, the youngest, is only fourteen. They should be returning to town soon. Lady Celdon is helping the earl to plan his first ball. I gather she will also act as his hostess, or his eldest sister Lizzy might do so.”
“And what of his brothers?”
“All in town, but I have not met them as yet. They are aware they will eventually be on the receiving end of my etiquette lessons,” she said with a laugh. “The earl wanted to buy more copies of my book for each of his siblings but has to suffice with passing it around like it is the holy grail. I had to explain after selling only forty copies it went out of print.”
A knock sounded and Mrs. Cobbs bustled inside holding a letter.
“This came for you, Miss Mina.”
Her heart leaped and for a wild moment hope blasted through her. Had her mother or one of her sisters finally responded to one of her letters? She reached for it with shaking hands and hurriedly opened it.
Dearest Miss Fernsby,
I have been invited to Lady Pomeroy’s midnight ball, and the old dragon has explained the great honor of being on this list. I am taking this opportunity to attend with my two eldest sisters, Fanny and Lizzy. This will be their very first ton ball, and I invite you and your aunt to accompany us for the evening. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Anticipating your objections, I have taken the liberty to procure you a ballgown with suitable slippers and gloves for the night. Settle your feathers, I only mean it as a token of friendship and kindness. If you wish for me to deduct the cost from your salary, I shall with no objections.
Yours,
Colin Fairbanks.
It was then she noted Sally hovering in the doorway with three shopping boxes in her hands.
