Page 53 of Enthrall Shadows
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
A middle-aged man dressed in a black peak tailcoat appeared and with the panache of a British butler checked my name off the guest list, permitting me to enter.
I’d chosen the perfect outfit for a garden party: an embroidered cream lace mini-dress with delicate pumps and a silk shawl to wrap around my shoulders.
A member of the staff pointed down a sunlit hallway. “That way, madam.”
“Thank you.” I offered him a warm smile.
Several maids scurried by and I observed them with affection. My momma had dressed in the same black and white uniform. She’d worked tirelessly for us so we could have a better life. A familiar ache found me and I longed to pick up the phone to speak with her.
I peered up at the heavens. “Momma, you’d get a kick out of this.”
On my way down the hall, I passed a six-foot cobalt blue vase that screamed extravagance. When I reached the vast terrace, I had to walk around a statue of Venus, again proving this over-the-top mansion belonged to the ruling class.
I stepped onto the perfectly manicured lawn.
High brick walls covered in crawling ivy framed the expansive lawn and gardens.
Intimate groups had gathered here and there. To my left, a sparkling swimming pool set the scene for a more casual party at another time.
“Ma’am?”
The server offered me a glass. “Thank you.”
I didn’t hesitate to accept the glass of Pimm’s, garnished with slices of cucumber and strawberries.
My heart fluttered when I sawhim.
Henry stood alone in the middle of the lawn, hands tucked into the pockets of his beige linen pants, seemingly daydreaming. His matching jacket reflected a causal mood, the flawless linen cut to perfection and highlighting his broad shoulders. He dragged his fingers through his dark locks as though caught in a thought.
Not that far away, the guests chatted with the vibrancy of family.
Thiswas a Cole family event.
Had he invited me so I’d endure judgment from his peers as revenge for taking him to Imperial?
It certainly seemed so.
His parents—who I recognized from the most fashionable magazines—were hosting the bash. Standing with them was an impressive circle of high-society types. A leggy brunette appeared deep in conversation with his mother.
The woman glanced my way and then quickly became disinterested. She turned her back on me.
I wondered if it was too late to withdraw.
A black Labrador with a tennis ball in his mouth bounded up to me wagging his tail. Kneeling, I patted his head, laughing at his cuteness. The dog’s sweet welcome had immediately disarmed me.
Henry strode toward me, quickly closing the space between us. “Have you lost your mind?”
I pushed up. “What do you mean?”
A nauseating wave of doubt washed over me.
“Can’t believe you came.” He smirked as he reached for my hand and planted a kiss on my wrist. “You accepted my invitation. Bravo!”
His touch made my skin tingle with pleasure.
“I see you met Dex,” he said warmly.
