Page 143 of From Rakes to Riches

Theodore raised his brows in a gesture meant to prompt Huntington to continue.

“We’re all to attend Lord Prinn’s masquerade ball this Saturday evening. I had Prinn add you to the invitation list now that you’ve returned to London.”

“A ball?” Theodore said with less enthusiasm. “I thought you mentioned a countryside drive for our outing. A chance for us to relax, become acquainted, and take in nature. I hardly think a gathering in kind to Lord Prinn’s extravagant entertaining sounds ideal. It doesn’t lend itself to your initial intention.”

“Oddly enough, it’s does, in quite the opposite manner. Hear me out.” Huntington popped out of his seat and paced before the fireplace. “My lady is newly arrived to London and anxious to partake of the Season’s festivities, albeit she’s feeling a little nervous. She’s always dreamed of attending a fancy affair and Prinn’s event couldn’t be grander.”

“Go on,” Theodore said, willing to tolerate more of Huntington’s convoluted explanation if in the end it made sense of the situation.

“Since the party is a masquerade, it offers all the advantages of jovial enjoyment without any of the uncomfortable pressure one might encounter in a smaller gathering,” Huntington continued. “You and your lovely lady can dance the night away and only reveal your identities if you choose to do so. No one knows if you leave early.”

“Or arrive late,” Theodore said mostly to himself.

Lola performed Saturday night and afterward she’d need time to get ready. Huntington sat back down and fell silent, apparently allowing Theodore a few minutes to consider the idea. It was true Prinn’s gathering would provide Lola a chance to become more comfortable in a large social setting within the ton, while at the same time offering her total anonymity.

He certainly liked the idea of her dressed to the nines. She looked beautiful in whatever she wore, but he could only image how breathtaking she would be in a decadent ballgown, her long silky hair arranged in an elegant style. He would surprise her with something pretty to wear around her neck. He didn’t know what gemstone she preferred, but tonight at Margaret’s dinner he planned to find out.

“What do you think?”

Huntington’s impatience cut into Theodore’s fantasy, forcing him to focus on the conversation again. “I like the idea.”

“Prinn’s masquerade is one of the most sought-after invitations of the season. Everyone who is anyone will be there,” Huntington continued, committed to his persuasion.

“And by your logic, since we’resomebodieswe should attend?”

“Indeed!” Huntington replied with a wag of his head.

“Then I suppose it’s decided,” Theodore said. “But I’ll be arriving late on Saturday so let’s plan to meet in the foyer at midnight. With everyone masked, it will be impossible to find you in the crush otherwise and I’d very much like you to meet the lady on my arm.”

“Brilliant idea,” Huntington said as he aimed for the door. “Until Saturday, Essex.”

Huntington left and Theodore strode to the window, the rain reduced to a steady drizzle now. He hoped Lola would embrace the idea of attending Lord Prinn’s masquerade ball. Huntington was correct in mentioning it offered both ladies a chance toexperience the thrill of an extravagant event without giving a thought to witty conversation and censure by the ton.

But for now, he would focus on Margaret’s dinner invitation. With any luck, Viscount Sidmouth would prove as charming as Wyndham had reported and at last, one of the concerns occupying Theodore’s mind could be put to rest.

25

Lola grasped Theodore’s hand as she exited the carriage, careful to stay beneath the umbrella Jenkins held over head. Once inside, she was relieved to see Margaret’s warm smile as they were welcomed in the foyer. Lola had worried over how she’d be received, even though Theodore had assured her they would all enjoy a pleasant evening together.

Holding tight to his elbow, she walked with him into the sitting room where the window casements remained draped in black crepe and a mourning wreath hung over the fireplace. Viscount Fremont’s passing was a reminder of the strange path which brought her to this moment, yet the mood inside the room was light. Introductions were made all around and while the two men shook hands Margaret scurried to Lola’s side.

“Hello Miss York,” Margaret said. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Thank you,” Lola said sincerely. “Please call me Lola. I hope we’ll be able to become friends.”

“I do as well,” Margaret replied. “So much has happened lately, an informal visit like this is exactly what I need.”

With conversation off to a smooth start, the evening proved to be as amiable as Theodore promised, and soon they were all engrossed in convivial chatter around the dinner table.

“I can’t imagine balancing on a tightrope, Lola,” Viscount Sidmouth said, his eyes bright with interest. “Surely there must be a trick you employ so you won’t fall.”

“I wish there was,” she said, placing her fork on the edge of her plate. “But I’ve only my concentration to keep me company when I’m up there above the crowd.”

“She’s magnificent. You must see her,” Theodore boasted. “Once it’s acceptable for Margaret to return to a social schedule, we’ll plan a splendid evening at Vauxhall.”

The pride in Theodore’s voice warmed Lola from the inside out.

“Yes,” Margaret agreed cheerfully, “and Colin and I will finally be able to go ahead with our wedding plans. If only Stephen was here. Then all would be right.”

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