Page 148 of From Rakes to Riches

Fate must have taken pity on her because the carriage slowed to a crawl as it joined the procession of conveyances on the gravel drive of Lord Prinn’s estate. They would exit soon and needed to prepare.

“Let’s not forget our masks,” she said, excitement chasing away any lingering doubt.

Theodore lifted the bench and reached inside the storage compartment hidden below to remove a small bag. He took out her disguise first, a delightful Columbina half mask decorated with gold filigree against a white silk background. The ornate detail and satin ribbons would complement her gown perfectly.His mask was of the same style and sewn from black velvet with similar trim, the two designs made to be worn together.

A sense of intimacy filled the interior as they took turns tying the ribbons for each other. She’d removed her gloves to do the task and Theodore’s hair was silky soft as it brushed against her skin. Filled with desire, the night was becoming increasingly more magical.

When they stepped from the carriage, the lantern-lit walkway overflowed with guests in all variations of disguise from full mask to narrow domino with matching cloak. A prickle of awareness skittered through her; the sensation not altogether welcome. The Duke of Leinster could stand beside her during the event and she would never know. Although, her appearance would be just as much a mystery.

“Are you ready?”

Theodore’s rich voice beside her ear calmed her nerves. She grasped his arm tighter and they entered the grand event. The sight before her was like nothing she’d ever experienced. When she lived in Ipswich, the Duke of Leinster didn’t entertain at his country seat aside from an annual St. Michael’s Day gathering which included everyone from stable hand to family member.

Here, in the foyer of Lord Prinn’s estate, Lola believed she’d entered another world in all its grandeur. Large floral arrangements and swags of greenery decorated every surface from column to cornice. Candelabras and crystal lanterns reflected golden light throughout, while the beckoning melody of the orchestra could be heard just beyond the busy entryway.

“Let’s dance,” Theodore said, his fingers clasping hers where they rested on his elbow. “I’ve already waited too long to waltz with you.”

He smiled down at her and her heart thudded, a flush of contentment and adoration settling soul-deep. She had to find a way to resolve her future because the thought of saying goodbyeto Theodore was no longer a logical decision. She’d never survive the heartbreak of losing him. With that solitary thought, she stepped onto the dance floor and into his arms.

27

Lola floated across the tiles as Theodore led her through the waltz, his mastery of the steps as accomplished and elegant as everything else she’d learned about his life. Whenever she glanced upward, he matched her gaze. The emotion she saw in his eyes made her feel as though they, alone, occupied the dancefloor. Yet the ballroom was crowded with guests, uninhibited by their masks and engrossed in flirtatious conversation as they sipped champagne.

“Would you be comfortable in this world, Lola?” Theodore swept her through another turn, the dance step adding to the dizzying perplexity of his inquiry.

As if he’d read her mind and peeked into her heart, he had asked the same question she’d considered too often.

“Yes,” she said a beat later. “With you beside me, I believe I can do anything.”

He smiled as the music faded, their lovely waltz at an end.

“Let’s take some air. It’s nearly midnight and we’re due to meet Huntington soon.” He offered his arm and they made their way outside through the rear doors of the ballroom.

A polished stone terrace extended around the perimeter of the estate and continued down a flight of stairs into a neatly manicured garden decorated with tall stem silver candelabras and an assortment of ornately shaped topiaries. Lola breathed in the refreshing air, happy to escape the noisy ballroom for a few minutes. When they paused beside a large urn overflowing with fragrant lace-cap hydrangea, she wondered if Theodore had brought her outside to steal a kiss, surprised when he reached up and untied the ribbons of her mask instead.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, startled by his actions even though they stood alone.

“Nothing at all,” he said as he removed his mask next and set them both atop a nearby podium. “But there’s something I’ve wanted to tell you and I’d rather we were unmasked when I do.”

A spark of panic passed through her. They’d just enjoyed the most romantic waltz. He couldn’t possibly intend to share bad news.

Nevertheless, doubt crept in and, as she stared up at him, she wondered if this was the moment she’d worried about, when he reconsidered their relationship or told her he no longer saw a future for them together because they were far too different. In the span of a single heartbeat, every fear she’d worked at keeping locked away threatened to take hold.

“I’ve been waiting for the right moment, a perfect moment, to tell you something,” he said, his voice low and serious as he touched a gloved finger beneath her chin and tilted her face higher. “But I’ve come to realize there is never going to be the perfect moment, because every moment I spend with you is equally as precious. They’re all perfect moments.”

“Oh, Theodore.” She sighed, relief sweeping through her, followed by the warmth of his affection. She needed to tell him she felt the same. He should know all the love she kept in her heart.

“When I returned to London I came home, but only in the most fundamental sense of the word. At least that’s how it appeared until events brought us together. Then it seemed incredibly important I was exactly where I should be. Since meeting you, my heart has insisted I take notice and when I did, my life changed. I know our relationship hasn’t followed a predictable courtship, but that doesn’t matter to me. I’ve fallen in love with you, Lola.”

“Theodore…” she said in a hushed voice as she reached up and placed her hand along his jaw. “If you’ve spent any time wondering about my feelings, then I regret not sharing them sooner. I love you, Theodore. I want you to know. I want the whole world to know!”

He didn’t say another word as he gathered her into his embrace, their kiss at first tender and reverent, then heated and passionate. When they finally broke apart, the air practically vibrated with expectation.

Still wrapped tightly in his arms, she pressed her cheek against his chest. “I can’t help but?—”

“No.” He stopped her from saying what remained in the way of their future happiness. “We’ll find a way to solve that problem. Just not tonight.”

“You’re right. We’re here together at this wonderful event and we should enjoy every minute.” She withdrew and picked up their masks. “Let’s return inside. I’d like us to waltz again if it isn’t too close to midnight.”

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