Page 23 of The Earl's Heiress
Arabella was protected in a cocoon as she rested her head against his shoulders, arm around his waist. She was safe. He kissed her on the head, and she melted into him. She could imagine him holding her as they gazed at the stars. Perhaps being married to Temple wouldn’t be so bad. They were forming a bond, and Arabella felt it was a strong bond as he told her about the guilt he felt at his father’s passing. It was deeply personal, and it could not have been easy for him to share it. He was affectionate at one moment and pushing her away the next. Well, tonight, she wasn’t going to have it.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, pleased with her elegantly coiffed upsweep and the loose tendrils that framed her face. Temple was hosting a dinner party to announce their engagement. It was a ball in all but name, but apparently, the English didn’t have balls in the country and most of the festivities were in London for the season. She had chosen a dress with a rich red color and exquisite trimmings made with yards of the finest fabrics. She was dripping in diamonds she didn’t want to wear, but Mama insisted. Apparently, it was impossible to be over-jeweled. As an heiress festooned with gems shouldbe admired both for displaying wealth and being a credit to the society in which she moved.
There was a tap on the door, and her excited sister entered before Arabella could bid her to do so.
“You look absolutely stunning, Bella. You will be the envy of all the stuffy society ladies tonight.”
“You ought not to say such things, Winnie.”
“Whyever not? It is only the truth. They are stuffy and judgmental, so why can’t I say so?”
“You know why, so I need not explain it.”
The maid left the room, and as soon as they were alone, Winnie stood behind her and gazed at Arabella’s reflection.
“You’re positively glowing, Bella. Could that be because Lord Stanford has stolen a kiss?”
“Winnie!”
“You did say that you wanted to spend more time with him and steal a kiss.”
“We’ve only gone on a tour of the estate. Have the guests gathered in the drawing room?”
“They have, and Mama sent me to fetch you.”
“We should go down.”
“Are you nervous?”
“I am, but I’m sure all will be well. Shall we?”
They paused at the entrance of the drawing room and glanced at each other. Winnie winked and gave Arabella’s hand a squeeze. They entered the drawing room, and Arabella saw her parents. Her eyes shifted around the room looking for Temple. When she saw him, there was a sharp intake of breath, and her stomach tightened. She was sure her color was heightened by her anticipation. He was impeccably dressed, and there was not a stitch of clothing out of place. His suit was well-tailored and hugged his broad shoulders. The light from the chandelier sent a shimmer of pale light over his hair. It reminded her of how silkyand smooth his hair felt when she ran her hands through it. She looked forward to relishing that feeling again. His face lit up with a smile as soon as he saw her, and he made his way across the crowded room to greet her.
Arabella gazed at the rest of the crowd, who were all staring at her, but they pretended not to. She sensed hostility in some glares. Generational wealth was a symbol of status. These were the people who thought that because they had accumulated wealth over a hundred years ago, while her family hadn’t, it somehow made them better. These were the old elites who derived their authority from hidebound notions of pedigree and decorum. They were only willing to suffer her company because they knew her family had unprecedented wealth. Money made her worthy. It was all nonsense if you asked her.
Temple was by her side. “You outshine them all, Miss Arabella. You are far more stunning than the diamonds that adorn you. Shall I introduce you?”
Arabella saw her mother’s eyes sparkle with pride, and she decided to give the evening her best effort. She moved through the crowd with a smile plastered to her lips until her cheeks hurt. She endured the polite conversation as she moved through the drawing room with Temple. She caught sight of a few ladies peering down their noses at her; their frowns tightly deepened into profound lines of disapproval. The room was quite warm, and although Temple brought her a glass of wine, she was keen to escape to get some fresh air. Arabella headed upstairs to a smaller drawing room with a balcony that overlooked the garden. The night air was crisp and cool and she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. The voices from the garden below drifted up, and she could hear them clearly.
“Her father is no better than one of those robber barons who made their fortune from railroads and lumber in that horrible place.” One lady said, her voice filled with malice.
“She’s highly flashy. Did you see how she was showing herself in all those large diamonds? She even wore one around her waist. Good heavens!” Asked another.
“If she keeps flashing her wealth with such vulgarity, she will look foolish in front of all of London.”
“Did you see the way she started at Stanford across the drawing room?”
“Outrageous! I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
“I cannot countenance why he would choose her over my daughter.”
“Well, I heard she was caught in an awkward position with Stanford.”
“Hence the hasty engagement.”
“Her uncouth voice reveals why she has had to seek social glory abroad. Dreadful. I see she has never been taught proper etiquette.”
One of the ladies harrumphed. “She knows no better, and I suppose it’s partly because of all the time she spent living among the Red Indians in the Colonies. These upstarts lack the polished manners and ingrained respect for tradition that only generations of superior breeding can produce.”
