Page 24 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke
Lydia nodded, sighing.
“As am I, Hester,” she said.
Hester busied herself with helping Lydia into her dress. Lydia couldn’t help imagining that the evening ahead might end in the kiss she and the duke didn’t get to share the night they met. She envisioned them twirling around the dance floor, completely forgetting that anyone else was watching. She was, indeed, happy, and she could hardly wait to marry Lord Strawbridge.
At last, Hester got to the last-minute touches to Lydia's gown, smoothing down the delicate lace and adjusting the satin sash. Lydia watched her in the mirror, her heart racing with excitement. She had never felt so beautiful in her life.
“Oh, Lady Lydia, you look like a vision,” Hester exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride. “The duke won't be able to take his eyes off you.”
Lydia grinned, feeling a warm flush spreading across her cheeks. “Thank you, Hester,” she said. “I really do feel wonderful. And it's all thanks to you.”
Hester blushed at the compliment.
“It was my pleasure, milady, as ever,” she said. “Now, let's get your hair sorted and then we'll be ready to go.”
As Hester worked on Lydia's hair, the young woman's mind wandered to the evening ahead. She had been so nervous about this party, worried that Michael would regret offering for her hand, or worse, that he would change his mind suddenly. But now, with Hester's help, she felt confident and happy. She was going to marry the man she knew she could love, and nothing else mattered.
When Hester finished, Lydia stood up and twirled in front of the mirror, admiring the effect of the new gown and accessories.
“I look like a completely different person,” she said, looking at herself with awe.
Hester smiled, her eyes twinkling.
“You look like a princess, milady,” she said. “And don't forget it for a second.”
Lydia gazed fondly at her lady’s maid. The woman looked very happy for her, but there was a sadness in her eyes.
“Hester, what is it?” she asked.
Hester sighed.
“I was just thinking about what I will do with myself after you are married,” she said. “I imagine that your parents would never just put me out. But what will I ever do for them? And how could I stay if you weren’t here?”
Lydia embraced her lady’s maid, tears stinging her own eyes.
“Don’t be silly, Hester,” she said. “I had every intention of you coming with me to Strawbridge. I could never look anywhere near this presentable without you. I could never survive without you, Hester.”
Hester brightened again, and she returned Lydia’s embrace.
“Oh, thank you, milady,” she said. “I would like that very much.”
Lydia nodded, wiping tears from her cheeks.
“Then, so shall it be,” she said.
After one final spray of her rose perfume, Lydia was ready to attend her engagement party. All that was left was for all the guests to arrive. She peeked out of her bedchamber window to find that several carriages were pulling in right that moment. She took a deep breath, working to control her excitement. She would be expected to be elegant and graceful that evening. And she didn’t want to do anything that would embarrass the duke.
As the last carriage arrived, Hester put a hand on Lydia’s back.
“Are you ready, milady?” she asked.
Lydia nodded eagerly.
“I am,” she said.
Lydia took a deep breath and descended the stairs. The room erupted into applause, and she felt a warm flush spread across her cheeks. Her parents, sister, and the Dowager were all beaming with pride. Lydia felt her heart swell with happiness at the sight of them all.
As she made her way through the crowd, she spotted Michael waiting for her at the far end of the room. He looked so handsome in his black tailcoat and white cravat, and Lydia felt her heart race at the sight of him.
