Page 35 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
Annabelle shook her head, preparing to tell her that she didn’t think so, as the butler had let her in and that Penelope hadn’t yet come down. But an interruption stopped her words mid-breath.
“I do now,” Penelope said, rushing inside the kitchen and throwing her arms around Annabelle. “Are you all right? What brings you here on such short notice?”
Their embrace was a comforting embrace, one that spoke of years of shared memories and unspoken understanding. Annabelle found solace in the presence of her dear friend, knowing that here, she could unburden her heart without judgment.
As they settled into the cozy sitting room, Annabelle's fingers nervously traced the delicate pattern of her gown. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to share her news. The words danced upon her tongue, eager to be released into the world.
“Penelope,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “I have news to share, news that fills my heart with both joy and trepidation.”
Penelope's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned forward, her genuine interest palpable. “Pray, do tell, dear Annabelle. What has set your heart aflutter?”
A smile tugged at the corners of Annabelle's lips as she unfolded her tale. “I am betrothed, Penelope,” she revealed, her voice carrying a mixture of wonder and disbelief. “Adrian, the man who has captured my heart, has sought my hand in marriage.”
The air seemed to still for a moment as Penelope absorbed the weight of Annabelle's words. Then, a knowing smile spread across her face, a gentle light shining in her eyes.
“Ah, my dear Annabelle,” she whispered, her voice filled with warmth, “love often sprouts in the most improbable of places.”
Annabelle's heart fluttered at Penelope's words, their truth resonating deep within her soul. Yes, Adrian and she had come from different worlds, their paths intertwining in a manner deemed unlikely by society's standards. But love, she realized, was a force that defied conventions and bloomed where it pleased. She just hoped that it pleased to bloom between her and Adrian.
She certainly felt fond of him, and she figured that he must feel a fondness for her, to offer to marry her, just to save her from torment. Would that be enough for them to have a happy life together, however?
***
“Oh, heavens, Sarah,” Annabelle said later that afternoon as she flew around her room in her bath robe. Her skin was freshly washed with her rose and sage soap, her hair already styled neatly in ringlets that were pinned to her head with diamond encrusted combs. “I could have never imagined this would be my life.”
Her lady’s maid, who was chasing her around the room, trying to fasten her diamond necklace to her, laughed.
“I couldn’t tell,” she said with a giggle.
Annabelle turned to face the maid to see her holding the necklace. She stopped sheepishly, allowing her lady’s maid to put the necklace on her. Then, she hurried over to the bed, pointing to the gold dress she had selected.
“Do you think this is the right dress to wear?” she asked. “Is it enough? Is it too much?”
Sarah laughed again, taking Annabelle’s hands.
“You sound as though you have never attended a dinner before, Miss Ludlow,” she said. “You must calm yourself so that I can help you finish getting ready.”
Annabelle bit her lip, giving the maid an apologetic look.
“Forgive me,” she said. “I am just so nervous to be meeting my future aunt-in-law.”
Sarah gave her a knowing look.
“Or is it that you wish to impress both her and your future husband?” she asked.
Annabelle wanted to dismiss the thought. After all, she and Adrian were out for a marriage of convenience. It was only to save her from a bleak, miserable life with Lord Spencer. But as she surveyed the gold dress, which was now in Sarah’s hands, she knew that wasn’t all there was to it. At least, not for her.
“Let’s get me dressed,” she said, blushing as she avoided the question. “I haven’t much time left.”
A short while later, Annabelle was dressed in her gold silk gown, heading down the stairs to the carriage that would take her to Thornwood Manor with Sarah, who would act as chaperone. Her lady’s maid gave her a bright smile, patting her shoulder reassuringly.
“You look as lovely as a princess,” she said.
Annabelle nodded, her nerves burning as if on fire. That might be true. But would she get along with Adrian’s aunt? Or would his aunt disapprove of their union and try to convince Adrian to call off their betrothal?
When she reached Thornwood Manor, a footman helped her from the carriage. He then escorted her to the mansion, waiting until they had reached the bottom of the stairs to leave her. As she ascended the staircase, each step seemed to carry her closer to a future she had longed for, a future intertwined with Adrian's love. The butler greeted her with a respectful nod when he answered her knock on the door before escorting her into the splendid drawing room. The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the walls, casting a warm ambiance upon the space.
Adrian stood near the entrance, his eyes alight with anticipation as he caught sight of her. A smile played upon his lips as he extended his arm, offering it to her with a flourish. Annabelle's heart skipped a beat as she accepted his gesture, their fingers intertwining with a delicate touch.
