Page 56 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
“Yes, my love,” Virginie gushed. “I noted that down. Thank you. Now, moving on…the reception will be with everything…wedding, cake, champagne, all sorts of delicacies, I want it all…it has to be memorable…”
Catherine listened as her sister moved on to decorations, the wedding breakfast, the venues, the speeches, the toasts, and so on.
“Ah, Cate!” Virginie only then noticed Catherine in the doorway, listening and smiling. “Do come and join us. We need your opinion on everything!”
“She means we need you to agree with what Virginie has chosen,” Aunt Prudence spoke, much to everyone’s amusement, as they all chuckled loudly.
“Well, yes,that,” Virginie agreed, which led to another bout of boisterous chuckles as they all huddled on the sofa and the chaise lounge to talk more.
Catherine smiled warmly, genuinely happy for her sister. “Virginie, it is so beautiful to see you so happy.”
“It seems that we all got what we deserved, the happiness we have always been looking for,” Virginie agreed.
Catherine couldn’t help but reflect on the journey they had all taken to reach their happily ever afters. The twists and turns, the challenges and obstacles, and the profound bonds of family and love that had seen them through it all.
With a contented smile, she thought about how they had faced adversity, made difficult choices, and grown stronger in the process. Their lives were now intertwined with those they loved, and they had built the foundation for their own fairy tales.
As Catherine gazed at her growing family, she felt a deep sense of gratitude for the love and support that had brought them to this point. They had all been through so much together, and now, they were reaping the rewards of their resilience and enduring bonds.
They spent the following two hours together, after which they all needed to prepare for the festivities that were planned for the evening.
By some miracle, Arthur’s mother and Lady Fontwell had agreed to work together to host this ball, although many suspected that the miraculous return of her son had much to do with her change of heart. Catherine was overjoyed at the news when she heard it, thinking this a wonderful end to a year that had been nothing but painful and burdensome.
Catherine took one last look at herself in the looking glass, anticipation tingling in the air as she prepared for the grand New Year’s ball. Her chosen attire was a stunning creation of elegance and sophistication, befitting the occasion.
Her dress, a vision in the softest shade of lavender, was adorned with delicate lace and intricate embroidery. It featured a high neckline and long sleeves, adding a touch of modesty to the ensemble while still highlighting her grace and beauty. The bodice was beautifully tailored to accentuate her slender figure, and the skirt billowed out gracefully, flowing with her every movement.
Her hair, honey-colored and glossy, was styled in loose, cascading curls that tumbled down her back and over her shoulders. Wisps of hair framed her face, emphasizing her expressive eyes and radiant smile. To add a touch of sparkle and sophistication, she had fastened a discreet tiara adorned with tiny, glistening gems that caught the light in a subtle, enchanting way.
With each finishing touch, Catherine’s beauty and grace shone through, and she knew she was ready to step into the new year with elegance and charm, with the man she loved by her side.
The journey to the assembly halls in Brighton was short and filled with anticipation. Upon their arrival, the family greeted both of the hosts, stepping to the side as Catherine waited for Arthur’s arrival.
Catherine observed James and Margot as they made their entrance into the grand ballroom, arm in arm. Their faces radiated joy and love, and it was evident to anyone who gazed upon them. James, with his disfigurement now hidden beneath a cloth wrap, appeared to be the picture of happiness, and Margot, by his side, was positively glowing.
The couple moved gracefully as they joined the other guests on the dance floor, beginning a waltz that was as beautiful and harmonious as their love story. They twirled, swept, and glided together with an air of elegance and unity that warmed Catherine’s heart.
A soft smile played on Catherine’s lips as she watched James and Margot whirl across the floor. Their love story was a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. She felt genuinely happy for them, knowing that they had found their happily ever after, just like she had.
Arthur made his entrance into the ballroom, and Catherine couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his presence. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored black coat with a white waistcoat, which accentuated his broad shoulders and lean figure. His cravat was perfectly tied, and the subtle sheen of his polished black shoes completed the ensemble.
Catherine admired the way the candlelight in the ballroom danced on his dark hair, casting enchanting shadows across his chiseled features. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief and warmth as he made his way through the crowd, acknowledging the greetings and well wishes of the other guests. But he only had eyes for her, as he moved through the crowd, nearing her with each step.
As Arthur drew closer to her, Catherine’s heart raced, and her breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t deny the magnetic pull he had on her, and it seemed that, even in a room full of people, their connection was as strong as ever. She marveled at the man before her, knowing that he was the love of her life and the one she would soon call her husband.
“May I have this dance?” he asked without even a greeting as he extended his hand towards her.
“This one and every other for the rest of our lives.” She nodded, accepting his hand, allowing him to lead her among the other dancing couples.
Their plans for the future filled the air around them as they glided gracefully across the ballroom floor. Cate couldn’t help but smile, listening to Arthur’s earnest words. She was grateful for his willingness to accommodate her dreams and career as a writer, even if it meant traveling to London during the Season.
“I don’t mind where I am as long as I am next to you, my love,” he said as he twirled her away from himself, only to welcome her back into his arms. He truly was a marvelous dancer, and she had only come to realize this about him. She wondered how many other new things she would come to know about him, how many other pleasant surprises awaited her in their future life together.
As he held her in his arms, she felt as if her heart would jump right out of her chest. She locked eyes with him, only to see his sparkle with love and adoration. His smile was a promise of forever that they were yet to live, and she couldn’t wait to spend every single day with him.
As the music played on, Catherine realized that perhaps she didn’t need to be in London to find inspiration. Brighton, with its picturesque seaside and vibrant community, had its charm, too. She turned to Arthur, her heart brimming with love and contentment for this man who had taught her so much, who had been with her through everything, and now together, they found their path.
“Thank you, my love,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “But you know, I’ve come to appreciate Brighton more than I thought I would. With you by my side, it’s the perfect place to build our future.”
