Page 50 of The Earl's Christmas Deal
“Do not pretend, Emilia, it does not suit you,” Charlotte said, a hint of steel in her voice. “He has barely left your side all day today. When you fell on the ice on the way back from the village, I thought the connection between you both might melt the snow away altogether!”
Emilia could not help herself; she laughed loudly at her friend’s phrasing.
Charlotte placed the final pin into her hair, pulling down a single strand to hang in front. She hoped Lord Spencer might repeat his actions at the lake and curl it behind her earagain. The sensation of it had been wickedly enjoyable, and Charlotte’s heart was singing at the thought that he might make his intentions known tonight.
“And what about you?” Emilia asked archly. “Lord Spencer skated with you all day today and has made you laugh far too many times to be polite.”
Charlotte gave her a fond smile. “He is amusing.”
“Hah!” Emilia exclaimed in a most unladylike fashion. “We know plenty ofamusingmen; none of them have ever made you laugh as much as he.”
The door opened abruptly, admitting her mother, who looked beautiful but harried, as she flapped her hands irritably at Emilia.
“Emilia! You are needed downstairs; will you stop dallying?”
But in the midst of her tirade, as Charlotte stood, Lady Sternwood paused, her eyes looking Emilia up and down with such approval that it rather startled her daughter.
“My dear, you lookverywell indeed. That gown is exquisite.”
Emilia glanced at Charlotte, her brow lowering as she frowned in confusion. “Th-thank you, Mama,” she replied.
Her mother approached her, smoothing a hand down the side of her dress and inspecting the fabric, holding it loosely between her thumb and forefinger.
“Thank you,” Lady Sternwood said gently. Her eyes were wide and affectionate suddenly. “For all your support over the last few days. I feel that I have not been fair to you these last few years, and I am reminded what a wonderful daughter you are in times like this.”
Emilia’s heart clenched at the sincerity in her mother’s gaze, for a moment it was just as it had always been between them—before the scandal had ripped them apart.
“I am looking forward to a brighter future for you with the duke,” Lady Sternwood concluded, and the shining moment of joy died an infinite death. Emilia forced a smile.
“You’re welcome, Mama.”
Her mother placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and left the room. Before she had even closed the door, Charlotte’s fingers were entangled with Emilia’s, and the two women looked at one another in despair.
“That was a nice thing for her to say,” Charlotte murmured.
“Yes. It’s a shame she had to ruin it at the end.”
“Come on. This ball will be a chance for some fun, at least. And it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. There is much for us to be cheerful about!”
Emilia could do nothing but laugh as her friend pulled her from the room.
***
They made their way down to the ballroom. More candles had been placed around the corners of the room, and the decorations were more heavily dominated by gold colouring and fabrics.
Her mother had instructed the guests to bring the ‘season of Christmas’ with their attendance, and there was a flurry of tartan, red, green, and gold about the room.
Many women had red feathers in their hairand beautiful gowns. Emilia had already worn her deep red gown and, therefore, had chosen gold tonight but with a dark green sash. She also had holly in her hair, which was much commented upon.
She stood amidst the milling crowds, listening to the rumble of voices all around her. She was frantic with excitement suddenly, Charlotte’s reminder that Christmas Eve would be the next day had made her position all the more real.
After tomorrow, Lord Bellebrook will speak with Father, and everything will be settled. I just have to endure tonight and the next two days—then all will be well.
As if summoned by thought alone, it was at that moment that Lord Bellebrook was announced to the room.
Emilia turned, and the whole world faded away. Any illusions she had about their arrangement being only one of convenience also faded. Adam looked exquisite. Tall, stately, and every bit the earl he was, he was perfect in his strict black-and-white evening attire, and his cravat was intricate and flawless.
A tie pin at his neck sparkled in the candlelight. It was dark green, matching his waistcoat. Emilia swayed sideways as Charlotte nudged her pointedly.
