“Lord Harry has asked for you to join him in the drawing room if you are available,” the footman said.
“Oh, of course,” Allan replied. “Please tell him I will be there shortly.”
Allan was sitting in the library engrossed in a book. He was trying to get his mind off of his nerves, and he knew that reading would help. However, spending time with Harry would also help, he assumed, and he wanted to see how he was doing, anyway.
He quickly finished his paragraph, and then Allan closed the book and placed it on the table next to the oversized chair he was sitting in. He hoped to be able to finish the story at some point, but he knew that the events of the weekend would make him quite busy.
Allan stood and straightened his clothing, and then smiled and nodded at the footman who was waiting at the door to open it for him. He continued through the doorway, into the hallway, and then walked the short journey to the drawing room.
The waiting footman entered and said, “Lord Wiltshire is here to see you, My Lord.” Allan heard Harry reply, and then the footman opened the door for him.
Allan walked in, and he saw Harry sitting on the sofa. He was drinking some port and looked relaxed and calm. He stood when he saw Allan, and said “Welcome, Cousin. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to greet you when you arrived.”
“It’s perfectly all right,” Allan said with a smile. “I’m happy to see you now.”
Harry say back down and motioned for Allan to do the same. Allan took a few steps across the floor and sat on the sofa opposite Harry. A footman approached and said, “Port, My Lord?”
“Yes, please,” Allan said. “Thank you.”
He then looked at Harry and said, “How have you been? I heard you were ill last night.”
Harry nodded. “I didn’t feel well, that’s true. I feel much better, today, though. It must have been something I ate.”
The footman brought a glass of port to Allan, and he took a sip. “That happens,” he told Harry. “I’m glad that you are feeling well again.”
Harry smiled, and said “Well, I couldn’t very well miss the ball, could I?”
Allan shook his head. “No,” he said. “Of course not.”
Harry finished his port, and then held the glass out for the footman to refill it. “So, tell me,” he said as he took another sip. “How have you been, Allan?”
“Very well,” Allan replied. “I feel good, business is going well, and I don’t have anything to complain about.” He chuckled.
Harry laughed, and said, “Please update me on your relationship with Miss Crampton. I have been curious about it.”
Allan took a sip of port, and then took a breath. “I did see her, again,” he explained. “I took your advice and asked her to go for a walk.”
“Splendid!” Harry said, though he looked puzzled. “Though you don’t seem happy about it. I would expect you to be beaming over this.”
Allan shook his head slightly. “It didn’t quite work out as planned.”
“No!” Harry said loudly. “Was she not interested? I can’t believe it!”
“She was.” Allan admitted, “But after spending time with her, I learned that I was the one who wasn’t interested.”
“What? Why?” Harry responded. Allan could tell that he was very confused. “You couldn’t stop thinking about her only a few weeks ago.”
“I know,” Allan said. “But she is certainly not a conversationalist, and I kept getting the feeling that she was only interested in me because it would help her social status.”
Harry was silent for a moment, and Allan could tell that he was thinking about something.
Finally, Harry spoke, “How did the meeting end?”
“I walked her back to her home,” Allan said. “And then she said she had enjoyed the walk and wanted to see each other again soon.”
“How did you reply?” Harry asked.
“I didn’t,” Allan admitted. “I simply said that I had to go take care of my business.”
Harry sighed. “So, you are done with her?”
“Yes,” Allan said. “She will always have a place in my life as the person who nursed me back to health, but that is as far as it will ever go.”
“I see,” said Harry, taking another sip of his port. “Perhaps you will meet an eligible lady tonight at the ball.”
“I certainly hope to,” Allan said. “Though, I must admit something to you.”
“What’s that?” Harry asked.
“I will ask Esther to dance with me tonight,” Allan replied.
Harry got a strange look on his face, and then looked directly at Allan. He swallowed and said in a quiet voice, “I wish you luck.” He then finished his glass of port, set the glass down, and said, “I must go back to the stables before preparing for the ball. I hope you understand.”
Allan just nodded. “Of course,” he said, as he watched Harry stand and quickly walk out of the drawing room.
With Harry gone, Allan sighed. He knew that Harry wasn’t expecting that, but he wanted to make sure he knew before he saw them dancing at the ball. He never wanted to hurt his cousin, but he also wanted to make sure that he gave himself the chance to court Esther, and this could be his only chance.
Since he still had a bit of time before he needed to get dressed for the ball, and he still wanted to keep his mind off of seeing Esther, Allan stood and walked out of the drawing room. He looked down the hallway to both the left and right, and he could see the staff moving around busily. Planning a ball took every member of the staff to ensure a successful event, and in a household the size of this one, Allan couldn’t even imagine how many people were hard at work.
As he walked down the hallway towards the entry hall, he could see the house maids filling the home’s candleholders with beeswax candles. As he glanced out of the open door to the outside, he could see footmen setting up lanterns out there, too, as once the sun set, lighting would be necessary for the guests.
Allan turned and walked back down the hallway in the direction he came, and he passed the drawing room once again. Opposite the drawing room, the doors to the dining room were closed, and he could only imagine that there were more members of staff in there preparing for supper.
Two maids passed him with their arms filled with flowers, and they were followed by two footmen, who were carrying mirrors. All four of them were heading in the direction of the ballroom, and Allan followed suit.
When he arrived at the ballroom, he glanced inside and saw an artist drawing on the dance floor with chalk, ensuring that it looked perfect when the guests arrived. He didn’t see any musicians yet, but it was still a bit early.
“Oh, Allan. I almost didn’t see you there.”
Allan turned, and saw Mary standing before him. “Hello, Mary. The ballroom is starting to look amazing.”
“Yes, it really is,” Mary agreed. “I just came to see the progress and it seems like it is going very well.”
“Indeed,” said Allan. “I love watching the preparation for events like this. I have been fascinated by it since I was a child.”
“It is an interesting sight, I agree.” Mary said. “I have to admit that I am quite nervous, though. It’s my first ball!”
Allan chuckled. “I’m sure that everything will be perfect.”
“Pardon, Your Grace,” a housemaid approached. “We may require more flowers.”
“Thank you, Harriet,” Mary replied. “I will check on that.”
Mary then turned to Allan. “Duty calls, I suppose.” She smiled. “I hope this doesn’t take too long. I will need to get dressed soon. I am also supposed to stop in and see my sisters before it’s time to greet the guests.”
Allan smiled back. “I am positive that you and your sisters will all look your absolute best.”
Mary beamed. “Edward said that you could be charming, and I see that he’s right,” she said. “Speaking of my sisters, I hope they enjoy this ball as much as I am sure I will.”
“I daresay they w
ill both get to dance,” Allan said.
“I hope so,” Mary said with a grin. “Especially Esther. Ruth is already spoken for.”
Allan smiled widely. “I’m sure Esther will participate in the dancing.”
“I’m sure, too,” said Mary, still smiling. “I will see you later, Allan.”
Allan continued smiling as he watched Mary walk away, and he understood that Mary was confirming what he thought…Esther wanted to dance with him as much as he wanted to dance with her.
Chapter 19
Esther saw herself in the mirror, and even she was impressed with the work that Rose had done. Though she was never one to have an ego, she truly thought that she looked beautiful.
The candles in the room were dim, but the light from the full moon was shining through the window, illuminating her pale green gown.
“My Lady,” Rose said. “You look absolutely stunning.”
Esther just nodded. She was apprehensive about what would happen this evening, and her nerves were getting to her. She took a deep breath and turned to Rose. “Thank you. I feel amazing.”
Rose smiled widely, and she touched Esther’s arm. “You are ready.”
Esther smiled back and nodded again. “I am.”
“Shall I check to see if Lady Ruth is ready?” Rose asked.
“Please,” Esther said.
She watched as Rose left the room, and then Esther heard a knock coming from the hallway. She heard the voice of Ruth’s lady’s maid, and then Rose walked back in.
“She will be in momentarily, Madam.” Rose said.
Esther knew that sometimes it took Ruth longer to primp, as she was quite particular about her hair. “Thank you, Rose,” Esther replied.
Esther took another deep breath. Though she felt confident about her looks tonight, she was certainly a bit nervous about seeing Allan. She was, however, prepared to speak with him and dance with him. She also hoped that Harry wouldn’t cause any issues. She still had only seen him from afar since she had arrived, but she was sure to see him tonight.
She heard the door open across the hallway, and when she turned towards the door to her bedroom, she saw Ruth’s head come around the doorway. At first, Ruth looked normal, but then shock spread across her face.
“Esther!” Ruth exclaimed as she stepped into the room. “You look beautiful! I almost didn’t recognize you!”
Esther blushed, and then smiled. “Thank you, Ruth,” she replied. “You look stunning, too.”
“Oh no,” Ruth said, shaking her head. “You look much better! Allan won’t know what to do with himself!”
“Ruth!” Esther said, shocked. Her youngest sister had a way of walking the line of what was proper to say and not.
Ruth just laughed. “Are you ready?” she asked. “The sooner we get you down to the ball, the sooner you can see Allan!”
“Yes,” Esther said. Her voice trembled. Things were getting very real, and the nervousness now spread through her body. Even her hands were shaking a bit.
Ruth smiled, and linked her arm through Esther’s. “Let’s go to a ball, Sister.”
* * *
Allan was already drinking Scotch and politely greeting the other guests as they arrived. He looked dapper and felt confident. Harley had done a great job dressing him this evening, and he was already noticing that several ladies had smiled at him from across the ballroom.
Though the ball had not officially been started by Mary, the atmosphere was quite magical. The glow of the candles lit the room well, and the smell of flowers filled the air. The artist’s creation on the dance floor was perfect, but by the end of the night, Allan knew that it would be unrecognizable.
He took another sip of Scotch and again, looked around the room. He had not seen either of his cousins this evening. He knew that Edward would come in with Mary when she opened the ball, but it was unusual that Harry was not here. Allan knew that he was probably upset with him after their previous conversation.
More guests were arriving every couple of minutes, and Allan saw Lord and Lady Booth walk in, whom he had met at Edward’s dinner party. Lord Booth nodded at him from across the ballroom and Allan nodded back. He wondered if the Booth’s had recommended the artist who had created the dance floor.
Allan felt a bit awkward without his cousins, not knowing anyone very well. He stood and watched the musicians prepare for the evening. They were situated in a small nook, out of the way of the guests. The staff had already begun to walk through the room with trays of punch and ices. He finished the last sip of his Scotch and took an icy glass of punch from a passing footman. He took a sip and found the sweet, strong punch quite refreshing.
As he turned towards the entry, he finally saw Harry walk in. He looked quite jolly, and it didn’t surprise Allan at all to see a glass of punch firmly in his hand. Harry looked happy, talkative, and he was already making the rounds to greet the guests. Allan noticed that he stopped to talk to a group of ladies, and from their reaction, it seemed as if Harry was charming them.
Allan smiled, happy to see his cousin enjoying the occasion. Harry looked up and his eyes met Allan’s from across the room. At first, his face was blank, and for a moment, Allan thought that perhaps Harry was still angry with him. However, Harry then smiled at him and raised his glass of punch.
Relief spread throughout Allan’s body, and he returned the smile and the toast. He then saw Harry’s expression change again, into a look of shock, and it seemed he was staring at something behind Allan.
Allan turned, and his mouth opened in amazement. Ruth and Esther had just walked through the door behind him, and he had never seen such beauty in his life. He was stunned.
His mouth immediately went dry, and his heart felt as if it were beating out of his chest. He forgot about everything else in the room except Esther. He couldn’t hear the sounds, and he didn’t see the people. All Allan saw was Esther.
The two ladies took a step inside of the dance room, and Allan saw them both looking around. Esther saw him, and immediately smiled. Her smile lit up the room, and he felt a sense of shock through his body. She couldn’t have looked more perfect, and Allan almost began to panic as she began to walk towards him.
“Good evening, Allan,” she said softly. He focused on her lips and felt a strong need to kiss her.
“You look exquisite,” he uttered, surprised that he could even speak. “Your gown…the color…it’s beautiful.”
Esther smiled and he could see her cheeks redden. “Thank you, Allan. You look very handsome.”
He took a deep breath. Every time she said his name, he grew more attached to her, it seemed. He gathered his courage, quickly, and said, “I hope you will save a dance for me.”
She smiled widely. “I most certainly will. I can’t wait.”
Esther turned to walk away, and he could see her laugh to herself as she moved. He shook his head and still couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked tonight. He thought that she was beautiful every day, of course, but tonight, there was certainly something special about her.
In addition to her beauty, Allan couldn’t help but notice her round, perfect hips and wondered what her legs and thighs would look like when not covered by a gown. He found a wide, rounded womanly figure extremely alluring, and as he thought about it, he felt a jolt shoot directly to his manhood.
Allan lost sight of Esther and was able to get another sip of punch down, if for nothing else but to calm his nerves, and he heard the musicians began to play. He had missed Mary and Edward walk in, and she was opening the ball with a minuet. He immediately wanted to locate Esther, but he knew that he would have other dances, and he didn’t want to seem too eager. So, he stepped over to where Lord and Lady Booth were standing and said, “How are you this lovely evening?”
* * *
Esther’s hands were trembling, but she was so happy about Allan’s willingness to dance with her. The first dance had already begun, and she was hoping that Allan would come to her and ask her to d
ance the second dance.
“What happened? You must tell me!” Ruth had found her and obviously was very interested in finding out about the conversation she just had with Allan. Though her fiancé, David, had been invited, he was unable to make it due to a family obligation. So, Esther was fairly confident that Ruth was very interested in hearing about her conversation with Allan, as to live vicariously through her.
“He looks very handsome, of course,” Esther said. “And he said that he was hoping that we could dance tonight.”
Ruth smiled widely and took Esther’s hands in her own. “I am so happy for you!”
Lusting For The Broken Earl (Steamy Historical Regency) Page 17