by Fanny Finch
“Thank you, although it was many years ago.”
“I hear the pain never fully goes away.”
“No. Not really, but it softens with time.”
All the while, the men had held each other’s gaze, both of them standing at almost the same height. Good thing Lady Evelyn was a very tall woman herself.
“That is very comforting. I shall look forward to those days.”
Lord Grendon’s response was a curt nod. Then, clearing his throat, he asked,
“If you would not mind, I would like to steal the lady Evelyn away for a while. She suffers from shortness of breath and the room is starting to get more huddled.” His gaze returned to Evelyn.
“The gardens here are a beauty. A walk would be lovely and shall afford you the chance to catch some fresh air. I would like to escort you, my lady.”
Evelyn looked at Sebastian, as though seeking permission. Samuel did not like that one bit, but Sebastian was enjoying this too much.
Nodding, he took her hands in a kiss.
“Till we meet again, my lady.”
“It was an honor, my Lord.”
“The honor was duly mine.”
As those words left her lips, Samuel took her hand, all but dragging her away, sparing Sebastian naught but a curt nod.
He watched them go, laughing, certain that this was the start of something beautiful and in no time, Evelyn would be wedded to the man she loved.
Feeling like he had done a great deed, he turned to go find the woman he was beginning to like very much.
Chapter 10
As Sebastian made his way through the crowd, in a bid to get to his woman, he thought about how the night had been thus far. He had arrived almost two hours ago, intent on getting some inquiries done before the evening’s event properly started.
He had been aware that once the ball was officially declared open with the first dance, very few men would want to waste precious time having business conversations when they could be wooing ladies.
No, those were usually done early on, or much later on. Another ideal place to have those conversations were gentlemen clubs, but Sebastian had known that there was wisdom in first introducing himself at a more social gathering, before seeking to be welcomed into their clubs.
After all, he had been gone all of four years, and not many would welcome him back like he had never spent a day outside of England. He had recognized many of the looks he had been given tonight, even taken note of seemingly offhanded remarks.
He was now seen as more of a foreigner, than one of their own. That would not do if he hoped to gain access to knowledge that would help him on his secret mission.
So, he had woven his way through the crowd, with a charming smile on his face, reestablishing acquaintance with everyone who had worked with his brother and could help give him information regarding who had murdered him.
Just as it had begun to get easier, the mothers and their daughters arrived. It was common knowledge that Sebastian had been added to the list of eligible bachelors who was indeed, looking to take a wife.
Distracting him from the work at hand, they had flocked one by one, with enticing smiles and high pitched voices, introducing their lovely daughters and hinting that he asked them for a dance.
Sebastian had warmly suffered through it, not letting his disappointment show, until Evelyn had come along. Oh, she had been a breath of fresh air indeed.
Now that she was gone and well on her own quest of love, he had to start the second quest that had brought him here tonight, his lovely lady Liliana.
Perhaps, later, when the end of the night drew nigh, he would resume his business with the men.
She came into view just then, her beauty shining effortlessly. Everyone else fell away and Sebastian could no longer care if the men were looking at her, as though they were seeing an angel for the first time.
How could he fault them? She inspired such emotions with any man with two eyes.
She was smiling politely at Lord Crawford, her hands still in his. Sebastian suspected the man was not willing to let go of it. A wave of envy stirred in his heart but he put it aside and took three more steps until he came to stand only a few feet away.
She must have felt him because she turned in that moment to behold him.
The light in her eyes twinkled and her lips widened even further, making her smile much warmer than the polite one she had had for Crawford. This smile was private, and he knew, Sebastian knew that it was one of a kind, reserved simply for him.
Unable to help himself, he smiled just as hard in return and closed the distance between them.
Crawford, who was a smaller man than he was seemed to have gotten the message. Accepting defeat, he swiftly released Liliana’s hands and begged his leave.
Sebastian knew the man must have weighed his choices, and realized that he truly did not stand a chance. Good. Though he had been away long, it was nice to know that he still commanded a good deal of respect.
Like Crawford, one by one, the men who had huddled around her, waiting and hoping for a chance of introduction turned to go. Pleased, was too simple a word for the prideful emotion that swelled in Sebastian’s heart.
He remained by her side, though, seeking to greet his uncle, first.
“Uncle, I reckoned you would be by much later on. I know how long it takes father, and he only has one woman to wait on.”
Lord Rothwell chuckled, and so did the girls… ever so softly.
“Thankfully, knowing better, I urged the ladies to begin preparations early. I hope we have not missed so much.”
“No. You arrived just in time. The first dance shall begin in no time. Then, the ball shall truly be declared open.”
“Ah. Wonderful. You look gallant tonight, Longcross. I am surprised these mothers have let you have any peace, at all.”
“Oh, they have had their fair turn at barraging me, I assure you. Thankfully I was saved by the lovely lady Evelyn Wimseck who kept my company until the man for whom she’s spoken, came to whisk her away. Good thing it was at that moment, I heard you being announced.” Sebastian paused as he glanced at the ladies by his uncle’s side.
“I knew your step-daughters would be great beauties behold, yet, my imagination failed greatly at capturing the true extent of that beauty. I am certain it is no secret, Uncle, that you hold gems in your possession.”
Sebastian watched as lord Rothwell grinned ear to ear, apparently pleased by the phrase. From the side of his eyes, he could see the ladies blush wine, especially his lady.
“It appears the time away has bettered your way with words. Now, the ladies are certain to be in trouble. A man with decent looks, great fortune, and sweet words is a very dangerous man. Thank God, I can speak for your good character, and it in that faith that I request that you look no farther from home, for that which you seek.”
The meaning of Lord Rothwell’s word was understood, even more so, after the small glance, he cast Liliana’s way.
Sebastian smiled, deeply, and he nodded his head in agreement.
“it is time for a formal introduction, then? I do believe the last time we met, we had our faces covered and I could not tell who was who. I would be grateful for the honor, my lord.”
Lord Rothwell chuckled once more. “My apologies for holding out this long. Ladies, come.”
As he called out to them, they huddled closer to him until all three of them stood, facing Sebastian.
He took an involuntary sharp intake of breath. Seeing the ladies side by side, with barely two feet between them had his breath hitch.
They were truly identical, it was almost impossible. He could tell the difference, of course, but only because of one called to his heart, while the other did not.
They were utterly gorgeous and under the light of the golden chandelier, they shone like the most precious of gems.
“I have never seen anything quite like it,” he gasped softly.
“Identical twins?” Lord Rothwell a
sked.
“Very. Pray tell, how did you learn to distinguish one from the other?”
“You only need to live with them for half a day, my lord. Identical in features, true. Yet, I have never met two people. More opposite in character. This is Nora, older by a few minutes. And this is Liliana, the second half of my heart.”
Lord Rothwell was a wonderful man through and true. Not many men would accept daughters who belonged to another man wholeheartedly. Yet, it was apparent that the emotions he felt towards them were genuine.
The love and pride of a father were clear in his leaf-green eyes.
Sebastian greeted Nora first. Taking her hand, he bowed to drop a kiss.
“My lady, you are as lovely as the blooming rose at the first light of spring. It is a great pleasure to finally behold this beauty. A privilege, I might say.”
Nora warmed all over, her amber eyes twinkling with mischief. She had striking features, and as Sebastian rose, he took notice of them.
Her nose was sharp, her lips pink and thin, her chin stood high and her eyes were pronounced. Her skin, like porcelain, made the dress shine in all its glory, fitting her perfectly.
As Sebastian took in the details of the lovely gown, the laces, the tresses and of course, the ruffles, he smiled in pride, knowing that Liliana had made this stunner.
“And your dress, it is so stunning, I find it I must give credit to its maker. Simply a piece of art, no less.”
Nora giggled then, her voice flirty as she finally responded.
“Oh, my lord, Father was right. You do have your way with words. Careful now, for if you speak to too many ladies this way, I fear their mothers may be at your doorstep before long, demanding that you honor promises of marriage. Why thank you, your words are truly kind. I must confess, you look quite handsome yourself and as for the dress, it was made by none other than my dearest twin, Lilly.”
“Lilly,” that word came out as though he was simply testing how it would taste on his lips- mayhap, he was. It flowed like honey, and it felt as soft as silk. Lilly… he echoed again in his thoughts. Why he had not thought of calling her by that?
It was fitting for the woman she was. Beautiful, sturdy, firm, sensible, just like the flower, Lily.
Feigning surprise, although Sebastian suspected all three of them knew he knew already, he quirked his brow.
“Indeed? Ah. It would appear that the lady Liliana is a woman of great talent. It is a pleasure to finally put a face to the name, my lady. I shall mind your advice and do well to take heed.”
With those words, he stepped away from her and moved to stand in front of Liliana.
“If you would grant me the chance to kiss the hands that have created such magic, then I shall die a man, fulfilled indeed.”
He was rightfully rewarded with crimson cheeks as she put out her hands for him, and he happily took them. Knowing smile perking up his lips, he bowed to kiss them both, ever so softly, slowly. If he lingered, let it be known that he could not be faulted. He had little power over the matter.
Finally rising, he stood at full height and looked upon her face.
There was that stirring in his heart again. Only, it was stronger this time, and as his heart stirred, his belly squirmed.
For the hundredth time, he wondered to himself, what was it about this lady, that affected him so?
Oh, but by God, she was truly beautiful. Now, he could see her face, up close, under proper lightning. Sebastian did not believe he had ever gazed upon anyone lovelier.
Her hair had been done in a bun, tonight. Held with pins right atop her head. Soft tendrils broke free and framed the side of her face, highlighting the color in her eyes, and her egg-shaped face.
Like her sister, she had prominent features. Fierce, but soft eyes, pointed nose, thin, pink lips, and a chin that would cause many women to envy the perfection that it was.
She carried herself well. Her spine, straight. Her shoulders, squared and her head, high. He knew she walked just as gracefully. His very own swan.
His gaze lowered and he took in her dress. It was just as beautiful as her sister’s. Although, with fewer complications than tresses and ruffles brought, she had managed to make a design that was faultless in its right.
And the color… no shade would have suited her better. Not at all. The lady knew her style, this much was apparent.
“I presume you made the one you wear too, not?”
She nodded. “Yes, my lord.”
“Amazing. I suppose I shall merely be repeating what you know and what many must have said, already. Nonetheless, I cannot help but say these words- you make absolutely beautiful dresses, my lady. Almost as beautiful, as yourself.”
Now, her cheeks were flaming but he could care less. She could barely hold his gaze and Sebastian found that he was enjoying this too much.
“My lord, you flatter me.”
“Far be it from me to engage in flattery, my lady. I simply tell the truth. No more, no less. You are like morning sum, warm, fair, and your eyes; the color of the setting sun whose sight holds men enthralled and hopeless to do naught else but watch. I fear you already have such a hold on me, for I do believe I could never tire of looking into them.”
She held his gaze then and his heart stopped. It did. Those eyes, they would be his undoing and knowing this, Sebastian would still let them.
He watched as she struggled for words to say but it mattered not, the emotions that swirled in her eyes were filling. And as he learned to breathe again, his heart warmed at the thought of having rendered her speechless.
Clearing her throat, she found her voice.
“Thank you, my lord. I do think you are a very handsome man, yourself. I had considered what you would look like, behind the masks… I am happy to see that my expectation is exceeded. As for the suit, you wear it well.”
If he was a teenage boy having his first blues, Sebastian knew he would have turned a blushing bride. Remembering his years and experience, he settled for grinning ears, and hope that the warmth in his cheeks was not visible.
“Now, you take to flattery after accusing me so easily?” he jested, his brow cocked.
She saw the jest for what it was. With a knowing smile, she replied, “Perhaps, we have found one thing we share in common, my lord. For I am as ungiven to flattery as you are. An honor to finally make your acquaintance in person.”
“Oh, I assure you, the honor and pleasure, are mine. It is you who I danced with at my ball, is it not?” And who I met at the lake…
Sebastian was certain he was her, but here was not the place, neither was now the time. He did not think Lord Rothwell knew of her escapades yet. He would not be the one to reveal her secret. Never. Only if he felt her well-being was truly threatened.
“It is I, my lord.” Her eyes revealed that she knew the other question he wished to ask, and the answer was yes.
“We danced well together, would you not say?”
“You have good feet.”
“As do you. Perhaps, you might consider gracing me with a dance tonight? Mayhap, the first?”
“I would have loved to, but the first and second is already promised, my lord.”
“Ah. It is just as well, for I have promised mine to the fourth. Yet, I was hoping I could get away with convincing another man to take my spot. Very well then, I shall be happy to wait until you can have me. Until then, do have a very lovely evening, Lady Liliana.”
“And you too, my lord.”
He returned her bow with one of his own. Then, acknowledging Lord Rothwell and Nora once more, he spoke.
“Come, Uncle, the girls would be safe under mother’s watchful eyes. There are new matters which we must discuss.”
“In a bit, Sebastian. I have promised the duke of Southwell that I would see him as soon as I arrive.”
“Very well, I shall wait until then. It is just as well, it appears the first dance is about to begin.”
Before he could say more words, the men to whom
the ladies had promised their dances arrived. Liliana spared him what he would like to believe was a regretful look as she let Lord Roland whisk her away.
He stood watching until they found their spot on the dance floor, and when they began to dance, he turned in search for lady Cecilia. He was a gentleman after all, and a gentleman kept to his words.
Try as hard as he did, those words did nothing to soften the boil of envy in his heart. He looked forward to when he would have his lady to himself once again, and enjoy another back and forth.
Chapter 11