“Mother,” Mirabell whispered under her breath.
Just then, one of Lady Burkett’s friends who was meeting the women for tea saw them speaking and approached. Introductions were made, and Lady Burkett’s friend distracted her a bit as Lady Mirabell continued showing her desire for Lord Dunkirk to walk with them.
“Mother, it would only be for a short while,” Mirabell muttered, her eyes pleading with her mother to please reconsider.
“It will be very brief,” the earl said and glanced at Lady Burkett.
Before Lady Mirabell could even answer Lady Burkett nodded. “If it is to be brief, then so be it, but we cannot be long. Additionally, I have a few things to discuss with my friend, so please do walk on ahead a bit.”
“Very well, my lady,” Lord Dunkirk exclaimed, as he held out his arm towards Lady Mirabell. “Shall we?” Lord Dunkirk asked Lady Mirabell rather gallantly, unfazed by Lady Burkett’s orders.
“Indeed we shall,” Mirabell blushed slightly and glanced at her mother. “Thank you, Mother.”
“Well, yes, do enjoy yourselves,” Lady Burkett stated, nodding curtly.
The opportunity to steal away with Fredrick was one Mirabell found to be an unbelievable surprise. As the two of them made their way through the gardens, followed by Lady Burkett and her friend, Mirabell secretly prayed that the opportunity to have him court her might arise.
“I had been meaning to respond to your letters as soon as I read them, but I had many things on my mind, and...” Lady Mirabell’s voice trailed, and she lowered her gaze.
“There is no need to explain. I understand the death of Lady Marjorie weighed heavily on your heart, on your entire family’s hearts,” the earl assured her.
“No, that is not an excuse. You and I have been friends for a very long time, and I should have allowed you in. I was angered when you left so suddenly, too immersed in my own misery to realize that you too mourned the death of a loved one. I am truly sorry I was not the friend I had promised I would be,” Mirabell said slowly, enunciating her words. “I wish to make things right between us, whatever it takes. I wish for us to be close again, as we were.”
Lord Dunkirk smiled slightly, feeling the weight of the past year suddenly lift off him, and he glanced at Mirabell.
“What is it?” Lady Mirabell asked and tilted her head. “Why are you looking at me in such a way?”
He stifled what he actually was going to say and started, “I am attending the St. James Charity Ball tomorrow eve, my lady. Will your family also be in attendance?”
“We have been invited, my lord?” Lady Mirabell said timidly. “Honestly, I have been avoiding all social gatherings, but if you are there, it will make me feel more at ease.
“We have much to catch up on,” the earl stated as they found their way towards the tea rooms.
“It is settled then. I will be in attendance,” Lady Mirabell answered with a smile, and she stepped closer to Lady Burkett to tell her the news.
“Mother, Lord Dunkirk will attend the St. James Charity Ball tomorrow. I think that since he will be there, I will have the strength to go also.
“I see,” Lady Burkett stated dryly. She was torn inside — happy that her daughter was getting out into society but unhappy that Mirabell would see more of Lord Dunkirk.
“It will be a pleasure to see you and Lord Burkett there,” Lord Dunkirk answered, not in the least intimidated by Lady Burkett. “Hopewell Estate, it is directly opposite to the—”
“The Bath Gardens, I am well aware of the estate,” Lady Burkett answered.
“Of course you are,” Lord Dunkirk stated with a nod.
Lady Burkett narrowed her eyes slightly as she pondered whether or not her daughter’s attendance at the event would be beneficial now that she knows that Lord Dunkirk will be there. Perhaps he would then reveal to her that he is betrothed. Lady Burkett wondered where his betrothed was and whether she would also be at the ball.
“We will be there with our daughter but very preoccupied with our friends. Ms. Nora, Mirabell’s chaperone, will also be present and will not allow Mirabell to leave her sight.”
“This is such an unexpected delight, Lady Burkett,” the earl said gleefully.
Lady Burkett nodded wordlessly.
“Until tomorrow, my lord,” Lady Mirabell chimed.
“Good day,” Lady Burkett said and pulled on Mirabell’s arm to leave. Lady Mirabell followed the two women along the pathway which led to the tea rooms. She felt that her mother had been very abrasive with Lord Dunkirk. Mirabell glanced at Lord Dunkirk over her shoulder and gave him a small and discreet wave. When he reciprocated the gesture, Mirabell’s cheeks colored, and she could not get herself to leave. She watched him for a few moments until she heard her mother mutter her name and she turned away.
Lady Burkett and her friend entered the tea room as did Mirabell.
Mirabell smiled and closed her eyes for a brief moment, her lids once again revealing the ghost of Lady Marjorie, whose bright smile indicated that she approved of Lady Mirabell’s new development and hoped she would follow the path to see where her journey might take her should she continue to see Lord Dunkirk.
A coy smile overtook Lady Mirabell’s lips. Perhaps her mourning could finally end. Perhaps Mirabell could find love after all.
After meeting Mirabell and Lady Burkett in town, Fredrick rushed to his home in Bath. His driver opened his front door, and he rushed inside. “Victor,” he yelled, “send for my attorney! I wish to have this betrothal to a stranger eradicated. And write a letter to be delivered by mail coach to Scotland. Inform Lady Amelia’s father of my intentions immediately.”
“Yes, my lord,” his manservant said in a rushed tone and with a victorious smile.
6
The following evening as Lord Dunkirk made his way to the ball, he found himself in deep contemplation. He had expected Lady Mirabell to look magnificent and as exquisite as she had when he saw her in town the previous evening. The dark blue dress she wore fit her perfectly and made her skin glow in the evening light.
What he did not expect was the nervous feeling building up inside him as his coach slowly made its way to the ball. Lord Dunkirk knew the area that his coach passed very well, as he had spent many lonely days and evenings riding along the streets of Bath in his coach.
The earl had not realized that Lord and Lady Burkett had family living in Bath, but honestly, there was nothing which surprised him any longer. If he and Lady Mirabell could find one another once again by being in the very same place at the very same time, it was clearly fate that caused them to be a support to one another.
Lord Dunkirk’s guilt suddenly rose up inside him as he thought of Lady Amelia and what on Earth she would think if she were to see him with another woman, even someone who was only a childhood friend. She would most certainly not be very happy with his choices while she was away tending to her ill mother.
As Hopewell Estate came into view, Lord Dunkirk attempted to swallow the lump in his throat, but his heart pounded fiercely in his chest. The coach came to a halt, and the coachman opened the door. Lord Dunkirk climbed out of the coach unassisted, as he had always done, and stepped down onto the cobblestone pathway, a white-gloved servant, who awaited the arrival of all the guests, opened the door for him.
Upon entering the ball, Lord Dunkirk noticed that he did not know many of the lords and ladies, but the sight of Lady Mirabell and her family had given him new energy. The vast ballroom of the estate, which always held eight crystal chandeliers, was now also decorated with lovely flowers. The flowers included white, Starfighter lilies which filled the entire place with a sweet fragrance like an expensive perfume. Lord Dunkirk breathed in the smell deeply. He was equally delighted and relieved that he was able to spend an innocent and friendly evening where he could chat a bit with Mirabell as he was still recovering mentally from the loss of his father.
Lord Burkett stood near the ballroom doorway, and Lord Dunkirk cleared his throat
to speak to him.
“Good evening, Lord Burkett,” said the earl politely and held out his hand towards Mirabell’s father. “Splendid to see you on this capital evening.”
Lord Burkett smiled in approval and shook Lord Dunkirk’s hand. “Good evening, my lord. Wonderful to see you as well.
“How are you enjoying your time here in Bath, my lord?” the earl asked.
“It is very calm here, which is wonderful considering the trauma and heartache we experienced in Bristol,” Lord Burkett answered, “but it is a welcoming change for us all.”
“Indeed. I felt the same when I came here. It feels as though I am permanently on holiday.”
“Yes, yes,” he said nodding and watching the people pass by. “My wife, on the other hand, feels as though the town could do with a bit more life. However, I prefer it exactly the way it is,” Lord Burkett said.
“When are my lord and my ladies traveling back to Bristol?” Lord Dunkirk inquired.
“Not for a while. It had been my intention to ensure that my family and I stay here until our mourning has reached a low,” Lord Burkett answered. “Although now that you are back in Mirabell’s life, she seems to be doing exceptionally well.”
“Is she?” Lord Dunkirk asked, suppressing a smile.
“Indeed,” Lord Burkett nodded and peered around to ensure that Lady Mirabell was not standing nearby. “My daughter would most certainly die from embarrassment if she became aware that I told you this, but I heard her singing in her room this morning.”
“Coincidence, perhaps?”
“I do not believe in coincidences, my lord, which is why I find your presence here in Bath rather suspicious,” Lord Burkett answered in a hushed tone while watching people pass by in their exquisite clothing.
Lord Dunkirk pursed his lips briefly and said to Lord Burkett, “My lord, I can assure you that I had absolutely no manner in knowing that you and your family would be coming to Bath. I had been here for more than five months, residing at my late father’s estate. There was no manner in which I could have possibly known these things of which you are so subtly accusing me.”
“I am not accusing you of anything, my lord. I am merely stating how odd it sounds to me,” Lord Burkett answered. “My lord must also remember that while you and our daughter had your absence, life carried on, plans were made and things happened.”
“I am aware of that,” the earl stated with his eyes searching Lord Burkett’s face for a hint of what kind of plans were made or a glimpse of what he spoke of.
“Good,” Lady Mirabell’s father said, putting his hand on his hip. “It would be a crying shame if she had to find out about the things you do behind her back.”
Lord Dunkirk narrowed his eyes slightly and was uncertain whether he was referring to Lady Mirabell or Lady Amelia, but either way, Fredrick did not like this conversation. Instead of acting upon Lord Burkett’s carefully disguised threat, Lord Dunkirk simply chose to remain quiet and pretended to be caught up in the things going on around them in the ballroom.
A short while later, although it had felt much longer than merely a while, Lady Burkett approached the two men.
“Good evening, my lady,” the earl greeted her politely, with a warm smile.
Lady Burkett acknowledged him with the same indifferent manner that she had treated him the previous day, and Lord Dunkirk still did not know why. Although, at that moment, he was much too anxious to see Lady Mirabell.
“Mirabell will be along shortly.” Lady Burkett told them.
A moment later, Ms. Nora came up, dressed in a rather lovely dark green dress. “Good evening, my lord,” Ms. Nora greeted Lord Dunkirk.
“Good evening,” the earl greeted her in return.
Ms. Nora stepped to the side allowing Lady Mirabell to be seen and Lord Dunkirk’s eyes widened in awe and wonder as his gaze rested on Mirabell.
Mirabell wore an exquisite, burgundy-colored gown with golden ruffles, which had an intricately embroidered bust and lace trim. Her light brown hair was pinned out of her beautiful face with a tendril hanging down, brushing her cheek every now and then. Her eyes were bright and focused on Lord Dunkirk’s, and Mirabell tilted her head ever so slightly.
“My lady,” the earl said rather breathlessly and cleared his throat.
Lord Dunkirk spent another few moments staring at Lady Mirabell, before once again clearing his throat.
Lady Mirabell had quickly agreed to attend this event because she was overcome with joy after their seeing Lord Dunkirk, such that she had forgotten what it truly meant to attend a public event. This would be an occasion where people were expected to be sociable and content as they mingled about. It was a situation that Mirabell had not mentally prepared herself for, and suddenly, her inhibitions and thoughts began to get the best of her. Her heart started to beat faster and faster as fear crept in. Mirabell could only hope to keep her wits about herself and not make a fool of herself.
The grief and anxiety this caused her was more than she made apparent, however, as her lips continued to rest in a sweet and somewhat forced grin. Lord Dunkirk did not seem to notice, as his gaze continued to set upon her. By this time, Lady Mirabell had averted her fair features and profound gray eyes away from Lord Dunkirk, out of fear that he would notice the ever-present tinge of red that had taken residence upon her cheeks. Only he could produce such a reaction, of course, but Lady Mirabell did not want to humiliate herself any further than necessary after just reuniting with him.
Mirabell had excused herself and had taken to the powder room with Ms. Nora.
“Is everything alright, Mirabell?” Ms. Nora asked as Lady Mirabell stared at herself in the mirror.
“Indeed, Ms. Nora. I had simply forgotten how not to embarrass myself or Lord Dunkirk or you.”
“And why would you do such a thing, my lady?” Ms. Nora asked. “You are one of the finest young women I have ever known. I am quite certain you do not know how to embarrass yourself,” Ms. Nora pointed out.
Lady Mirabell smiled and answered, “That is very kind of you to say, Ms. Nora, but I think that I have been isolated for far too long. I do not wish for Lord Dunkirk to think that I am a humiliation.”
“My lady,” Ms. Nora said and looked into her eyes directly, “please trust me when I say this, my lady will never be an embarrassment to Lord Dunkirk, no matter what my lady does.”
“Why would you say that?” Lady Mirabell asked shyly with tears entering her eyes.
“Have you not seen the manner in which he gazes upon you, my lady? Have you not noticed the manner in which his eyes light up when he speaks of you or the manner in which he basks in the sound of your laughter?” Ms. Nora asked.
Lady Mirabell’s lips curved into a slow smile, and she shrugged her shoulders. “Ms. Nora, you see so many things which others, myself included, do not see.”
“Perhaps, or others are merely too blind or preoccupied to see,” Ms. Nora pointed out.
“Thank you, Ms. Nora. You are once again the pillar I can always lean on when I require assistance or support.”
“It is, as always, my absolute pleasure,” Ms. Nora said with a warm smile. “Now, perhaps you wish to speak with Lord Dunkirk privately on the terrace?”
Mirabell glanced at Ms. Nora in slight disbelief and shook her head. “I am not allowed to be alone in his company, Ms. Nora.”
“Perhaps, but your mother and father are here. We are all very near, and everyone can see through the windows to the terrace, even though it is dark” Ms. Nora said with a wink.
Mirabell took Ms. Nora’s hands in hers and smiled gratefully. “You are an angel.”
Mirabell and Ms. Nora made their way back to where Lord Dunkirk and Lord Findley stood in a rather deep conversation. Lady Mirabell listened tentatively, counting the seconds until she could finally speak with Lord Dunkirk privately.
Lady Mirabell seemed to have been so preoccupied with pondering over what she wished to tell Lord Dunkirk that she did not even notice
when Lord Findley excused himself.
“Lady Mirabell,” Lord Dunkirk began, “Are you alright? You appear a bit preoccupied.”
“There is something I wish to discuss with you, my lord. Shall we step out onto the terrace?” Lady Mirabell asked.
Lord Dunkirk glanced at Ms. Nora with a furrowed brow and leaned in closer to Lady Mirabell. “Surely that is not permitted.”
“You used to be such a rebel when we were younger, my lord,” Lady Mirabell whispered coyly, and he glanced at her. “It is rather public on the terrace, I assure you," she said laughingly. “Are you coming?” Lady Mirabell whispered in his ear, as she discreetly brushed her hand against his back before disappearing through the crowd of people.
Lord Dunkirk glanced at Ms. Nora, who seemed rather oblivious to Lady Mirabell’s antics, and Lord Dunkirk merely went along with them. He had done this many times in his life, and he was yet to be disappointed by them.
The earl had both admired and adored Lady Mirabell’s manners and her adventurous nature, and at times wished he could be as adventurous as she had been. She had inspired him to try new things, and her carefree ways made him feel less stressed about things which were not within his control. Of course, this philosophy did not sit well with Lord Danbury at all, but Lord Dunkirk had not allowed it to discourage him.
As he stepped out into the warm summer evening, Lady Mirabell stood on the terrace, her hands resting on the balustrade. Her gaze was fixed on the dark horizon, and she looked absolutely breathtaking in the moonlit night.
“You are rather courageous this evening,” the earl pointed out as he stood beside her.
Mirabell opened her mouth to answer, but she was too afraid to say a single word. She was terrified of telling him how she felt, allowing herself to be vulnerable in front of him. Terrified that he might reject her, declaring that he did not feel the same as she did.
Lord Dunkirk immediately noticed her hesitance and pouted. “Is everything alright, my lady? Surely, I have not begun to scare you away already?” Lord Dunkirk asked in jest. As usual, he brought a reddening tinge to the apples of Lady Mirabell’s cheeks, just as a soft giggle emitted her lips.
Regency Engagements Box Set Page 78