Hugh scowled. “I wish I had more to offer her.”
“A wife you love is what’s important. The details about the future, including the blunt to fund dreams, will sort themselves out.” He glanced out the window. “Do take care though. The weather might not cooperate with travel.”
Hugh remained where he was, staring at the fire, long after the sound of the front door closing reached him. How could he possibly convince Lucy to give him a chance?
Lucy drew a shaky breath as she turned in a slow circle before Emma. “How do I look?”
Twelfth Night had arrived, ten days since she’d refused Hugh. She never would’ve guessed in a thousand years that she’d be in London, along with Aunt Edith, at Emma’s townhome, preparing for another ball.
This might be her first London gathering, but that wasn’t what had her nerves fluttering.
“Perfect.” Emma grinned. “That gown is stunning on you.”
The white satin with silver embroidery was a dream, adding another layer of surrealness to the evening. Seed pearls strung on wire graced her hair, and she felt like a princess.
Yet all of her efforts were for naught if Hugh didn’t come though Emma assured her he’d received an invitation.
The last week had been a whirlwind filled with heartfelt conversations with her family and more changes than she had dreamed possible.
Aunt Jane had decided Aunt Edith shouldn’t live alone with only Lucy for companionship. At least, that was how she’d proposed it to Aunt Edith. Aunt Edith had been coaxed into agreeing. Aunt Jane had pulled Lucy aside and apologized for not interfering sooner, stating that she hadn’t realized how secluded Lucy’s life had become. Or how difficult Aunt Edith had grown.
Lucy had protested, insisting things were fine as they were. But Aunt Jane persisted until Lucy confided her fear of reaching for happiness only to lose it again. That she couldn’t bear to have her life destroyed a second time. She’d told Emma everything as well, including the kisses with Hugh. Lucy had cried more tears in the past week than she had since the months following her parents’ deaths. But they had been cathartic ones.
Emma had surprised Lucy, being more supportive and understanding than Lucy could’ve guessed possible of her normally selfish cousin. Emma appeared to have gained a better understanding of how fortunate her life was. She’d also decided Viscount Jameson was the one, and everything about her had softened since. The viscount seemed to feel the same, and Lucy believed some serious wooing would commence from this evening forward.
Lucy would live with her aunt and uncle for the time being and would have a Season. Aunt Edith was going to spend half the year with them as well and half the year with her other niece who lived near Bath. While she complained about the new plans, she seemed to enjoy the attention, and her spirits had lightened considerably. She’d even agreed to attend the ball this evening.
When Uncle Andrew had advised Lucy that he’d provide a dowry for her, Aunt Edith offered to add to it. He’d also advised her that he approved of Hugh and had a proposition for him regarding his plan to breed horses should Hugh and Lucy come to an understanding.
“What if he doesn’t come?” Lucy asked as she met Emma’s gaze in the cheval glass.
“Then we’ll invite him to call on the morrow.”
“But what if he thinks you’re interested in him?”
“He won’t once he sees you. He won’t even remember my name.”
Lucy chuckled, just as Emma had meant her to, but her nerves were still strung tight. “Viscount Jameson will be here soon. Are you excited?”
The gentle smile and delicate blush that lit her cousin’s face answered for her. “Yes. Oh, Lucy, you were so right. Why didn’t I realize how I felt about him?”
“I’m just pleased you did and that he feels the same.” She drew a deep breath, but it did little to settle the flutters. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” Emma wound her arm through Lucy’s and moved toward the door. “To a tremendous evening, and the beginning of a new life for both of us.”
“To us,” Lucy agreed, though she couldn’t completely shut out the doubt. Would Hugh come? If he did, would he forgive her for her previous refusal?
Hugh greeted Mr. and Mrs. Waverly in the receiving line, surprised by the warmth of their welcome. Worry filled him for the reason behind it. He wanted to speak with Emma, but only to ask for her help to improve his chances with Lucy. That meant he’d have to tell Emma that her cousin had captured his affection, which was going to be an uncomfortable conversation. He hoped she suspected as much based on his abrupt departure from the house party.
The weather had taken a turn for the worse the past week just as Thomas had predicted, keeping him from driving hell-bent-for-leather to the village where Lucy lived. He told himself that he needed time to think about what to say since he had so little to offer her other than himself and his love. However, a grand idea had yet to occur to him. Hence the reason he needed to speak with Emma. He was determined to do everything in his power to earn Lucy’s love.
Upon entering the crowded ballroom, he caught sight of Jameson and Emma standing together. One look at the pair suggested they’d reached an understanding, and the realization filled him with relief. That was one less hurdle for him to cross. He nodded at a few acquaintances as he moved toward them.
“Good evening, Hugh.”
The familiar voice had him turning even as his heart leapt. “Lucy.” Breath rushed out of his lungs at the sight of her, looking stunning in white with her dark hair swept up elegantly. He couldn’t believe she was standing before him. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”
“I hoped to surprise you.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and he wasn’t certain what to make of it.
“You did, indeed. In a wonderful way.” He drank in her appearance, parched from their days apart. “I’m so pleased you’re here. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you well?” He couldn’t read her expression. Nor did he understand why she was here.
“I am now.” She glanced down at her clasped gloved hands. “I was hoping to speak with you.”
“Oh?”
Her quick look around suggested she’d prefer a more private place to converse. “Would you step into the other room with me for a moment?”
“Of course.” He offered his elbow, sighing at her touch. The hope filling him as they walked was impossible to rein in. He told himself to slow down, that he might be misinterpreting her presence, but his heart galloped ahead.
She guided him to a small receiving room just down the corridor, careful to leave the door ajar.
“First, I’d like to apologize for my behavior.” She bit her lip, as if uncertain how to explain. “I realize I’ve been allowing fear to rule my actions. To pick safety over a chance at happiness.”
He reached for her gloved hand. “That’s understandable given what you’ve been through.”
“Perhaps. But I don’t want to live that way anymore.” She held his gaze. “Not now that you’ve shown me what’s possible.”
He smiled as happiness filled him. “I came this evening to speak to Emma.”