Love for her husband swelled in her chest. She hadn’t told him how she felt, but she would soon. Perhaps when she told him about the babe. Which she wouldn’t do yet. It was far too early, even if she was all but certain.
There was something else she should confess—the deception of pretending to be his tutor.
A light rap on the door drew Sabrina to rise from the stool at her dressing table. Answering the door, Sabrina was pleased to see it was Evie. Her friend bustled in, her dark purple gown shimmering in the candlelight. “Sabrina, you are a vision! This is going to be the most wonderful ball.”
Closing the door, Sabrina pivoted toward Evie, smoothing her hands over the gold and ivory gown. The thought behind it was to be a mix of debut, which was the ivory, and dazzling, which was the gauzy gold overskirt. Gold stitching and ribbon were worked into the ivory as a further complement.
“The pearls are an excellent choice.” Evie inclined her head toward the necklace encircling Sabrina’s throat. She also wore matching earbobs.
“They belonged to Constantine’s mother. I’ve never been bold enough to wear them before. He insisted I do so tonight.”
“I’m glad, for they are a brilliant accessory to your costume. I’m so happy for you and Aldington. I can’t help thinking your inner happiness is giving you a special glow tonight.”
Sabrina nearly blurted that it was perhaps due to carrying a child but diverted her thoughts to keep from spilling the secret before she was ready. “I think I’m going to tell Constantine that I was his tutor. Tonight—after the ball.”
Evie blinked. “But this is such a wonderful occasion. Why darken it? In fact, do you need to tell him at all?”
“I think I must.” Sabrina frowned. “He deserves the truth.”
Evie took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You both benefitted, and I think you’d both agree it was worth every moment.”
Was it worth keeping a lie? Sabrina wasn’t sure she agreed, but she could see postponing her confession. “You’re right that tonight is a singular occasion.” After all, she had a lifetime to tell him the truth, though she wouldn’t wait that long.
Letting go of Sabrina’s hand, Evie smiled broadly. “Indeed, it is. You are going to be a triumph!”
Sabrina didn’t share Evie’s confidence, but she certainly appreciated it. While she’d made great progress in conquering her anxiety since returning to town, tonight would be an entirely new experience. She prayed all would go well and that the nervous tremors flitting throughout her body were for naught. She just needed to make sure that she sought quiet and solitude if she felt overwhelmed. As the hostess, that would be difficult, but she would try.
Constantine would also provide support. He made her feel like she really could conquer her trepidation. Just thinking of him settled her nerves and spread a calming warmth through her.
There was another knock, which Evie offered to answer while Sabrina donned her gloves. Cass and Miss Lancaster came into the room, the former bubbling with energy and the latter as cool and serene as ever.
Cass froze and stared at Sabrina, her gaze sweeping over her costume. “Oh, Sabrina, what an absolutely gorgeous gown. I am quite jealous.”
Sabrina laughed. “Stop. Your wardrobe is stunning, and tonight’s gown is no exception.” As a young lady in her first Season, Cass would typically wear pale colors and white or ivory. However, her ball gowns, in particular, were often constructed of more vibrant colors. Tonight’s was burgundy with silver accents. It was dramatic and eye-catching. Sabrina still didn’t understand why gentlemen weren’t knocking each other over to claim her hand.
Gloves in place, Sabrina took a final look in the glass. She took a deep breath and faced the other women. “I want to thank each of you for being so kind and wonderful since I returned to London this Season. I could not have managed this ball, or many other things, without your guidance and support, but most of all your friendship. I have never had friends before, and I can see that it was because I hadn’t met you yet.”
Miss Lancaster let out a rather loud sniff and immediately clapped her hand over her mouth and nose. The normally unruffled young woman’s eyes rounded, and her cheeks flooded with color. “I beg your pardon,” she murmured.
Cass moved to her side. “Everything all right, Pru?”
“Quite.” She pinched her nose, then lowered her hand. “I was just trying not to sneeze is all.”
Sabrina didn’t think that was the case at all but would let the woman provide whatever excuse she wanted. She recognized and understood a person who wanted to stay out of the spotlight, who preferred to be completely unremarkable.
Another rap on the door drew their attention. This time it was Mrs. Haddock wearing a slightly harassed expression that drove a stake of cold fear straight into Sabrina’s chest.
The housekeeper glanced toward the other ladies in the room before settling her attention on Sabrina. “There is a slight issue with the musicians, my lady. If you’re ready, would you mind accompanying me to the drawing room?”
“I am ready, thank you.” She glanced toward Evie. “Perhaps you should come along.” Sabrina had learned it was quite acceptable to ask for help, and she had no problem doing so.
“Certainly.” Evie accompanied her from the chamber, and they made their way to the drawing room where the musicians were setting up their instruments in the corner.
Sabrina could already see what was wrong. Because she could count, and one member was missing. Over the next five minutes, she listened patiently as the cellist explained that their missing member was sick, but that she would not notice their absence. Sabrina only hoped that was true.
“Don’t fret,” Evie said, touching Sabrina’s arm. “This is a minor inconvenience.”
“You’re right. It’s not as though the champagne is bad.” Oh dear, what if the champagne or another beverage was bad? It wasn’t as if she could sample every one of them, and even that wouldn’t give her complete confidence.
“You mustn’t worry.” Evie’s voice was soft and earnest, reassuring.
“I am doing my best.” Sabrina saw her husband enter the drawing room and felt instantly calmer. “Pardon me.” She walked toward him, and he stopped short, his gaze arresting on her.
Constantine’s eyes slitted, seeming to smolder as he stared at her. “You are lovelier than you have ever been. My mother’s pearls are perfect on you.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the inside of her gloved wrist. “I despise these gloves, however.”
Smiling, Sabrina told him about the musicians. He surprised her by shrugging and saying if that was all that went amiss tonight, they should consider themselves fortunate.
Her good humor fled. “Are you saying you expect something else to go wrong?”
He squeezed her hand. “Not at all. It will be spectacular.”
Haddock interrupted them, his brow creased. Sabrina tensed more than she already was.
The butler address Constantine. “I beg your pardon, my lord, but we had an accident with the champagne supply. I don’t think we’ll run out, but I wanted you to be aware of the situation.”
“Thank you, Haddock. I’m sure it will be fine. We have plenty of other wines to drink.”