Page 52 of A Lady’s Fairytale Come True
“Are you both ready? Do you understand that this is different from anything we have ever experienced before?” she asked.
Both nodded, Louise taking in a deep breath as she did so.
They looked incredible and when the coach arrived to take them, Olivia released a breath of her own, thankful that the time had come.
The only sadness that she felt inside was the knowledge that she could not share it with her father. He didn’t understand her joy and excitement and he would not approve. But he would learn of it later, she was sure. And when he did, she would have to tell him that she could not deny how deeply she wanted this or how much she loved the earl.
One day he would accept it. He would have to.
Chapter 26
Nathaniel looked at himself in the mirror, feeling quite ridiculous. He was not accustomed to preening like this. Nevertheless, he wanted to make a grand impression upon Miss Digby and her sisters. He hoped that they would enjoy every moment of the ball and he also wanted her to see him in light of his best.
He could not simply dress as he normally did when she came. He had to be formal and prepared for what he had planned for the evening. After all, this was a night that they would remember for the rest of their lives. It was a night they would tell their children about.
It was the night that he was going to propose to her.
He felt entirely certain that she would accept. After all, there was clearly love between them. He had no doubt. And everything that was rumoured or gossiped, he could ignore.
Nathaniel brushed his hair forward slightly, ensuring that it looked fashionable. He had never been so concerned about such things, but alas, here he was, trying to impress a woman who was far his superior. No matter what society said to the contrary…
When he heard the rustling downstairs, Nathaniel left his room to see what was going on. He descended the steps and saw that his housekeeper and maids were arranging a table with all sorts of treats at the entrance to greet his guests.
“It looks marvellous,” he told them. “And the hall? Is it prepared?”
“Indeed, my lord. All is ready. Your guests shall be delighted, I’m sure,” one of the maids said.
Nathaniel felt entirely satisfied and glad that he had such a tremendous staff to make everything ready.
But when a knock at the door came and he watched as it opened to reveal Lord Kensington, his heart sank. He was not prepared to deal with more accusations prior to the ball. He had other things on his mind and Lord Kensington’s presence was not going to help matters.
Unfortunately, standing as he was at the stairs, there was no hiding from his friend, even if he wished to.
“Mr. Norton,” Lord Kensington greeted.
“Mr. Chalmers,” he replied, bowing his head.
“Forgive me for this intrusion, but I thought we might have a word?” Lord Kensington requested.
Nathaniel nodded and they walked around the gardens so as not to be in the way of the staff as they made preparations.
“How is your health?” Nathaniel enquired.
“Much better, thank you,” he replied. “But that is not why I have come. Rather, I wished to follow up after our last conversation and clear the air before the ball this evening,” he said.
Nathaniel didn’t know whether he ought to dread this conversation or be thankful for it. He had invited Lord Kensington because he knew that he must, but he was still quite angry with his friend and had truly not wanted him to be at the event as he was planning to propose.
“I should like to ask you to allow me to give my sincerest apology for having spoken out of turn. I thought about the situation upon my departure and came to realise that you surely know better than I do whether or not this young woman is genuine,” he began.
Nathaniel felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He hadn’t known what to expect, but he was glad that this was the conversation they were having. A part of him had worried that Lord Kensington was only going to further the accusations against Miss Digby.
“In truth, I know nothing of the young woman. It is my nature to be cautious, but I was wrong for having tried to force my opinions upon you when you are the one who truly knows her character and I know nothing of the matter,” he conceded.
“I appreciate your apology and I’m glad for it. I do not like for there to be anything between us and I was sad that you thought so poorly of her. She is a good woman, a true and genuine one. It wounded me to hear you suspect such things from her when I knew her to be kind and decent,” Nathaniel remarked.
His friend nodded. “I knew that I could not come to the ball this evening without telling you that I see the error in my judgments. I will not lie and pretend that I have no concerns, but I am glad that this evening I shall have an opportunity to meet her and to see her as you do,” he said.
“And I should like very much to introduce the two of you. She is truly wonderful and you shall see that in an instant upon meeting her. I have no doubt that you will be impressed by her,” Nathaniel continued.
