Page 54 of A Lady’s Fairytale Come True
Lady Kirby, however, seemed quite confident that this was not to be the case. Nathaniel could sense her confidence and determination. He felt rather differently about it all, but he appreciated her enthusiasm and encouragement.
“Do you really believe so? Do you really believe that he will concede to the marriage?” Nathaniel asked. “I mean, certainly he must, right? Every parent wants their child to find love.”
Lady Kirby’s face faltered but Nathaniel noticed how quickly she recovered it. “Yes. Well. Every parent wishes for their child to fall in love, that is true. And they all wish for the best for their child. But I suppose that in all my hope, I have forgotten that sometimes parents are stubborn and believe that they know what is best for their child when another path might actually be the one their child ought to take,” she remarked, vaguely.
Nathaniel didn’t understand what she was trying to say but he could see clearly that she had no desire to continue that line of conversation.
“Anyway, that is all beside the point. What matters is that you find happiness and joy in your marriage to the young woman. Now, what else can we consider? You have all the food and drinks prepped, I imagine?” she asked.
“Oh yes, everything is ready,” he replied.
“And guests shall begin to appear within the hour?” she continued.
Nathaniel confirmed. His grandmother continued in her line of questions and all further discussion of Miss Digby ceased. They began to consider other things and, after a short time, Lord Kensington re-entered the room. The three sat, discussing nothing of any great meaning, waiting for the ball to begin.
In Nathaniel’s mind, he wondered about a great many things. There were so many concerns that he had to ensure that the evening went perfectly, but more than any of them, his mind was utterly occupied by his thoughts of Miss Digby.
How would she respond to his proposal? Would it all go as planned? Would she be happy? Would she want to be his wife?
He tried to distract himself with the shallow chatting of his grandmother and friend, but none of it seemed to appease or console him. More than anything, he simply wished to find a little peace and relief by getting Miss Digby to that balcony and proposing in that instant.
Until he heard her answer, he would find every moment unbearable.
From his window, he saw a few coaches coming. The ball was about to begin, and everything would soon come to fruition.
Chapter 27
Olivia was thrilled when she and her sisters stepped out of the carriage that had been sent for them. As they made their way up the stairs to the entrance of the house, she looked at Louise’s face and was glad to see the joy there too.
Gemma gazed up in sheer and utter astonishment. It was the same look that Olivia had given the house when she had first arrived. Now, it was a place that she was used to. Before her sisters, it was still new and shocking.
Seeing this response from them was a great pleasure for Olivia. It opened her eyes to the ways that this marriage could benefit not only her, for the love it held, but for her entire family.
Olivia was also pleased to note that Louise was catching the eyes of multiple young gentleman. But that was no surprise. Louise looked exquisite in her gown. Olivia made a mental note to remember to thank the earl for the dresses and all that he had done for her sisters.
Perhaps the most exciting part was the fact that they had not even entered the house yet. Olivia knew the best was still to come. Her sisters would be even more entranced once they were in the doors and able to take in the fullness of it.
“I cannot believe a place like this exists in the world,” Louise gasped.
“It is rather incredible, is it not?” Olivia asked.
“And he lives here? Truly? Your earl lives in this house all on his own?”
“Yes, with maids and chefs and a housekeeper, of course. But indeed, the whole home is his own. He owns this estate and another. Plus, he is able to rent any abode he wishes if he decides to travel elsewhere, perhaps to the countryside or Brighton, or anywhere he might choose,” she acknowledged.
“He is able to do that? And he owns all these great mansions? And he travels? My goodness, Olivia, you must marry this man, or I shall put myself forward,” Louise laughed.
Olivia indulged in the teasing, although she felt quite certain that she would never allow another woman to come between herself and the earl. It had nothing to do with all the houses and his freedom or anything else in all the world. It was simply what she felt in her heart for him. She loved him. She had grown to accept that. It hadn’t been easy at first. After all, she had not known him very long. But once she admitted it to herself, it gave her a great deal of satisfaction to dwell in that knowledge.
“Come! The ball is not taking place out here,” she urged, leading her sisters up the steps.
Inside the hall, they were surrounded by a great assortment of new things. There were tables filled with delicacies and drinks of all sorts. The people looked like the china dolls that Olivia and her sisters had longed to own as children.
As they took in the sights around them, Olivia took a deep breath of joy and released it, knowing that everything would be all right.
“With every moment, my eyes grow more and more overwhelmed, Liv. This is the most astonishing place I have ever been. Is that real marble? And the pearl? Do you think it’s genuine or is it paste?” Louise enquired.
“All of it is real,” Olivia whispered.
