Page 40 of Tempting the Earl
As the three stood waiting in the reception line, Emily’s fears threatened to resurface but she put a brave face on for the sake of her friends. They soon came to the front of the line and introductions were made. Emily took an instant liking to the young lady being introduced to Society and the two girls struck up a brief conversation. Others were waiting and they had to move on but the two girls promised to meet again later in the evening.
As they descended the grand staircase into the massive ballroom, there was a momentary hush as the last notes the orchestra was playing drew to a close. It seemed like a magical moment that would be burned into Emily's memory forever as she looked out into the crowds gathered to wish the duke's daughter well as she made her official bow to Society. Emily realized this moment epitomized all that the Season offered. Thousands of candles twinkled above the fashionable heads sparkling off the myriad of jewels and gems arraying the noble guests. There was a heady combination of perfumes from the elegant floral arrangements placed strategically about the room and the soaps and sprays used by the beautiful people squeezing into the cramped quarters. As the Earl and Countess of Yorkleigh began to descend the grand staircase with their companion, familiar faces became visible amongst the throng. Emily could see that all her friends were present and she had many people she wished to speak with before the end of the ball.
The evening flew by in a pleasurable blur for Emily. There was never a moment to herself as she was whirled through every dance with a different partner for each one. As they had reached the bottom of the ornate staircase, the talkative Lord Marsden had grabbed Emily's hand and swung her into a vigorous dance. As that song ended Lord Garfield bowed over her hand and whirled her through the turns of a county dance only to pass her over to Lord Sutherland. Emily enjoyed the respite as it was a slower number and Lord Sutherland was a more restful partner. She quietly asked him about the plans he and Miss Jane Waddell were making. He stammered out an answer before handing her over to Lord Brooke who was really longing to be with Emily's dear friend Lady Arabella but due to appearances could not be in her pocket the entire evening. Emily took that knowledge in stride and was happy to join Lord Brooke and Lady Arabella after the dance was over as they refreshed themselves with a sip of punch. After a few moments the enamoured young couple again took to the floor leaving Emily to chat with Lord Brooke's sister, Lady Thorpe. Emily was happy to see her as they had not yet met up during the rounds of the Season.
"We have recently arrived in Town, Miss Spencer," Lady Thorpe responded when Emily commented that she had not yet seen the couple at the other fashionable gatherings.
"Oh, welcome to London, then," Emily said with a grin.
Lady Thorpe smiled back enthusiastically. "We had such fun at Rosemount that my husband really wanted to come up for the Season. We took your suggestion and travelled up with most of our household." Lady Thorpe laughed as she related the cavalcade they had made up as they clattered into the city with their multiple carriages and outriders. "The children and their nurse and governess had one carriage, Lord Thorpe and I had another, and our personal servants were bringing up the rear with all the trunks and baggage. We must have been quite a sight."
Emily laughed good-naturedly along with her aristocratic friend before the lady continued. "You were right, Miss Spencer, we are having a grand time. I can spend time with the children during the day and then go out in the evening with my husband. The children are a bit young to really appreciate most of the sights of London, but they are still caught up in the excitement of the change."
The two women chatted pleasantly for a few more minutes. Before another gentleman arrived to claim her hand for the next number Emily promised to come by to meet the children one day that week.
Her pleasure was marred only briefly when she came face to face with Lady Merrivale and her deepest dreads were fulfilled as the old woman said not unpleasantly, “I haven’t figured it out, but I will!”
The young gentleman Emily was with turned to her and questioned, “What was that all about?” Emily was successful in hiding her distress when she just shrugged her shoulders in an attempt at disinterest and said disarmingly, “The poor dear thinks I look familiar, but she can’t place who I remind her of. It seems to be driving her to distraction.” Emily even managed to muster up an unconcerned laugh and the incident was allowed to pass for the moment, although there were times throughout the remainder of the evening that she could feel the lady's eyes following her. Emily was determined not to let her fears mar her enjoyment of the evening, but it was disquieting despite her best efforts.
Her joy reached new heights as Philip appeared to claim her for the waltz before leading her in to supper. He took her into his arms and it felt like coming home. They progressed down the dance floor in the now familiar steps, both lost in the beauty of the moment. No words were needed as they both sensed the other’s need to simply savour the experience. When the music drew to a close, it was almost painful to come back to earth. They were happy it was the supper song, and they went in to dine quietly conversing together about all and sundry.
They were never at a loss for things to say to one another and this was no exception as they filled their plates and looked around for somewhere to sit. They were surprised to see a pleasant-looking Lady Maude beckoning them to join her and a gentleman they did not know.
"My Lord, Miss Spencer, let me make you known to Sir Humphries. He's temporarily in Town from his estate in Yorkshire." Lady Maude actually had a genuine smile upon her face and seemed truly happy to see them as they approached.
Philip and Emily exchanged surprised looks but chalked it up to the seemingly magical spirit in the air that night. Well versed in the social niceties, Philip stepped forward with an outstretched hand. "Good to meet you, Sir Humphries." Emily was almost shocked by the transformation of Lady Maude and was curious to know what had taken place. Not that she expected to ever find out. Lady Maude may have made some personal changes, but Emily strongly doubted they'd be confidantes any time soon.
"Please, join us for a repast," invited Sir Humphries pleasantly. Although they each secretly wished to spend the time privately together, they accepted the unexpected request with good grace. They spent an enjoyable interlude conversing with Lady Maude and her friend before slipping back to the dance floor as the orchestra struck up another waltz.
Philip reluctantly returned Emily to his mother at the end of that song, only to have her hand claimed by yet another suitor. Emily was laughing and breathless when she again returned to Lady Clara and was surprised when Lord Philip claimed her hand for an unprecedented third dance.
“My lord, people will talk,” Emily cautioned.
“Let them,” was Philip’s caustic reply as he swept her into the rhythm of the dance. He’d had enough standing on the side lines watching jealously while she whirled about the dance floor in the arms of other men. He might not be prepared to declare himself just yet, but he was determined that enough was enough for that evening.
Emily didn’t put forth any further protest, as she could not find it in herself to mind, although she did notice a few curious stares from the gossips that kept track of such things as well as some jealous glares from other women who’d had their eye on the handsome earl. Emily decided she didn’t care, at least for this one evening.Every girl should get a Cinderella evening at least once in their young lives, she thought, and this seemed like the perfect one to be hers. She was actually going to dance a hole right through her pretty slippers, she thought in amazement. She had always thought that was just an expression, but she realized it had to have an origin somewhere and she was going to get to experience it first hand, she thought with a smile.
“What has you smiling so mysteriously, Miss Spencer?” Philip asked teasingly.
Emily just laughed joyously and shook her head. “I’m just having a good time, milord.”
“I’m glad, Emily,” he replied gently as he looked tenderly into her eyes.
The gracefulness of their steps and the perfect way they matched together drew many eyes as they swayed together in harmony. Lady Merrivale's gaze was sharp upon them again in open speculation. Philip and Emily were too caught up in their own bliss to notice the old busybody approaching Lady Eastwick, who was also watching them closely with a look of concentration upon her face.
"Lady Eastwick," barked Lady Merrivale, "I see you are watching Yorkleigh dancing with that girl, too. I know I have seen her face before and I just cannot quite put my finger on where. Have you been able to ferret it out?"
"No, Mildred, I have not. I feel like I know her from somewhere, but I am sure I never met her before the house party we attended last summer at Rosemount. She is so young; I don't know how I could have met her before."
Lady Merrivale continued gazing at the couple while musing aloud. "Do you think she is some relation to Yorkleigh? No, that is not possible, if she was a relative, they wouldn't be so tight lipped about her history. Perhaps she was born on the wrong side of the blanket and she resembles one of her parents." Her face brightened perceptibly at that idea. "That has to be it, Eastwick. Think back about twenty years ago, were there any scandals of that sort?"
Lady Eastwick laughed good-naturedly. "My dear Lady Merrivale, there are always scandals of that sort. That will not help us narrow it down much. But you are right to think back about twenty years, which would be about the time she was born. That was just a couple years after I married my viscount," reminisced the viscountess mistily. "I shall think on it some more. Perhaps you should come for tea tomorrow, my lady, and we can mull it over at length."
"I shall do that. It is driving me mad trying to determine how I know this chit," grumbled Lady Merrivale, more determined than ever to unravel the mystery.
~~~~
Blissfully unaware of the speculation of the two notorious gossips, Emily sighed happily as Philip escorted her back to the countess. She was glad to have a moment to sit down and rest her feet while the earl went to fetch the two ladies glasses of the now tepid punch.
