Page 47 of Healing the Duke's Desires
“Our mother would say the same thing.” Sarah chuckled, much to everyone’s delight.
Once again, Emily and Alexander exchanged a meaningful glance. She wondered if he could see the turmoil inside of her soul, without her saying a word to him about it. She wanted to tell it to him herself. She wanted to tell him so many things, but obviously, fate refused to allow it. Before she could say anything else, Rose’s enthusiasm intervened.
“Alexander, come with me. I just remembered that there is a most incredible view by the lake that I’ve been meaning to show you,” Rose said, turning her attention to Emily. “It was so nice to see you all. And I look forward to exchanging more words at Lady Viola’s ball.”
“Of course.” Emily smiled.
“Ladies.” Alexander bowed. “Mr. Wilcott… goodbye.”
Before he could say anything more, Rose pulled him away. Emily watched as they drifted off, her heart sinking as the distance between them grew. It was as if the universe reveled in teasing her with these moments that slipped through her fingers like sand.
Sarah and Henry seemed oblivious to what had just happened, as the three of them kept on strolling through the park, walking in the opposite direction. Seeing Alexander, even if it had been a brief and interrupted encounter, had ignited a spark of hope within her that refused to be extinguished. The sun’s golden rays seemed to reflect the newfound warmth in her heart, as if nature itself conspired to bolster her resolve.
As they strolled along the winding path, Emily’s thoughts churned with a renewed sense of purpose. The image of Alexander's face, his eyes locking with hers amidst the chatter of friends, remained imprinted in her mind. Sarah and Henry’s laughter and anecdotes served as a backdrop to Emily’s inner monologue.
Her heart felt light, brimming with a determination she hadn’t felt in a while. It was as if the universe had granted her a fleeting taste of what could be, and she was unwilling to let it slip away.
Chapter 27
Emily wiped her clammy palms against the soft, rustling fabric of her gown. This was the fifth time she had done it, with the same unsuccessful result. That was simply because the problem wasn’t in her hands. The problem was her stubborn heart and her body had merely fallen victim to it.
She glanced around, trying to focus on something else. Anything else. The ballroom was a tapestry of sheer elegance, with sophisticated details and classic design elements that spoke to the refined tastes of the upper echelons of society they all belonged to. Ivory-colored silk drapes cascaded from the towering windows, pooling gracefully on the marble floors.
Ornate columns framed the room, their capitals adorned with delicate acanthus leaves that seemed to reach for the heavens.
“Have you seen him yet?” Emily heard Sarah ask, and her mind was once again focused on the people here, not the place.
“No,” Emily replied, only then aware of the fact that they probably weren’t thinking of the same man at all. Sarah must have been referring to Mr. Wilcott, while she could not stop thinking about Alexander, her heart aflutter with hope and determination at seeing him here.
For the time being, all they could see were endless rows of oncoming ladies and gentlemen, with their smiling faces and hands raised slightly, waving to those around. It seemed everyone was utterly overjoyed to be present for this monumental occasion.
The ladies, dressed in gowns of opulent silk and satin, moved with a grace that mirrored the sweeping arcs of the ballroom’s architecture. Their attire was a symphony of pastel hues and intricate embroidery, with bodices adorned with pearls and lace that showcased their elegant décolletages, while full skirts rustled softly with every step, a testament to the lavishness of the occasion.
“Oh, I’m so nervous!” Sarah gushed once again, grabbing Emily’s hand with hers. Strangely enough, Sarah’s palm was as clammy as Emily’s own.
Emily knew the feeling well. With her heart aflutter, she stood beside Sarah, a mixture of awe and nerves. Her gown, a delicate shade of lavender, accentuated her figure with intricate ruching and delicate floral patterns that cascaded down the bodice. Her hair was elegantly coiffed with pearls that shimmered like drops of moonlight.
At the same time, Sarah radiated poise in a gown of pale rose with golden accents. Her hair was arranged in intricate curls, and a delicate fan dangled from her wrist like a secret treasure. They were the object of many an interesting gaze, but they only had eyes for two men who were not here yet.
Emily squeezed her sister’s hand back comfortingly. “You have nothing to be nervous about. You look absolutely lovely.”
“Do you think he will like my gown?” Sarah asked coyly, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
“Of course.” Emily smiled. “How could he not, whenyouare the one wearing it?”
Both girls chuckled a little, their laughter getting lost in the general chatter that reigned in the chamber. As the orchestra played a waltz, the couples swirled around the ballroom floor with practiced ease, their steps a testament to hours of preparation.
The air was filled with the lilting melodies of violins and the soft rustle of silk, creating an atmosphere that was both enchanting and intoxicating. Emily’s nerves subsided as the music enveloped her, her fingers lightly brushing against the fabric of her gown. She exchanged an encouraging smile with Sarah, a silent reassurance that they were in this together.
“Oh, Emily, I think I am utterly in love with him,” Sarah poured her heart out to her sister. “I already cannot imagine spending more than two days without seeing him.”
Emily smiled with understanding. “Yes, that sounds exactly like love.”
“Do you think Mother and Father will approve of him?” Sarah asked apprehensively, her tone of voice lowering, not wishing for anyone to overhear them.
“He is a fine young gentleman,” Emily reminded her sister of something they both knew well. “I don’t see anything they could hold against him that might make him an unsuitable match for you.”
Sarah was about to say something as she looked over Emily’s shoulder, when suddenly, the spark disappeared from her eyes. She wasn’t even looking at Emily any longer, but rather, somewhere behind her. Swallowing heavily, expecting to see Alexander, Emily turned around. But to her horror, she didn’t see him.
