Page 98 of The Duke of Distraction
Epilogue
London, Late February, 1819
Lady Eugenia Satterfield wasn’t sure how she managed to fit everyone in her town house year after year for her annual ball, but somehow she did.New people came; others did not.Some were removed from the invitation list.
Her daughter-in-law, Nora, stood nearby.She’d offered to host the ball if it ever became too unwieldy—her and Titus’s house was much larger.Eugenia knew that day would come, but it hadn’t arrived yet.For now, she was content to enjoy this night, beginning with watching her stepson start the dancing with his wife.
Eugenia and her husband typically started things off, but he’d turned his ankle riding the day before and was currently ensconced in the corner, holding court.She looked over at him and smiled, thinking he might well fake an injury next year too.
The music started, and Titus and Nora took to the floor, and Eugenia’s eyes misted.They’d given her three beautiful grandchildren, and Nora was increasing again.After losing her only child years ago, Eugenia was incredibly grateful for all life had given her.
Soon others joined Titus and Nora, and Eugenia turned to mingle with her guests.Almost immediately, she encountered Nora’s sister, whom Eugenia also counted as a beloved member of her family.Jo and her husband, Bran, were at last expecting their first child together.Long believing she was barren, Jo had been overjoyed.They were already parents to Bran’s daughter, Evie, whom Eugenia considered another grandchild, and who was ecstatic about becoming a big sister.
“You are radiant tonight,” Eugenia said, kissing Jo’s cheek.“I hope you are feeling well.”
“Thank you, I am.The sickness I’ve had the past several weeks seems to have passed, thank goodness.”She sent an apologetic look toward her husband.“Poor Bran.He’s been a dear to put up with me.”
Bran adjusted his cravat.“I don’t ever have to put up with you.It’s you who put up with me.Now, let us find you some lemonade before you get overheated.”He smiled at Eugenia and kissed her cheek before escorting his wife toward the refreshments.
Continuing around the dance floor, Eugenia encountered more of her favorite people.The Countesses of Dartford and Sutton stood together, and their husbands hovered behind them.
“Are you certain?”Lucy, the Countess of Dartford, asked.
“I know what it feels like,” Aquilla, the Countess of Sutton, said.
“I know, but I feel completely different this time.”Lucy was expecting her second child in a few months, and it seemed Aquilla was perhaps also increasing.
Eugenia wondered if there was something in the air.“Good evening,” she greeted.
Lucy and Aquilla smiled in unison.
“Lady Satterfield, you look lovely,” Aquilla said.“Your headdress is absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you.I found it in the most cunning little shop in Vigo Lane.Farewell’s, it’s called.Have you been?”
The two exchanged a look and giggled.Lucy leaned toward Eugenia.“Would you like to join us in a secret?”
“Of course.”
“You know Lady Ware, don’t you?”Lucy asked.
“Yes, she’s a dear friend of Ivy’s sister.”Eugenia scanned the crowd but didn’t see Ivy or her sister Fanny or Lady Ware.
Lucy nodded.“That’s right.”After glancing around, Lucy lowered her voice to a bare whisper, “Farewell’s ishershop.”
“How extraordinary.”
Aquilla’s forehead creased.“You must keep it to yourself, of course.”
“Certainly.”Eugenia understood why Lady Ware would want to keep it a secret.It would be a scandal if Society knew she was in trade.“You know how I am with those in my inner circle.They are like family.”
“Which is why I told you,” Lucy said.“I knew you’d appreciate and support her efforts.”
“Her secret is mine, and now I must tell her how much I love this.”Eugenia patted her head.
“Why are you all whispering?”Dartford asked, stepping next to his wife.“Are you discussing my excessive charm again?”
Lucy rolled her eyes.“No, Ned’s.”She looked toward Sutton, who gave Dartford a lazy smile.
