Page 81 of Impassioned
The housekeeper glanced toward the other ladies in the room before settling her attention on Sabrina. “There is a slight issue with the musicians, my lady. If you’re ready, would you mind accompanying me to the drawing room?”
“I am ready, thank you.” She glanced toward Evie. “Perhaps you should come along.” Sabrina had learned it was quite acceptable to ask for help, and she had no problem doing so.
“Certainly.” Evie accompanied her from the chamber, and they made their way to the drawing room where the musicians were setting up their instruments in the corner.
Sabrina could already see what was wrong. Because she could count, and one member was missing. Over the next five minutes, she listened patiently as the cellist explained that their missing member was sick, but that she would not notice their absence. Sabrina only hoped that was true.
“Don’t fret,” Evie said, touching Sabrina’s arm. “This is a minor inconvenience.”
“You’re right. It’s not as though the champagne is bad.” Oh dear, what if the champagne or another beveragewasbad? It wasn’t as if she could sample every one of them, and even that wouldn’t give her complete confidence.
“You mustn’t worry.” Evie’s voice was soft and earnest, reassuring.
“I am doing my best.” Sabrina saw her husband enter the drawing room and felt instantly calmer. “Pardon me.” She walked toward him, and he stopped short, his gaze arresting on her.
Constantine’s eyes slitted, seeming to smolder as he stared at her. “You are lovelier than you have ever been. My mother’s pearls are perfect on you.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the inside of her gloved wrist. “I despise these gloves, however.”
Smiling, Sabrina told him about the musicians. He surprised her by shrugging and saying if that was all that went amiss tonight, they should consider themselves fortunate.
Her good humor fled. “Are you saying you expect something else to go wrong?”
He squeezed her hand. “Not at all. It will be spectacular.”
Haddock interrupted them, his brow creased. Sabrina tensed more than she already was.
The butler address Constantine. “I beg your pardon, my lord, but we had an accident with the champagne supply. I don’t think we’ll run out, but I wanted you to be aware of the situation.”
“Thank you, Haddock. I’m sure it will be fine. We have plenty of other wines to drink.”
“We do indeed. I will be positioning myself in the foyer in a few minutes and will see you downstairs.” Inclining his head, the butler hurried off.
Constantine turned to her and brushed his fingertips against her cheek. “It’s almost time. You will be brilliant. Everything will be brilliant.” He leaned close and kissed her.
“You shouldn’t do that in front of everyone.” Everyone being the musicians, Evie, and a handful of maids and footmen.
“Perhaps, but I can’t help myself. Honestly, Sabrina, you look good enough to eat.” His gaze darkened with provocation, and she knew precisely what he meant.
Heat danced through her, and she felt better than she had a moment ago. She also realized he was wearing a gold waistcoat that complemented her gown. “You’ve never worn a waistcoat with color.” She touched the gold brocade and fingered one of the pearl buttons.
“I wanted us to match, to present ourselves as a… I don’t know. You like it?”
“As a couple who coordinate their costumes?” She smiled again, her good humor returning. “And yes, I like it—and you—very much.” Beyond that. She loved him hopelessly and never more in that moment as he sought to allay her fears.
He presented his arm. “Let us take up our places in the foyer to greet our guests. I hope you are ready to spend the next hour talking and smiling so much your face will feel as though it will fall off.”
The apprehension she was trying to keep at bay rose up in her throat. But she refused to succumb. The old Sabrina would never have had the courage to do this. New Sabrina might be nervous, but she would get through it. Especially with this man at her side.
It was near the end of the hour when Sabrina’s parents arrived. Her eldest sister had already come through a short time before, and Sabrina was glad to have spoken with her without the dampening presence of their mother.
As Haddock announced the Viscount Tarleton and Lady Tarleton, Sabrina stiffened. Constantine’s hand gently stroked the small of her back, and she relaxed slightly. She suddenly realized how all that had seemed impossible was now possible—due to the presence and support of her husband. With him at her side, she felt as though she could face anything.
Sabrina’s father was tall and thin with an exceptionally angular face and sparse gray hair. He regarded her with one narrowed eye, assessing her from head to foot before turning his perusal on Constantine. “Aldington.” He spared her one more fleeting glance. “Daughter.”
“Good evening, Father,” she said evenly. “I hope you’ve been well.”
“Quite, thank you.” He stepped forward, allowing Sabrina’s mother to stand in front of her.
The viscountess’s appraisal took longer and felt far more exacting. “What a bold gown, dear.”
