Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Not far but a banishment, nonetheless, as she could not take my so-called “brooding” while they finished preparations for the night. I placed men throughout the house and had warned the staff to exercise the highest level of vigilance. My last check was on Emeline, who had all but kept to her rooms.
When I entered, her nanny was sitting beside her on the actual floor, could one imagine, reading to her. Why not on the bed or the settee? Truthfully, the nanny was quite an odd one, long-necked and round-faced. I was surprised my godmother would hire such a woman, but then I knew little of what made a good caretaker, as evidenced by my history.
“Papa!” Emeline exclaimed.
I placed my hand on her head. “How are you?”
“Fine,” she said. “Can I go to the ball? Please?”
I grinned, kneeling before her. “What do you know of balls?”
“There is dancing, food, and more dancing.”
“Can you dance?”
“Nanny Phillipa has taught me some.” To prove it, she stood up and slowly began to do the steps…like a little lady.
I clapped for her. “Very well done.”
“Then I can go?”
“Unfortunately not,” I replied and she pouted.
Ever since Aphrodite came, Emeline seemed to be getting bolder and more expressive. I wondered if it was simply the effect of having a woman, a real mother figure, especially one like Aphrodite, present in her life, or if it was a matter of age. Verity had also changed over time, though it did not feel the same. Either way I was pleased.
“Please, Papa.”
“How about a compromise?” I said. “You and I may dance in our own ball, but you remain here.”
“You will dance with me?” she exclaimed.
“I shall.”
She quickly turned to her nanny. “Miss Phillipa, we need music!”
“Emeline, the piano is downstairs. We can dance without music.”
“Miss Phillipa has a box!” she said.
“A box?” I repeated, glancing at the woman who now held a music box in her hand. Where it had come from, I was not sure. Emeline pulled me farther into the room. “Emeline, remain calm. I am here.”
“Papa, we have never danced before,” she said. The amusement fell from me as I realized that she recognized such a thing.
I never sought to ignore her, but I could not say I had been very attentive either. It was hard for me, but what excuse did I have when Aphrodite had taken to her so? Despite everything that had happened, despite what the girl’s mother had done, Aphrodite already cared for the child greatly.
“Are you ready?” the nanny asked.
Emeline nodded excitedly. When the music started, I stepped to the side of her and beamed. Yes, I would have to make sure this happened more often.
31
Aphrodite
Everything had come together quite nicely, but I could not bring myself to enjoy it. The silks hanging from the trees were stunning, the peacocks that meandered through the grounds fantastical, the dance floor was outstanding, the entertainment nearly as dazzling as any I had seen in London. I had done well, and I knew it from all the smiles as our guests drank and danced. Still, I felt anxious, as there was one person I had yet to see.
“Am I rewarded when it does not rain?” Evander asked from beside me.
I glanced up at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
“Did you not say you would hold me accountable should it rain on all your hard work?”
“Oh, right.” I nodded and looked up at the clear sky. It was not yet dark, but it would be soon. Where was she?
“Is something the matter?” he asked.
“I am well…” My voice drifted off as I saw the footman present Marcella, at last. She was dressed in white, with a white feather in her hair.
“Damn him for actually coming,” Evander muttered as not only Fitzwilliam but Datura also appeared, on either side of Marcella.
“Remember, do not show your anger,” I whispered.
“It would be easier for me not to breathe,” he grumbled. I linked arms with him, trying to walk toward them, but he stood unmovable. “What are you doing?”
“Going to welcome them.”
“You are the hostess, not to mention the duchess. You need not do such a thing,” he reminded me.
He was not wrong, as it was customary for a duchess to greet the guests but once at the very beginning, and I had done so. The next time I was to address them all would be at the closing of the night. However, I truly wished to get rid of whatever this feeling was that persisted to nag at me. I watched closely as they entered the grounds. Fitzwilliam held one of her arms and Datura the other. It almost looked as though they were pulling her forward. On her face now was a large smile, and she giggled as she went.
“Your Grace, how wondrous Everely has become since your arrival,” said one of a gaggle of local women who soon surrounded me.