Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
“The results are impeccable.”
* * *
“It is nothing compared to the garden at Somerton.”
* * *
“Ssssomert…”
* * *
They both froze. Arthur stared at his mother. “What did you say?”
* * *
The dowager continued to stare blankly ahead, as if nothing had happened. Arthur shifted his gaze to Janice who was looking back at him in equal surprise. “You did hear that as well, did you not?”
* * *
Slowly, she nodded. “I did.”
CHAPTER 38
Janice was hard-pressed to contain her excitement. Her hands were shaking as she held her breath so that the lady’s maid could lace her gown. She had on a dark blue velvet gown that set off the color of her eyes beautifully, with a satin off-the-shoulder collar, which folded over like a cuff over the v of her bosom. It held her tight until the waist before flaring out flamboyantly to her feet. She wore a pearl choker with it, pearl earrings, and a pearl bangle on her left hand. Her dark hair was swept up atop her head and secured with a blue diamond brooch in a silver setting that had belonged to her mother.
* * *
Emily walked into her chambers, squealed, and clapped her hands excitedly. “You look so lovely,” she exclaimed, tears in her eyes.
* * *
Janice held out her arms to her sister and Emily immediately crossed the room to clasp them. They stared tearfully at each other. “Thank you,” Janice whispered.
* * *
Emily took a deep breath to compose herself. She wore a scarlet silk gown with long sleeves ending in an upturned cuff and a wide V-neck. It had a high waist before falling to the floor in an A-line. She had on plain silver jewelry around her neck and in her ears, as well as a ruby ring on the middle finger of her right hand. It complemented Janice’s gown very well.
* * *
“Oh, don’t start the loving speech without me!” Anne squeaked from the door. She slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. She wore a deep green satin gown, also high-waisted with puff sleeves. Her hair was twisted in a long plait down her back.
* * *
“Mama would be so proud of you,” Emily said, a single tear escaping her eye, “And so are we. You have been the perfect example for us to follow.”
* * *
Janice snorted. “Hardly.”
* * *
Emily looked earnestly at her. “We mean it. You have handled every challenge you have faced with dignity and grace. Most importantly, with love. You have shown us the true meaning of unconditional.”
* * *
Janice frowned, mulling over Emily’s words. When her sister spoke, she did not like to dismiss her words because Emily always spoke from the heart. It was one thing she’d always loved about her sister. “I would not say unconditional. Indeed, I was not even sure I was in love until quite recently. But my heart was open and I tried my best to understand him and the situation he was in. I did not really love unconditionally. Half the time I simply played it by ear. Do not be fooled by the results.”
* * *
Emily smiled softly, inclining her head to the side as she surveyed Janice affectionately. “Exactly. You had no idea what would happen but you treated him with kindness and patience, even in your own turmoil. I do not know if I could have been capable of doing the same.” She leaned towards Janice confidingly. “If I am honest, Frederick and I did whisper to each other about how we would like to pay your beau a visit and slam some sense into his head by fair means or foul.”
* * *
Janice giggled. “Well well…I’m glad you did not do that knowing how handy Frederick is with a mace.”
* * *
“Oh, we were going to take the entire suit of armor, believe me. We were quite heated on your behalf.”
* * *
Janice squeezed her arm. “I appreciate it but I do assure you it was unnecessary. The duke is more than an honorable man; he is a good one. A sincere one. A true one.”
* * *
Emily nodded firmly. “If you say so, then it must be true.”
* * *
“It is. He will show you himself.”
* * *
Aunt Leticia came into the room, clapping her hands. “Come ladies, it’s time to go.”
* * *
They all filed out excitedly, talking amongst themselves. The men were already waiting downstairs, smart in their full evening fits.
* * *
“Shall we go?” Lord Benjamin asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
* * *
“We shall,” Janice agreed, taking his offered arm. They all filed out to the waiting carriages.
It was the first social occasion he’d ever hosted and he was nervous.
* * *
I need this to go well.
* * *
Thankfully, Mrs. Butters was more than up to the task of whipping up a feast with little notice. He stood aside as his staff bustled about, preparing his home to receive guests. The excitement was palatable. Most of the staff knew Janice and were apparently quite happy to be hosting an engagement dinner for her.