A Lady's Curves by A.S. Fenichel

Author:A.S. Fenichel [Fenichel, A.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A.S. Fenichel
Published: 2024-08-14T00:00:00+00:00

We step inside the Creeves’ townhouse and Mae rushes through the foyer. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She hugs her brother and then Louisa. She greets Honoria formally, then stops when she reaches me. “You look different, Miss Wittman.”

Holding my chin up, I force a smile. “A new gown and wrap, my lady.” I pull the dark purple wrap around tighter.

Scanning me from head to toe, she smiles, and then winks. “Lovely.”

Louisa says, “Mother I must speak to Father before the other guests arrive.”

“He is in the library. Would you like me to go with you?” Concern creases Mae’s forehead.

“Yes. That would be best. I’d hate to have to do this twice.” Louisa pulls her shoulders back and looks at me with a hint of her inner panic showing in her eyes.

I give her a reassuring smile and nod. “The worst he can say is no and you’re no worse off than before.”

Taking a deep breath, she strides down the hall behind the grand staircase with her mother following.

The butler offers to take our outerwear.

I hesitate to relinquish my wrap, but there is little choice so I give it over.

Honoria saunters toward the ballroom behind a footman.

Oscar stares at me, then a wide smile breaks across his face. He smiles so rarely, I hardly knew how handsome he really was until this moment.

My heart pounds and my hands sweat. The riotous butterflies have broken loose in my belly. “Thank you for the gown.”

“Seeing you in it is more than thanks enough. You’re beautiful, Ann.” He offers his arm.

Throat clogged with emotion, I slip my hand through the crook of his elbow and allow him to show me into the ballroom. We are the first to arrive, so it’s not inappropriate for him to be my escort. Who would know?

“Don’t you two look cozy.” The Dowager Countess of Kendall strides over, carrying a cane that barely touches the ground.

I pull my arm away and curtsy. “Good to see you again, Lady Kendall.”

“Mother, why are you here so early?” The brooding tone is back in Oscar’s voice as he pulls his hands behind his back.

A knowing smile followed by a stern look crosses over her face. “Your sister wanted my help and so I am here. Where is your charge?”

Since her overbearing stare is on me, I say, “She has gone to speak to her father.”

“Lord, she’s not joining the Everton Domestic Society, is she?” The derision in her voice is lost on no one.

“Calliope, is that you?” Honoria drifts across the room to join us.

“Honoria?”

They both curtsy and then kiss cheeks.

“I had hoped to see you tonight.” Honoria’s smile is contagious and even Lady Kendall is susceptible.

“It’s good to see you. It’s been many years. I understand you are employed.” There is no love in the last word.

Honoria’s smile widens. “I found that life had grown dull. Husbands dead, children grown and living their lives. I needed something to do with my time. Withering away gracefully isn’t my style.”

There’s a longing in Oscar’s mother’s eyes.

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