Dalton's Challenge_A Regency Romance by Penny Fairbanks

Author:Penny Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Pleasant afternoon sunlight filtered through the large window, bathing the drawing room in beautiful shades of gold. The scene almost looked like a painting, worthy of a place of honor in the finest art gallery in London.

Or perhaps Dalton just felt sentimental because it was his family’s drawing room, his family bringing this image to life with their smiles and happy conversations. He sank back into his plush armchair, finally feeling a bit like his old self. A few days had passed since the festival. Many people throughout the county had already written to thank him for putting on such an excellent event. With all that behind him, Dalton finally felt able to appreciate what he had done, to be proud of his accomplishments.

Still, it had taken him a few days to recover from the weeks of madness and planning that had led up to the festival. Today, with his family gathered all around him in the drawing room—including their newest member, little Sandy—enjoying a relaxing afternoon of quiet activities and chatting, Dalton felt almost ready to jump back into his usually active life.

“I daresay the Drew family will soon be sending out invitations for their annual summer ball,” Mama explained to Mr. and Mrs. Thirley, the lady seated beside Mama on the couch while the gentleman occupied a chair nearby. “It is always such fun,” Mama continued.

“Goodness, do you not think we have had enough fun for one summer?” Papa groaned, lovingly squeezing Mama’s hand from his spot on the couch.

“Tsk, there is no such thing,” Mama playfully chided.

“There is certainly more fun to be had here in Somerset than in Wiltshire,” Mrs. Thirley offered with a confident nod.

Mr. Thirley sighed, sending an understanding glance to Papa. “Thank goodness for card rooms.”

“Too right you are, my good man,” the baron chuckled.

Dalton smiled behind his newspaper, knowing that his father would still dance as many dances as Mama wanted. He might act like he preferred the card room, yet Dalton knew that Papa loved dancing with his wife just as much as when they had been a young courting couple. He greatly admired his parents’ relationship. He could not deny that he wanted a love like that someday.

“Surely you cannot be thinking about missing the Drews’ ball,” Caroline whined from her seat across the room near the window. Such an act was so unfathomable to the young lady who always longed for more excitement, more glamour.

Dalton glanced over to his younger sister, but his eyes first fell upon Winnie. She sat beside Caroline, her lips pressed together as she tried to stifle a giggle. Her dark green eyes danced under the sun's soft rays. Ever since the festival, she looked more lively and cheerful than Dalton had ever seen.

The air between them had changed, yet he could not quite tell how much or in precisely what way. His heart flipped as he watched her. He knew that should be answer enough, even as he brushed the thought aside. It

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