Her Cinderella Season by Deb Marlowe

Author:Deb Marlowe
Language: ron
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Lily pressed close behind Lady Dayle as they made their way through the crowd to the receiving line. It would seem that Mrs Dawson had achieved her heart’s desire. Minerva’s engagement ball could only be deemed that most coveted of appellations: a sad crush.

But it was not the crowd that had Lily’s heart pounding and her knees shaking. Nor was the sense of anticipation in the air the reason behind her smile. No, that was partly the result of nerves—and part pure, wicked satisfaction at the chance to live out one of her own girlish fancies.

She felt as if she had stepped out of reality and straight into one of the stories her father had used to spin for her. A sigh of anticipation escaped her. Now if she could only craft a happy ending as easily as her father had.

Lady Dayle and Minerva Dawson had done their bit. They’d primped and pinched and powdered until Lily had cried out in protest. Their answer had been to drag her over to the full-length mirror, where her complaint had died a quick death.

She had not recognised the creature staring back at her. Never had she dreamed she could look like this. The evening gown flattered her with shades of creamy ivory and the softest, shimmering green. Embroidery of darker green and a pale rose colour trimmed the round neckline and the low-cut bodice. The same colours echoed in short, slashed sleeves. A broad ribbon tied round the mid-level waist, and the ends trailed down behind her. They fluttered in her wake now as she moved forwards to embrace her friend.

‘Is it not the most exciting thing?’ Minerva asked with a smile. She looked exquisite and very mature in a magnificent, rust-coloured frock.

‘So many people!’ Lily whispered in awe.

‘I know. Mama is over the moon!’ She pulled Lily in close again. ‘Word has spread that we have something special planned for tonight—everyone has been asking about it.’

‘Where are the girls?’

‘Upstairs. My Aunt Lucinda is, as usual, all doom and gloom, but you are not to mind her,’ she admonished. ‘My niece Claudette is simply smitten with the children. She’s up there dressing and coiffing them as if they were dolls come to life purely for her amusement.’

Lily smiled. ‘How are the children feeling about it?’

‘Well, they were nervous as cats, but I think they are enjoying the attention.’ She grinned and gripped Lily’s hand. ‘How are you?’

‘Nervous as a cat.’

Minerva laughed. ‘Don’t be! I want you to enjoy yourself tonight.’ Next in line, Lord Lindley smiled at Lily and tried to pull her away, but Minerva would not let go of Lily’s hand. ‘This is your night as much as ours, Lily dear,’ she whispered. ‘I’m so glad we are able to share this.’ She released her over to Lord Lindley. ‘Now, go and make this a night to remember.’

Lily smiled back at her as Lord Lindley swept her off her feet and into an embrace. ‘You look nearly as ravishing as Minerva,’ he said into her ear before passing her along to Mrs Dawson.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.