In the Stars by Elizabeth Jayne

Author:Elizabeth Jayne [Jayne, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Blankets kept them warm during the carriage ride to the Veton ball and Millicent was thankful for her warm cloak that would protect her from the cold during her move from the carriage to the Veton home. There was no dallying by any of the guests as they arrived at the large house, it was far too cold to remain outside any longer than necessary. It was a bit of a squeeze entering the front doors but, once inside, they found it warm enough to discard their cloaks and greet their hosts.

Leaving her mother talking to friends, Millicent went in search of Amanda. Richard would be arriving soon and she wanted to make sure she was standing with Amanda at that time. Her journey around the room was stopped several times as she met other friends along the way. Her gaze roamed the room and she gasped as her friend pointed out a new arrival to the ball. The orange gown was hideous and did not at all suit the young woman. It was clear, however, that she thought herself beautiful and she swayed into the room as if expecting all eyes to be on her.

“If I were Lydia Farnsworth, I would burn that gown this instant,” whispered Lettie. “How can she believe she looks anything but a fright in it?”

“She believes orange makes her look young and fresh,” replied her friend. It was not clear how Lydia had come to that conclusion but they were impressed by her calm confidence.

Millicent was a very confident young woman but she would not be seen dead in a gown as horrid as the one Lydia Farnsworth was wearing. Her older husband appeared beside her, was obviously pleased with her appearance if his look was any indication, and they both disappeared into the crowd. The young women chatted a bit more and Millicent moved on in search of Amanda.

Two pair of male eyes watched as she made her way around the room.

Jonathon had known the instant Millicent entered the room. He had felt it. He also knew the evening would be bittersweet for him. His eyes watched her as she moved about the room. Her laughter reached him as she spent time talking to some friends and he wished that laughter had been caused by a conversation in his company, instead. He knew that would never be, however. She moved gracefully through the crowd, her height making it easy for him to follow her. A stray dark curl had escaped from its pins and rested softly against her shoulder. For a brief moment he thought of going to her with the excuse of re-pinning the stray curl in place but, in the next moment, realised he would never again be spending time in such close proximity to her. He had accepted that she was not meant for him and it was time he moved on. Tonight he was sure to find someone else to pay his attentions to. He turned away and strolled towards his sister and the group of young ladies surrounding her.

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