Love Birds: The Complete Collection by Ruth J. Hartman

Author:Ruth J. Hartman [Hartman, Ruth J.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: esKape Press
Published: 2015-10-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Amelia, Conrad’s wife, embraced Cecilia. “It’s so good to see you, sister.”

Warmth encompassed Cecilia, inside and out. Amelia was so caring, so wonderful to her. It was as if they really were sisters. “It’s good to be with you, too.”

“Come in the parlor and sit with me.” Amelia grabbed her hand and gave a tug. Cecilia bit her lip against a laugh. Her sister-in-law had a habit of yanking on Conrad’s hand when she wanted him to follow her, and so had taken up doing the same to Cecilia.

They sat side by side on the settee. Conrad’s home was so lovely. What would it be like to live in such luxury? Immediately, she chided herself. No, Cecilia, you have more than you ever had a right to hope for. Be content.

It was enough that Papa had said no to Horace’s proposal for Cecilia’s hand in marriage. She shuddered, so thankful she wouldn’t be saddled with him for the rest of her life. He was repulsive, not to mention he was nearly Papa’s age. Mama had wept — actually wept — when Papa said no. Had her mother really thought that Cecilia would want to marry such a reprehensible man?

“I thought we’d start with choosing some fabric for your new gowns.”

Cecilia focused again on Amelia. “Gowns? I thought there would be one.”

Amelia laughed. “Oh no, my dear. One simply will not do. There will be several. And they will all be lovely to complement your beauty.”

“Beauty?” Cecilia’s face heated. To hear Mama tell it, Cecilia was too plain to ever catch anyone’s notice. Hair too wispy. Eyes too pale.

“Yes. You are beautiful.”

Cecilia blinked. “Truly?”

“Of course. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that?”

“Papa, of course, but…” But doesn’t a father see his daughter as beautiful simply because she’s his child?

“It’s nice when our fathers tell us such, but it’s ever more so exciting to have a handsome gentleman tell you.”

“I cannot imagine that happening to me, Amelia.”

“Why ever not?”

“I’m not…” Not worthy, not special, not… deserving.

“You’re not, what?”

“I’m not of your class. I’m simply the daughter of a surgeon-dentist. Why would a handsome gentleman ever want to—?”

“Cecilia, that’s why we’re preparing for your come-out.”

She took Amelia’s hand. “I’m so appreciative. So very thankful that you—”

“It’s not just me. And it was Conrad’s idea. He loves you, you know.” She squeezed Cecilia’s hand.”As do I.”

Tears pricked the back of Cecilia’s eyelids. “I… I love you both, as well.”

A knock sounded at the front door. Amelia glanced at the doorway of the parlor.

Giles, the butler appeared. “Lady Lofton, Mrs. Egerton has arrived. Shall I send her in?”

Amelia nodded. “Please.”

He returned a few seconds later accompanied by a tall, broad-shouldered woman who had midnight black hair. She didn’t wait for an introduction, but instead bustled into the room, carrying a very large canvas bag. Brightly colored pieces of fabric peeked out from the opening at the top. Cecilia’s fingers itched to touch them. Are those all for me to choose from?

“Darling, how wonderful to see you again!” Mrs.

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