The Heiress's Secret Love (The Balfour Hotel Book 1) by Amanda Davis

Author:Amanda Davis [Davis, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Pines Romance
Published: 2018-11-20T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

The pianoforte played mellifluously throughout the ballroom, a subtle but cheerful rendition.

Haydn, Emmeline realized as she glided through the room, the corners of her rosebud mouth raised in a faux smile. A gracious serenity radiated about her, but it was there by rote rather than design.

I am a perfectly trained house pet, groomed and shiny, paraded about to dazzle the guests as always. I must be witty, but dare not speak too much. I must be articulate, but dare not voice an opinion.

Her gown of pale lavender accentuated her golden brown eyes, the color flattering against the hypnotic waver of the candles systematically placed about the ever-filling hall.

“You look lovely tonight, Emmy,” Xavier told her graciously, extending his arm for her to take. She accepted it eagerly, happy it was her brother who walked beside her and not Walter Greene, who had yet to appear.

“Thank you. You are also quite dashing,” she replied graciously although she was not exaggerating. His thick, blonde hair was swept back stylishly, exposing his handsome face and intelligent eyes.

“I must tell you how much I admire your strength,” he told her quietly as they nodded at the various guests.

“Strange. I do not feel strong,” she confessed in a breath. “I feel as though I am about to float away.”

Xavier cast her a sidelong look but they did not slow their gait until he stopped at the buffet and released her arm.

“You will not float away,” he promised. “Regardless of what happens, I will always be here. You must know that.”

She looked gratefully at him and smiled.

“You are a good brother,” she told him.

“Ah, Mr. Xavier, Miss Balfour. What a pleasure.” They turned to face the Duke of Workenshire who beamed at them gleefully.

Emmeline curtsied as Xavier bowed and the Duke nodded to them.

“I daresay there is not a finer duo in this room tonight,” the Duke announced.

“You are too kind, Your Grace,” Emmeline told him demurely.

“I only speak in truths, Miss Balfour. I daresay that after tonight, there will be many a shattered bachelor in Luton.”

Emmeline’s smile faded quickly and she glanced at Xavier who seemed equally surprised by the Duke’s words.

“Your Grace?” she asked.

“Oh, my dear, there is no need to be coy. It is the talk of all of Luton that you will be announcing your engagement tonight. Forgive me for carrying on—I assure you I will act surprised when Mr. Greene declares your betrothal.”

Apprehension snaked its way through Emmeline and she looked to her brother as the Duke excused himself.

“Does the entire town know of this?” she snapped in disgust. “Was I truly meant to be the last to learn of Father’s plans? Of my own betrothal?”

“I am sorry, Emmy,” Xavier said helplessly and she easily read the misery in his face.

It is not Xavier who deserves your anger. It is Father and that wretch, Walter Greene.

“Mother has arrived,” Xavier muttered and more tension tightened Emmeline’s shoulders. She turned her head to find her mother grinning foolishly as her head scanned the room with eyes that failed to focus.

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