The Lord's Portrait (A Regency Romance) (The Regency Brothers in Love Book 2) by Eliza Dawkins

Author:Eliza Dawkins [Dawkins, Eliza]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-03T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Arabella had been invited to Thornton Manor for a party to unveil William’s portrait. She hoped it would bring her more commissions. A girl had to support herself if she couldn’t marry. Maybe befriending Lord William Windham was going to be a good thing for her aspirations.

Arabella had to admit it — she did enjoy William's company. She had never been entirely comfortable in the company of men before, aside from Andrew, of course.

Frances was home from Manchester and would be attending the party as well. The prospect of seeing her dear friend after a few weeks away added to Arabella’s anticipation.

When the special night came at last, she put on her veil and her best evening dress, one of crimson muslin that accentuated her dark hair. She and Hannah set off for Thornton Manor in the coach.

On the way, Arabella imagined the scene. The manor house would be decorated for the holiday season and lit up festively. The event would be the party of the season, and she an esteemed guest. And William would ask her to dance, and while dancing, he’d confess that he fancied her…

She shook her head. She was being silly. Lord William would never fancy a girl with a soiled reputation. But there had been a spark between them when he kissed her fingers. His lips had touched her bare skin … and it was glorious. She had felt as if she would swoon at his touch. The memory of it made her feel the same way now…

Arabella tried to shake off the thought.

‘Bella, are you well?’ Hannah asked.

‘Yes, I’m fine,’ Arabella replied.

‘This veil is so silly!’ Hannah exclaimed. ‘It’s been so long since you were embarrassed at your own party. It’s time to take off the veil.’

‘No,’ Arabella sighed. ‘Everyone believes —’

‘You don’t know what they believe. You don’t know what they think of you. Anyway, it’s none of your concern what other people think of you,’ Hannah replied. ‘You’re a virtuous girl, and you didn’t do anything wrong. You’re feeling ashamed for no reason at all!’

The girls were silent in the coach as they waited for it to pull up to the front of the manor house. The lampposts leading up the drive were indeed decorated for the holidays, and holly branches adorned the front door and windows.

‘I just hope William is pleased with the portrait,’ Arabella said.

‘William?’ Hannah asked, a smirk crossing her face. ‘You’re not calling him Lord William anymore?’

Arabella coloured up at her slip of the tongue. ‘All I meant was that maybe he’ll let me do a full portrait of him, that’s all. And he and I are friends. I enjoy his company.’

Hannah laughed. ‘Of course you do! Who wouldn’t enjoy the company of men as handsome as the triplet brothers?’

The coach finally pulled up, and a handsome footman in white gloves and fine livery escorted the girls into the manor house, where a long garland been draped along the banister of the staircase.

Arabella and Hannah were announced

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