The School for Brides by Cheryl Ann Smith

Author:Cheryl Ann Smith [Smith, Cheryl Ann]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 2011-04-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The silver ball gown was so lovely, like a shimmer of heavenly light, that Eva frowned at her reflection. The clinging fabric molded to her upper body as if she’d spent hours in fittings, and fell in delicate yards of silk and lace, shot through with lighter silver threads, from the bodice to the floor.

The color set off the hints of gold and copper in Eva’s upswept hair as she scowled. No fairy godmother with magic powers could have turned her so perfectly into a princess. She sparkled.

Eva met her sister’s eyes in the mirror. Noelle was immensely satisfied with herself. She hadn’t stopped humming since she’d arrived with the gown draped over her arm.

“This is your idea of plain?”

Noelle, resplendent in rose satin, smiled. Her fair hair was twisted at the back of her head in an elaborate creation that must have taken her maid half the afternoon to produce. Ruby earbobs dangled from her lobes and crystal-encrusted pins sparkled in her hair.

“I had the modiste take off the ribbons and bows to make the gown simpler,” Noelle offered with a shrug. She moved behind Eva and leaned over her shoulder. The light scent of roses drifted around her. “You look lovely. I could not have made a better choice myself.”

Eva narrowed her eyes. “You did choose it.”

Noelle giggled and reached for a jar of powder. “I did, didn’t I? I must have excellent taste.”

“And you are modest, too, sister.” The term “sister” no longer felt odd on her tongue. Only the two of them, and Harold, knew of their connection. Noelle had been passed off as a new friend, and the servants and her mother accepted it as fact.

Eva knew she should run to the wardrobe and pull out one of her drab spinster costumes, but could not bring herself to do so. She’d never had the occasion to wear such an exquisite creation, and vanity overcame any desire to take it off.

“With my beautiful sister at my side, it will be impossible to hide in the crowd,” Eva said. “The den of lions will be licking their chops with anticipation.”

The only thing Eva could do was pray she would not trip over the duke. He was the most ferocious beast of all.

“Nonsense.” Noelle put the jar down. “The only slavering happening this evening will come from the eager young bucks begging for an introduction to you.”

Eva worried her bottom lip. The dratted whisper of reason reared up, and she faltered in her resolve to enjoy the ball. Young bucks? Was she up to the task of flirting and dancing? Would she shame herself and her sister with her inexperienced bumbling? She had no formidable chaperone to hide behind if she desired a moment to collect herself, or to save her from an overzealous suitor.

Harold had promised to linger outside with the coach, on the chance she might need to make a speedy exit. Inside the manor, she was on her own with only Noelle for protection. The idea did not soothe her in the least.

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.