The Stranger She Married by Donna Hatch

Author:Donna Hatch [Hatch, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, General
ISBN: 9781601543349
Google: z3haPgAACAAJ
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Published: 2008-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

On the day of the ball, Monique arranged Alicia's hair with all the care of a sculptor. Alicia sat looking somberly in the mirror wishing she felt more excitement. Before events put her into mourning, she had anticipated a ball with eagerness. There was little she loved to do as much as dance, to feel completely carried away by the music. Tonight, however, a sense of foreboding dampened her enthusiasm.

Alicia worried that she and her husband would create a sensation when they arrived. She knew he seldom attended social functions.

She wondered if their every move would be discussed and analyzed. Some might look upon her with sympathy, others, with scorn. Perhaps they'd view him as a curiosity, or as the source of apprehension, ridicule, or fear.

By the time Monique slipped her gown over her head, Alicia was tempted to cry off.

"And this one, I think, would be perfect.” Monique retrieved a pearl and diamond necklace from the jewelry case and held it up.

Alicia hesitated. She seldom removed her mother's locket, yet the baron might feel slighted if she failed to wear any of the family jewelry he'd so generously given her. She removed her locket, set it carefully in the jewelry case, and allowed Monique to fasten the pearls around her neck.

As she pulled on her gloves, Lord Amesbury knocked respectfully and entered at her bidding. She turned to face him, her dress making a slight rustle.

"You look exquisite, my darling. The dress is lovely, don't you agree?"

The dress had arrived the day before from Paris, a pale green silk with a darker green sash. The hemline pulled up in little flounces held with tiny green ribbons. The wide neckline showed off her smooth white shoulders. She almost felt beautiful.

"It's lovely, my lord."

"And the jewels are perfect.” He drew closer. “You look like a queen."

"I think I will be afraid all night that I might lose them,” she confessed.

"I hope you will enjoy yourself tonight, Alicia. Do not hurry back. I will see you at dinner tomorrow night."

Her eyes opened wide.

"I am not going with you, my darling. You are a rare beauty and you should not be seen with a frightening creature like me. Our neighbor, Lady Edenburgh, has agreed to attend with you."

Alicia nodded. She looked forward to spending more time with her nearest neighbor.

"And my cousin Cole has agreed to attend. He normally dislikes balls, he calls them marriage marts, but he has promised to watch over you this evening."

Alicia stared. “My lord—"

"I understand your feelings, but I want to make sure you are safe. Cole is the only man I'd trust to protect you as I would if I were present."

He kissed her cheek in that muffled way that had become familiar to her, and left before she could argue further.

Monique fussed over her several more minutes while Alicia fought the rising tremor that leapt to her throat at the mention of Cole's name. After Monique was satisfied that she appeared picture-perfect, Alicia picked up her reticule and left her room.

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