The Viscount's Bride by G.L. Snodgrass

Author:G.L. Snodgrass
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Purple Herb
Published: 2015-10-19T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Caroline secretly rubbed her sweaty palms on the carriage seat. She didn’t want Alexander to see how nervous she was. Not only was this her first ton party. But she was not supposed to be there.

The lack of invitation really bothered her. It seemed rude of Alexander and herself somehow. As if they cared so little for other people’s feelings.

If the Duchess of Bathurst had wanted her at her party, she would have invited them. It really was that simple. Since no such invitation had been given. That meant she and Alexander were not wanted.

To ignore that seemed the most loutish behavior she could imagine.

Alexander, of course, seemed oblivious. He had talked a little about his trip to the Lake District and his need to make a visit to Cornwall. And another to Wales next spring.

Did the man ever rest? Or did he have women spread out across Britain? All in need of his special attention. The nasty thought popped into her head before she could stop it.

Her hand instinctively went to her throat to touch her necklace.

He smiled down at her and said. “You look beautiful. The necklace only enhances that beauty.

She felt her cheeks grow warm and became lost in his eyes for a moment. Was he going to kiss her here? Her heart began to race with anticipation.

The carriage, however, rocked and came to a halt.

“It appears we are here,” Alexander said.

She was going to kill Jake the Coachman. Couldn’t he have taken a just a little longer?

Hampton held the carriage door as Alexander helped her down. Her stomach tightened into a knot as she looked up at the ducal mansion. A liveried footman dressed in red and gold with a powdered wig manned the front door. Eyeing them like they were foreign invaders.

Taking a deep breath, she place her hand on her husband’s arm and slowly ascended the long steps.

Her breath hitched when the doorman gave them a quick glance. Paused for a moment, then swiftly opened the front door and bowed. Sweeping an arm forward, bidding them to enter.

They were in. Caroline wondered if that was a good thing. Maybe it would have been better if they had been denied access at the front door. Less embarrassing.

The greeting line had already broken up. The Duke and Duchess having left to attend to their guests. Caroline sent up a silent prayer of thanks. Obviously, being late had its advantages.

The mansion was large. Even larger than Alexander’s house. Music washed over her from the distant ballroom. A glittering glass chandelier with a dozen candles hung over the foyer.

Caroline swallowed hard and tried to smile. Alexander patted her hand and whispered.

“Trust me,” he said.

Taking a deep breath, she allowed him to escort her to the ballroom.

A moving wall of color and noise greeted them as they reached the ballroom open doors. Men and women were dancing in an organized march. Couples traipsing through the line of dancers to be followed by another.

Blues and reds, purples and light greens.

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