The Innkeeper's Daughter by Bianca M. Schwarz

Author:Bianca M. Schwarz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Central Avenue Publishing
Published: 2021-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

HENRY RETURNED FROM HIS CLANDESTINE meeting satisfied and in time to share a light dinner with a rested Eliza before they both retreated to their rooms to change for the ball.

Henry took his time to don his costume, knowing Eliza would need more time than he. He bronzed his face, neck, and forearms with a theatrical powder and eventually headed downstairs to await the ladies.

The chandelier in the foyer was lit, making it easier to check his appearance in the mirror there.

He liked this costume, and not just because he liked the character of Oberon or because A Midsummer Night’s Dream was one of his favorite plays. From the pointed shoes, gold embroidered silk stockings, and tan velvet breeches to the flowing, ruffled silk shirt, long tan velvet vest embroidered with gold, and the glittering powder on his face, the whole outfit made him feel just a little bit naughty. It seemed to him, if one was going to put on a costume, one might as well give full measure and enjoy the freedom a costume could afford.

He placed a gold-dusted laurel crown on his head and was in the process of arranging his forest-green velvet cloak around his shoulders when he heard Eliza and Daisie come down the stairs. Henry turned, and his breath caught.

Eliza stood on the stairs, turned half away from him, talking to Daisie, who held her wings and cloak. The blue, green, and silver fairy dress was as exquisite as he remembered, but the bright light from the chandelier made the crystals wink from its folds and sparkle from Eliza’s dark hair. Her hair flowed in loose, luxurious waves around her shoulders and down to her waist. She truly looked like a fairy princess.

But as ethereal as she appeared, the silver ribbons wound around her exposed ankles to hold up her sandals were downright arousing, and Henry had to momentarily look away to get his wayward body under control.

By the time he looked up again, Eliza had turned to him, and her excited smile was no less arousing than the sandals. “Henry, you look wonderful! Oberon?”

“Indeed, my Titania, although you are more fairy princess than queen.”

She smiled as she took in all aspects of his beautiful costume, and the man in it, and he fancied an ember of desire sparked in her dark eyes.

“I’ll be a young Titania, then.”

He moved to the foot of the stairs and held out his hand to her. As she stepped off the last step and placed her hand in his, he pulled the necklace and bracelet set he had bought for her out of the pocket in his vest.

Before Eliza could protest, he clasped the bracelet around her wrist and stepped behind her to affix the intricate chain of golden leaves around her neck. “This should make you feel a little more regal.”

Eliza’s hand flew to her mouth as she looked at the delicate piece of jewelry on her wrist. When Henry moved back around to face her, lifting his hands to caress her arms, she looked at him with tears in her eyes.

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