A Mistaken Identity by Lana Williams

Author:Lana Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Victorian Romance
Publisher: Lana Williams
Published: 2023-05-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The next day flew by as if on wings. Harriet and Frances were asked to do all manner of things in preparation for the ball. They directed the staff where to set the large vases of flowers they’d arranged along with other decorations around the ballroom. There were last-minute decisions to make about the light supper and desserts that would be served as well as where to place the tables that would hold the refreshments.

Despite being busy, Harriet’s thoughts were frequently filled with Joseph. She couldn’t believe how bold she had been. Their flirtatious touching during dinner had been like a forbidden delight. Once they started, she couldn’t seem to stop.

To think that Joseph had read her mind and joined her in the library was even more of a thrill. In her mind, that proved how taken they were with one another.

Those moments in his arms and the way he had kissed her were something she would never forget.

But she still couldn’t see how this would end well. And there was no doubt it would come to an end.

The thought was discouraging, but she did her best to push it aside. The time for endings would come too quickly. But today was for celebration.

Soon, the time came for them to dress for the ball.

Frances was giddy with excitement, seeming to have set aside her displeasure with Harriet. Her enthusiasm only made Harriet more determined to do everything in her power not to ruin the evening for her.

Sally helped Frances prepare first before coming to Harriet’s room.

“Miss Melbourne is so excited,” Sally reported. “She looks especially lovely this evening if I do say so myself.”

Harriet laughed. “I’m certain you had a hand in it. I look forward to seeing her gown.”

“Yours is beautiful as well,” she said as she fingered the lace insert that would cover Harriet’s scars.

Sally had commented on them the first time she’d helped Harriet undress.

“How terrible, my lady. What happened?” the maid had asked as she stared in dismay at Harriet’s chest.

Harriet had run a finger along them as memories filled her of that terrible night. “A result of hot tea.”

She was tempted to explain just how the tea had landed on her chest but had learned not to. Mentioning her stepfather’s involvement only seemed to give him more power over her life. That was something she refused to do.

He was gone and would never hurt her or her mother again. That was all that mattered.

Still, she shivered as memories flooded her. Would the events that had followed ever fade from her mind?

Sally’s lips firmed as she looked between Harriet’s scarred chest and the ballgown. “Let us get you dressed,” was all she said.

A short time later, after Sally had secured the dress, and Harriet sat before the dressing table while the maid arranged her hair, Harriet studied the neckline of her gown, wishing it were different. Wishing she were different.

She closed her eyes and gave herself a mental shake. Nothing could be done to change what had happened.

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