Harlequin Historical October 2020--Box Set 1 of 2 by Bronwyn Scott

Author:Bronwyn Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

The day of the ball finally arrived. After making sure Violet was settled in the nursery Melissa gave herself up to Daisy’s capable hands. On entering her chamber she was surprised to see one of her favourite gowns freshly ironed and spread out across the bed.

‘Your husband instructed me to prepare something suitable for the ball. He said it had to be elegant and not too fussy. He also said the neckline was not to be too daring. I hope you approve the one I’ve chosen for you to wear.’

It was a sumptuous gown in deep rose-pink—almost the same colour as the gown she had worn to attend the dinner at Beechwood House. Caught halfway between annoyance and amusement at Laurence’s high-handedness, Melissa laughed. ‘Absolutely, Daisy. It was the very gown I would have chosen myself. Did he suggest the colour also?’

‘Yes, as a matter of fact he did. He said this particular colour would enhance your complexion and suit your shade of hair perfectly.’

‘I am indeed touched that my husband has taken such an interest in what I should wear. He has excellent taste.’

As she prepared for the evening’s entertainment—her first London ball—excitement and trepidation caused her stomach to flutter. She was finding it harder and harder to retreat into cool reserve when she was near Laurence, especially when memories of the night they had lain together intruded and she remembered the joy of it, but she was happy and relieved that their relationship seemed to be on a better footing following their ride out in Hyde Park.

There were times when she knew Laurence wanted her. She saw it in his eyes when he looked at her, in his expression, and she deeply regretted the harsh words they had exchanged when he had left her bed on their first night in London. Perhaps tonight would go some way to making their marriage happy and solid and in time help to heal the wounds of the terrible loss of his wife and son.

Hopefully an evening at Cranston House would turn it around.

* * *

Returning home after a busy schedule of business appointments in the city, Laurence had just enough time to dress for the evening’s entertainment and toss back a large brandy. Striding into the hall, he paused. Melissa was just coming down the stairs. Nothing had prepared him for the first sight of his wife dressed for the ball.

With a stunned smile of admiration, he took in the full impact of her ravishing deep rose gown, his bold eyes moving over her with unhidden masculine appreciation. The skirts fell from her waist into panels that clung gently to her graceful figure and ended in a swirl at her toes. The bodice was slightly off the shoulder, showing to perfection the creamy flesh of her throat and a tantalising hint of the gentle swell of her breasts. Her hair was drawn back in a sleek chignon, its lustrous simplicity providing an enticing contrast to the sophistication of the gown. The effect was regal and enchanting.

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