The Earl's Love Match_A Sweet Regency Romance by Kelly Anne Bruce

Author:Kelly Anne Bruce [Bruce, Kelly Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sweet River Publishing
Published: 2019-08-13T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

As the days turned into weeks, it was clear that Faith was pining for Elliot’s company. As Jane regained her strength and the family moved from Winchester back to Wilmsdale, she could see that quite clearly. Jane did all she could to encourage her friend to continue to believe that he would return. It broke Jane’s heart each time she even thought of Elliot being with anyone but her, but if he must wed anyone, she would much rather it be her dearest friend.

They talked at length about which dress Faith might wear when he finally called upon them once more, and the things Elliot liked to do – so Faith might show intelligent interest in them. Jane did all she could to ensure that Faith was ready to dazzle her oldest friend. They spent hours trying different ways of pinning Faith’s hair, to make her pretty face even more radiant. They studied all manner of subjects, so Faith might appear knowledgeable and interested in the many things a man might enjoy.

Jane’s ill health had prevented them from attending the Penford’s Early Winter Ball, and she felt dreadfully guilty about it. Perhaps if they had been able to attend, then Faith might have had less time to brood, and perhaps might even have met another suitor to help take her mind from Elliot’s absence.

Almost two months had passed before Elliot finally returned to Dorset. He sent his groom with his calling card, and the duchess sent him an invitation to supper. Jane assisted Faith as she bathed in rose-petals and scented oil and dressed immaculately for the evening in a sapphire blue silk. Jane chose a dowdy pastel shade that did not really suit her complexion and coloring at all, but she was determined that all eyes would be on Faith. Jane directed Faith’s lady’s maid to dress her hair with pretty ringlets framing her lovely face and seed pearl pins peeking out of a plaited bun at the back. Jane merely pinned her hair tidily.

They descended the stairs as Elliot arrived. Jane ensured that he saw Faith first. She looked so lovely that it would be a strange man indeed that did not fall in love with her on the spot. Jane was sure that she saw his eyes light up as he took in Faith’s lovely face and elegant countenance. A pang of envy and regret coursed through Jane’s heart, though she pinned on a gay smile and crossed the hallway to greet her old friend.

Eliot greeted the duke and duchess with polite deference. The duchess smiled as she held out her hand to him. “Good evening, to you both.” He bowed to the duchess and kissed the air above her gloved hand. “I am most grateful of the invitation, Your Grace,” he said to the duke. The two men shook hands vigorously.

“Glad to have some male company, Grey,” the duke boomed. “Lovely though my wife and daughter are, and dear Jane of course, being surrounded by females takes its toll.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.