The Hidden Heiress (The Harcourts: Another Generation Book 2) by Penny Fairbanks

Author:Penny Fairbanks [Fairbanks, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Hugh, Mama, and Papa strolled into the dazzling ballroom of Lady Farwell’s American family. Dozens of people had already gathered to while away a night of dancing and socializing. And yet Hugh’s eyes immediately landed on Miss Pellam.

She chatted animatedly with Miss Long and Christian, smiling and laughing and absolutely stunning in her cream evening gown that exposed her elegant shoulders. Glittering diamonds and pearls nestled amongst her black curls. Even from here, Hugh could see that she wore the butterfly brooch. The sight of it—of her—sent his heart soaring to the heavens. He wanted nothing more than to run right to her.

Propriety kept him in his place beside his parents as they wove through the crowd, searching for the host and hostess. Besides, Miss Pellam would likely be quite shocked to see Hugh racing toward her like a madman even though he sensed that she was also aware of the shift that had occurred between them last week at Coney Island. He desperately wanted to confirm that that suspicion was correct.

He could only grit his teeth as Mama and Papa offered their greetings to Lord and Lady Farwell. To his dismay, Lady Farwell insisted on bringing them around the room to introduce them to some of her other American family and friends. Hugh groaned quietly to himself. Unfortunately, his dear mother had sharp, all-seeing eyes and apparently all-hearing ears as well. She shot him a warning glance with a raised brow. Hugh mustered an apologetic smile while wondering with increasing frustration why this part always had to take so long.

After the third introduction, Papa caught Hugh’s eye. With a mischievous wink, Papa announced, “Thank you, Lady Farwell, for forging these wonderful new connections for us. But I think, if you do not mind, we would like to secure some refreshments before Mrs. Harcourt and I take to the dance floor and stun everyone in the room with our grace.”

“Goodness, of course,” the countess chuckled. “I cannot say that I hosted a successful ball without receiving numerous compliments of my dear friends’ dancing. Do come find me when you are ready for more introductions.”

Lady Farwell strode away to chat with other guests. As soon as her back turned, Hugh breathed a sigh of relief. As she often did, Mama took the lead and guided them toward the sideboard laden with food. Hugh took the opportunity to mouth a “thank you” to his father.

“There is Lord Addleford,” Papa whispered, subtly pointing toward the opposite corner.

Hugh smiled and thanked Papa once more. Of course, he had been aware of his friend’s location the entire time—primarily because he was still talking with Miss Pellam. Hugh just could not seem to remove his eyes from her for longer than a few seconds at a time.

He had only taken one step toward his friends, both old and new, when he felt a hand grasp his wrist. He spun around, mouth already open to complain, when he caught sight of the deep love in Mama’s keen yet kind eyes.

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