The Look of Love (The Book of Love 1) by Meara Platt

Author:Meara Platt [Platt, Meara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2019-03-26T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“Penelope, you’ve put together a grand affair,” Olivia said as she, Penelope, and Poppy strolled from room to room to make certain all was in place for this evening’s dinner party. Saturday had come too soon, and while Olivia looked forward to the evening, she also dreaded its end. Tomorrow would be a day for packing, and on Monday, they would all return to London.

Her stomach roiled at the thought, but she put aside her worries and resolved to enjoy the festivities that her friend had worked so hard to plan. They strolled into the dining room. “This table puts the elegance of any London supper table to shame.” She gave a nod of approval, quite proud of her friend and all she’d accomplished in the matter of a few days. “I never realized you were so talented.”

Penelope shook her head and laughed. “Organizing a party isn’t so hard when one has a staff as capable as Nathaniel’s. All I have to do is smile and take all the credit.”

“We know you do much more than that. Still, we are very proud of you,” Poppy said. “My goodness, all this grandeur makes one feel quite insignificant.”

Olivia agreed, for the table groaned under the weight of polished silverware and silver trays, gleaming crystal glasses, delicate tureens, and a massive candelabra. The china plates were rimmed in lapis and gold and bore the crest of the earls of Welles in its center. Tall vases filled with pink roses had been set at precisely measured intervals along the table.

Penelope put her arms around both of them. “Enjoy yourselves tonight. We shall be among friends and good neighbors. In a few days we’ll be back in London and tossed back into the frenzy of the marriage mart.” She wrinkled her nose. “I wish there was a way for us to avoid being trotted out like fillies up for auctions at Tattersalls.”

“Too bad we can’t find men to marry around here,” Poppy said. “Somehow, courtship feels more fun when among friends and familiar surroundings.”

Olivia considered pointing out that Nathaniel and his friends were eligible bachelors, but since she had no intention of interfering with Beast’s political prospects, and Poppy was still too timid about aiming for a husband with a title, and Penelope and Thad could not be in a room with each other for more than five minutes without declaring war, she simply kept silent.

“How do I look?” Poppy asked, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles in her gown.

She had on a gown of pale pink silk and her maid had wound pearls in her prettily styled dark hair. “You look beautiful,” Olivia said.

Penelope agreed, but suddenly began to fuss as well. “What about me?”

Olivia cast her friend a warm smile. “Also, beautiful. The apricot silk of your gown brings out the natural creamy rose of your complexion as well as the auburn tones in your hair.” Penelope’s maid had fashioned her hair in a loosely upswept chignon held together by diamond clips.

“My turn now.” Olivia glanced down at the robin-egg blue of her silk gown.

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