Chapter Thirty
By the evening of the ball, Gilbert was feeling so much better that he wondered if perhaps he might be able to dance, after all.
However, Dorothea made him promise not to, as he must not risk reinjury.
He reluctantly agreed, even as he wondered how he was going to manage to find enough time to speak to Miss Wells.
She would likely have a full dance card, and where would that leave him?
The event was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Longview, an exceedingly wealthy businessman who had managed to work his way into acceptance from the ton after purchasing a beautiful estate in Lancashire.
Even Dorothea approved of the family, calling them quite elegant and good company.
Entering the Longviews’ impressive home, Gilbert and Dorothea greeted their hosts, then immediately proceeded to the enormous hall where the dancing was already underway.
Gilbert thought he had never seen such high ceilings in his life outside of a cathedral and was duly impressed with the good taste he saw all about him.
He noted a few pieces of sculpture and thought to himself that once he and Diana were wed, he might wish to journey to the continent and begin collecting art.
After all, as the son-in-law of the owner of a wealthy estate, Gilbert would have few duties, other than to produce a son or two and wait for his wife to inherit.
Yes, becoming an art collector held a great deal of appeal.
He would, he was certain, be quite good at it.
“Gilbert!” a voice called, breaking him out from his musings. He looked up to see Carter approach, and, on his arm, Miss Mary Landry. The two were just coming off the dance floor.
“Good evening, Carter,” Gilbert said and, with a bow to Mary, “Good evening to you, Miss Landry, you are looking well this evening. Did you just dance the last with poor old Carter here? I would be happy to ask you, myself, but I am not fully healed from my accident, and fear tonight I shall simply stalk about the room, admiring others and feeling sorry for myself.”
“My mother and I were so grieved to hear of your accident, Mr. Kendall,” Mary said. “However, I am pleased to see that you are recovering well enough to attend tonight’s ball. Mr. Milbourn has told me of his many visits to see you during your convalescence.”
“Indeed, he was most attentive. I could not ask for a more loyal friend. As you well know, he is always one to take pity on the unfortunate.”
There was an awkward pause and Gilbert realized with horror how his comment was likely being interpreted by the homely Miss Landry.
He stammered on in a rush, “I refer to his reputation at University, you understand. If you had only seen him back then. He was the first to defend those of the lower classes who frequently took abuse from members of the Noble Commoner ranks.”
“Having suffered a bit from the likes of them myself, yes, I did my best to treat all with equal respect,” Carter said.
“His good nature does not surprise me. Though, after all,” Mary added, “it is only wise to be kind and courteous to all whom one may meet, do you not agree? For one never knows when a family’s circumstance may change for the better or worse, as my own family’s situation proves.
I may now call myself the daughter of an estate-owning gentleman, whereas, before his inheritance of our estate, my papa was merely a wealthy businessman.
His was an enviable financial position, to be sure, but not worthy of attention from the illustrious ton.
Even now, some of the more elite members of society barely do more than politely tolerate us.
Perhaps in three or four generations more, we shall be fully accepted. ”
Thinking of his sister, Dorothea, Gilbert laughed.
“Such morals do you credit, Miss Landry. I am certain no one would ever accuse you of being a snob. And, I hope, none would say it of me.” To this, Miss Landry only gave him a cool smile, which made him feel quite uncomfortable.
After a moment, he continued, “Will you please excuse me? I am attempting to find an acquaintance. I am sure we will speak again later this evening.” He bowed and hurried away.
Gilbert scanned the ballroom, searching for Diana’s aunt, Mrs. Steele. Spotting her standing alone by an enormous potted palm, he hurried over to her.
“Good evening, Mrs. Steele, how are you this evening?” he greeted her.
The older woman’s face lit up. “Ah, Mr. Kendall, there you are. We had heard rumors that you might make an appearance tonight. Your presence has been sorely missed these past two weeks, I assure you.”
Gilbert gave her his most winning smile. “You are all kindness to say so. I can only hope that it is true, although the only one whose company I most longed for is that of your niece.” He cast a look out on the dance floor. “Is she dancing just now?”
“Yes, with a Mr. Benjamin Becket,” Mrs. Steele said, pointing with her fan towards Diana, who was dressed in a pale violet gown with elaborate embroidered flowers along the hem.
A silken half-cape flowed elegantly behind her as she moved.
“An amiable enough chap, destined to go into the military, or so he tells me. My dear niece can have no such interest in him beyond a few flirtatious dances. There can be no serious affection there, of course.”
“Speaking of that,” Gilbert seized the opportunity to press his case, “I wish to inquire, Mrs. Steele, if I might gain your approval to court your niece. I am already so deeply enamored of her, but I wish to come to know her better, that the two of us may hopefully discover an affection that will soon lead to an event that will secure the happiness of us both forevermore. Will you consent to my request?”
The lady gave him a warm appraisal before nodding her head. “Of course, I shall. It is up to my dear Diana to accept or deny your advances, Mr. Kendall, but, you may certainly come calling.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I assure you, my intentions are completely honorable and with an eye to the future. My affections are not merely a little fever of admiration, but rather most sincere and devoted to her happiness alone.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kendall. Ah, here she is now.” Mrs. Steele smiled as Diana and Mr. Becket approached.
He bowed and thanked her for the dance, then departed, not bothering to be introduced to Gilbert.
“Diana, dearest,” Mrs. Steele said, “Mr. Kendall has just asked me for permission to come calling upon you, with a mind to discovering if there is a chance for an understanding between you. I gave it him, while noting you are the final arbiter of your own heart.” She gave a little laugh, and then, her eyes widened and she cleared her throat while subtly tilting her head.
Diana’s eyes followed her motion to see Kirkpatrick approaching. As he neared, Diana placed a gloved hand upon Gilbert’s arm and said in a clear voice, “I should be honored and delighted to have you call upon me, Mr. Kendall. For you are quite one of my favorites this Season.”
Had Gilbert directed his besotted gaze away from his intended for a moment, he might have noted Kirkpatrick’s reaction of clear surprise as he overheard Diana’s statement. But Gilbert entirely missed Kirkpatrick’s sneer.
“I suppose you have no openings for dances this evening, Miss Wells,” Gilbert said in a hopeful tone. “Not that I can dance, in any event. I had hoped, however, to reserve a dance with you simply that we might enjoy some time to converse?”
Diana lowered her eyes a moment, before coyly glancing up through her thick fringes of eyelashes.
“I do have the sixth open, Mr. Kendall. I was saving it for you in the event you were able to dance. I should be quite delighted to spend it with you in the refreshment room. We can speak there.” She smiled, and Gilbert thought his heart did a flip in his chest. “Until then?”
Gilbert bowed and thanked her and Mrs. Steele, then moved away as a gentleman approached to claim Diana for the next dance.
Gilbert arrived in the refreshment room, next to the dancing hall, well before the sixth set began, in order to claim one of the many small tables the hosts had set up.
He sat, tapping one foot in time to the music emanating from the dancing room as he waited, sipping his cup of punch.
Miss Wells arrived promptly, looking as fresh and dainty as if she had just arrived at the ball, and had not been dancing every set that evening.
Trailing behind was her aunt, who helped herself to something to drink, then stood, just out of earshot, but still close enough to observe the two.
After Gilbert pulled out the chair at the small table for Diana, he asked what he might get her, then hurried to the refreshment table to fulfill her wish.
Then, seated across from her, he said, “I have never seen you look more lovely than tonight, Miss Wells,” he began.
“I believe you are one of those ladies who becomes more beautiful with each passing day.”
Diana gave a musical little laugh. “Gracious, Mr. Kendall, your absence from these past few dances has made me forget your delightful penchant for delivering compliments.”
“I speak only the truth. And, Miss Wells, nothing would make me happier than to spend all the rest of my days praising your grace and beauty,” Gilbert said earnestly.
“I cannot tell you the joy it gave me when your aunt bestowed her permission on me to court you. Is… that is… are you amenable to my intentions?”
“I believe it may be well for us to become better acquainted, sir,” she said, batting her eyes at him.
“That is my thought, exactly.” Gilbert gave a chuckle. “May I tell you something? When I heard you danced a second with Kirkpatrick the other night, my heart nearly broke in two.”
“Oh, well, it was only because you were not here to fill that position, I am sure. As you know, he has little interest in me now that Lady Marianne Lynton has come to town. I am but a poor choice to that lady with her title, wealth, and beauty.”
“A man who would seek any young lady over you must have need of spectacles. For you are the only true beauty in any room, believe me.”
“I thank you again for your compliments. But tell me—have you yet seen Lady Lynton for yourself?” she asked.
She pointed her fan towards the dance floor, visible through the double doors of the refreshment room.
“There she is, in the pink dress, dancing with Mr. Becket.” She gave a dismissive laugh.
“How he managed to secure that dance, I have no idea. Mr. Becket is pleasant company, but a second son, with little income and littler future, in my opinion.”
Gilbert twisted around in his chair and strained to capture a glimpse of the mysterious Lady Lynton.
She was exquisitely dressed, with matching dark-pink ribbons in her raven-black hair and he could see even from this distance that she had expressive dark eyes.
Lady Lynton was a beauty, indeed. Still, she could not compare to the blonde vision before him.
Diana’s comment about second sons stung a bit, and he weighed his next words carefully.
“Second sons can still be a good match, can they not? Does not true affection matter more than mere money? Especially when the lady in question—” he broke off, cursing himself for what he nearly said.
Diana laughed again. “Especially when the lady in question has money to spare? Well, you are somewhat correct, sir. Does it truly matter which side of the match brings in the financial security? It ought not be an impediment to true love, in my opinion.”
Gilbert felt his heart soar at her pronouncement.
“I see we are of the same mind, Miss Wells,” he said softly, as he extended his hand to softly caress hers resting on the table.
She began to withdraw hers, then looked up, gazing past him towards the doorway.
Her eyes seemed to focus on something, then she not only moved her hand back, she leaned in to stroke his in a most intimate manner, smiling all the while.
Gilbert thought he should die of happiness.
“Miss Wells, I believe this is our dance,” a familiar voice said.
Gilbert felt Diana’s hand pull away and looked up to find Kirkpatrick standing next to him. Had he seen the affectionate manner which she had just displayed? Gilbert hoped so. He stood, as did Diana, and gave Kirkpatrick a nod. “Good evening,” he said.
“Kendall—I did not notice you there. How are you? Fully recovered?”
“For the most part, yes,” Gilbert said, in a neutral tone.
“Glad to hear it. Well, enjoy the evening.” Kirkpatrick gave an overly hearty pat near Gilbert’s bad shoulder, forcing him to swallow a yelp of pain.
With a tight smile, Kirkpatrick offered his arm to Diana. She took it, but as they walked away, she looked back and said, “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, sir.”
The clear note of admiration in her voice nearly made Gilbert’s pain in his shoulder disappear.