Chapter 11
It had seemed like the longest three days between her ride in the park with Lord Easton and the evening of the Gardner ball. Mia was so excited she could barely contain herself as Beatrice dressed her hair.
“Miss Mia, you must sit still,” the maid said.
“I’m sorry, Beatrice. Tonight is only my second ball, and Lord Chandler has already requested a dance. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Of course. I’m sure your dance card will be filled this evening.”
“I do hope so. I’d hate to have to hug the wall all night.”
“I don’t think that will happen,” Beatrice said as she stuck the last of the small white flowers in Mia’s hair. “There. You look beautiful. Every gentleman in the room will be begging for a dance.”
“Oh, Beatrice, thank you so much,” Mia said after one last look in the mirror.
She scooped up her gloves and headed to the drawing room to wait for Fletcher and Audrey.
She was a little disappointed that they weren’t waiting when she walked in, and hoped her sister wasn’t feeling unwell tonight.
She would hate to miss the ball, but it couldn’t be helped if Audrey wasn’t feeling up to going out.
Her sister’s well-being was more important.
No sooner had that thought entered her mind than her sister and Fletcher walked in.
“Dearest, you look lovely this evening,” Audrey said.
“Thank you. I’m glad we decided to take the modiste’s advice and add the gossamer overlay. I especially love how it sparkles. ”
“It’s lovely. I thought the ice-blue silk was stunning on its own, but adding that layer was truly genius. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
“How are you feeling this evening?” Mia asked. “Are you well enough to attend?”
Audrey nodded. “Do not worry. I’ve rested all day and am looking forward to the ball.”
“I’m so glad. Aren’t you excited? I can hardly wait.”
“Yes, dearest. I must say I’m looking forward to this evening,” Audrey said.
“You look lovely, Mia. You’ll be the belle of the ball. Here, I have something for you,” Fletcher said, holding out his hand.
“A present for me?” Mia squealed, taking the small box from her brother-in-law. She opened it to reveal a beautiful blue topaz necklace on a delicate gold chain. “Oh, Fletcher, it’s beautiful. Thank you so much for your kindness,” she said. “I love it. This is so thoughtful of you.”
“It’s my pleasure, my dear. You should have something that’s uniquely yours. I thought the stone matched your eyes perfectly.”
“It’s perfect,” Mia said, hugging him.
She turned to her sister. “Audrey, will you help me put it on?”
Her sister took the delicate necklace and fastened it around Mia’s neck. The stone lay perfectly in the hollow of her throat. “There you go. You look stunning.”
“Now, if my ladies are ready, shall we head out?” Fletcher asked.
Mia led the way as they walked out to the foyer, where Beckwith handed Fletcher his hat and cane and the ladies their shawls before opening the front door. “Enjoy the ball,” he said.
“Thank you, Beckwith,” Mia said.
Fletcher handed the women up into the carriage before climbing in and sitting next to Audrey.
“Dearest, I must remind you—” she began
Mia sighed. “Oh, I know what you’re going to say. Don’t be overly loud, don’t wander off, and under no circumstances be alone with a gentleman.”
“Mia, these rules are for your benefit,” Fletcher said. “We want you to enjoy yourself without causing a scandal. Otherwise, we’d be planning a quick wedding.”
“I understand. No one wants that, especially me. I promise I won’t leave the ballroom.”
“Good,” Fletcher said with a nod.
It didn’t take long to reach their destination, but the area around the Gardner townhouse was packed with carriages unloading their guests. It took another ten minutes before their carriage reached the front door.
A footman opened the carriage door, and Fletcher jumped down before helping the ladies descend the two steps.
They walked up the steps and into the foyer, leaving their outerwear with another footman before making their way to the line to greet their hosts.
“Good evening, Lord and Lady Gardner,” Fletcher said with a bow. “May I make known to you my wife, Lady Fletcher, and my sister-in-law, Miss Parker?”
Both Audrey and Mia curtseyed. “Good evening,” they said.
“Good evening, Fletcher, Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker. May I present my wife, Lady Gardner, and daughter, Lady Arabella?” Lord Gardner said.
“A pleasure to meet you both,” Fletcher said.
“Lady Arabella, perhaps we’ll have a moment later to chat this evening,” Mia said. “That is, if you’d like that?”
The young woman visibly relaxed. “Miss Parker, I would like that very much,” she said. “This is my first ball, and I have a touch of nerves.”
The two young women shared a smile. “I understand. I’ll see you later,” Mia said.
After greeting their hosts, they moved into the ballroom.
Mia was star-struck as she looked around the grand room.
Massive twin chandeliers hung from the ceiling, each aglow with dozens of candles.
There were also lighted sconces along the wall, illuminating the room.
Vases of flowers were placed on every surface, and their sweet scent wafted through the air.
Against one wall were chairs for matrons and wallflowers, and the orchestra was positioned at the far end. It was a spectacular room.
“It’s so grand,” Mia exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
Scores of people were already crowding the room—gentlemen in their evening kits and women in a wide range of silk dresses, from the purest white to the most gorgeous jewel tones.
Mia didn’t know where to look first as they moved farther into the room, but then she saw Lady Wright and Lady Victoria at the doorway. She turned to her sister. “May I go see Lady Victoria?”
“Where is she, dearest?” Audrey asked.
“They’ve just entered the ballroom.”
“Of course, we’ll all go,” Audrey said.
The trio made their way back toward the ballroom entrance.
Lady Victoria saw her first, and a smile lit up her pretty face while her mother greeted them. “Good evening, Lord and Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker.”
Mia and Audrey curtseyed, and Fletcher bowed. “Good evening, Lady Wright, Lady Victoria,” Fletcher said.
“Your dress is quite beautiful, Miss Parker,” Lady Victoria said.
“Thank you. Yours is stunning as well and looks lovely on you.”
Everyone moved farther into the ballroom to avoid blocking the entrance.
“Have you ever seen anything so grand?” Mia asked Lady Victoria.
She shook her head. “No, the Gardners have outdone themselves this evening.”
Before they had a chance to talk further, Lord Chandler made his way to their group. “Lady Wright, Lady Victoria, Fletcher, Lady Fletcher, Miss Parker. I’m pleased you could attend my sister’s coming-out ball.”
“Thank you, Chandler. It’s quite the crush,” Fletcher said.
He nodded. “M y parents don’t entertain often, so when they do, everyone wants an invitation.”
“I’m glad to see Lady Gardner looking so well,” Lady Wright said.
“Yes, I agree. I do know that your visits brightened her spirits greatly when she wasn’t feeling well.”
“It was my pleasure to visit one of my oldest friends,” Lady Wright said.
“I just met your sister, my lord. She’s quite lovely,” Mia said.
“That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you, Miss Parker. I would be honored to sign your dance card, now that you’re here.”
Mia held out her dance card attached to her wrist, and he signed his name next to the supper dance.
Chandler turned to Lady Victoria. “May I have the pleasure of a dance, my lady?”
She smiled. “Of course. I’d be delighted.”
“I look forward to seeing you both later for our dances. Good evening,” he said before moving on to talk with other guests.
“He’s quite charming,” Audrey said.
“Yes, he is,” Mia said, watching him walk away.
However, her attention wasn’t riveted on Lord Chandler but on the man he’d stopped to talk to—his friend, Lord Easton.
Lord Easton looked especially handsome tonight in his evening wear, she thought as she watched the two friends talk.
Mia leaned toward her sister. “May I take a turn around the room with Lady Victoria?”
Audrey looked at Lady Wright, who nodded. “Of course, but do not leave the ballroom.”
Mia linked arms with Lady Victoria, and the two young women walked along the perimeter of the ballroom.
“I’m so excited. I’ve never seen such a spectacle,” Mia said.
“I agree. The Gardners have spared no expense for Lady Arabella’s coming-out ball.”
“They’ve just entered the ballroom. Shall we go see how she’s faring?”
“Yes. I’m sure she’s quite nervous,” Lady Victoria said.
They backtracked a little until they met Lord and Lady Gardner, with Lady Arabella just behind them.
“Good evening, Lord and Lady Gardner,” Lady Victoria said. “May we promenade with Lady Arabella for a bit?”
“Lady Victoria, Miss Parker, you’re both too kind,” Lady Gardner said. She turned to her daughter. “Darling, go enjoy some time with your friends, but be mindful of where you are.”
Lady Arabella kissed her mother’s cheek. “I will, Mama. Thank you.”
Lady Gardner smiled as the trio made their way around the ballroom.
When they’d gone some distance from her parents, Lady Arabella sighed. “Thank you for rescuing me. I was so nervous walking into the ballroom. It seemed like every eye was upon me.”
“Well, they were,” Mia said. “You look absolutely lovely this evening.”
“Thank you. That’s so kind of you to say. Has anyone signed your dance cards yet?”
“Your brother has graciously signed both of our cards,” Mia said.
Lady Arabella smiled. “Chandler is such a dear brother.”
Before they had a chance to talk further, Lord Webb approached their group.
He was on the slender side, with light-brown hair and brown eyes.
Mia had danced with him at the Thompson ball and enjoyed it.
His pleasant demeanor made him a favorite of the ton hostesses, and Mia could understand why.
She liked him, too, but not in a romantic way.