Only light wraps would be needed as the evening was so mild. Anna’s personal maid was finishing up with her hair when Dorothy came into Anna’s bedroom.
“Are you ready?” Dorothy asked.
“Just about,” Anna said from her dressing table. She glanced into the mirror and saw her sister looking very pretty. “How splendid your new dress looks on you. You were absolutely right to buy it, Dorothy.”
“You think so?” she replied, pleased she looked so well—which she knew she did.
Anna stood. She was wearing one of her older dresses, but it looked splendid on her. It was high-waisted with a white and light-spring green small checkered pattern. Puffed sleeves came to the elbow. Very simple, but elegant, and it was set off with a simple emerald on a gold chain.
“I am ready if you are,” Anna said, as she put on her elbow length white gloves.
“I am,” Dorothy said. She gave a little leap and turned to leave Anna’s bedroom.
They headed down the stairs to the front door. Warrick had made certain the carriage had been brought around and he stood by the door to escort them down the front steps.
“Your first dance will be with Mr. Christopher?” Dorothy asked.
“I promised him so. But let us see if he will remember.”
“Oh, I believe he will,” Dorothy said, as they entered the carriage and settled themselves for the ride to Creassey Manor.
“I wish we were there to help Maria with last minute details,” Anna said as the carriage started up.
“She will be fine. She is wonderfully competent and said she could handle the final arrangements.”
They rode in silence for a few moments before Dorothy asked, “And Mr. Percy? Do you think he will ask you to dance as well?”
“He might,” Anna said with a blush, unseen in the darkness of the carriage. “He usually does. But it is more out of duty than desire, I am afraid.”
“How can you say such a thing?” Dorothy scolded. “He is always very attentive to you.”
“Only because he feels he must.”
“Whom do you prefer, Anna? Mr. Percy or Mr. Christopher?”
Anna turned to her sister. “That is a question I cannot answer. Both gentlemen have fine qualities. But Mr. Christopher I barely know and Mr. Percy has never evidenced any romantic interest in me at all.”
“Then maybe you will know by the end of the evening. I have a feeling this is going to be a significant event,” Dorothy said, opening her fan and fanning herself in the stuffiness of the carriage. “And His Lordship? Do you imagine he will ask either of us to dance?”
“Oh, Dorothy, of course he will. He and Maria are our oldest and dearest friends. And, as host, he is certain to do his duty and dance with all his female guests.”
Dorothy thought for a moment. “You know, Anna, I have a feeling that Harry has certain feelings for you.”
“Nonsense,” Anna replied. “You are making that up. We are like brother and sister. There has never been even the faintest hint of any romantic interest on his part.”
“I am not certain about that. I have seen him watching you when you are not looking at him and the fond look on his face would say otherwise.”
Anna did not think that was possible but, at the same time, she could not dismiss her sister’s observation out of hand.
Chapter 7
The carriages lined up at the entrance to Creassey Manor. A number of footmen were helping each set of guests from their carriage and directing them inside.
Maria and Harry were at the entrance to give a few personal words of welcome to each of the guests.
Maria looked stunning in a white gown with a necklace of white diamonds and small white jasmine flowers woven into her hair. Harry looked very handsome in his navy-blue frock coat, breeches and dark gold colored waistcoat.
The dance was to be held in a large salon. The furniture had been removed and small tables were placed around the perimeter for guests to make themselves comfortable between dances. Unlike a ball, there would not be continuous dance music. It was expected that the guests would mingle, drink champagne, and socialize as well as dance.
