“I thank you.”
Her words were breathless, her eyes melding to his.
“I do not say such things to flatter you, but because my heart demands that I speak them. I mean every word, Lady Elizabeth. I find that my heart is unable to set you aside for even a moment. You are always in my thoughts, always in my heart. Indeed, Lady Elizabeth, my heart is yours.”
Her eyes widened just a little, but before she could respond, he slipped her hand through his arm, turned, and then continued to walk.
Felix’s smile faded to a frown. If he truly meant those words, which he was certain he did, then how could he hide what he had done with her brooch? At the same time, how could he eventhinkof speaking honestly, knowing that it could push her away from him for good? He dared not even allow himself to think of what it would be like to lose her company, her smile, her laughter, her joy from his life. But if he loved her, could he truly keep such a secret to himself?
Chapter Eleven
“He has a beautiful townhouse, does he not, Mama?”
It was something of a rarity for Lady Longford to step out into society or attend any occasion whatsoever. Having spent the last few weeks resting, on this occasion, she had been very eager to attend the soiree. Elizabeth was happy about it for, while she had been very glad of Lady Yardley’s accompanying her, there had been a sense of absence when her mother had not been standing beside her. How glad she was now that Lady Longford was feeling well enough to step out with her. To Elizabeth’s mind, this was one of the most important occasions of the Season thus far.
“It is very pleasant.” Lady Longford smiled warmly. “Lord Winterbrook is an excellent fellow, it seems, even though his title is a little less than that of your father.”
Elizabeth let out a quiet chuckle.
“Mama, you know that such things mean very little to me.”
“Yes, however, they mean a great deal with your father and I.” The quick response came with a warm smile. “But he is wealthy enough and certainly seems to be amiable also. As you know, I have written to your father, but I am certain that he will be more than content with a betrothal, should it come.” Elizabeth clutched her mother’s arm for a moment, betraying herself with that response. Her mother smiled softly, turning to face Elizabeth as they stood to one side of Lord Winterbrook’s drawing room. Lady Longford tilted her head just a little. “Youareaware that such a thing might very well take place soon, are you not?” she asked softly. “That is precisely the reason he wishes to see you, to be further acquainted with you. It is because you are the object of his affections, and therefore, he expects that courtship might very well lead to betrothal. It is something you desire yourself, is it not?”
“I… I did not think it would be something considered so soon.” Elizabeth blinked quickly, wishing that she had remembered to bring her fan. In truth, she had been so delighted with the beginnings of their courtship that she had given very little consideration to the idea that Lord Winterbrook might propose to her soon after. Her heart was already engaged with his, certainly, and from what he had said to her only last week, she believed that he felt the same. But the thought of a proposal, of a betrothal, was so very exciting, it left her a little breathless.What if he is hoping to propose to me this very evening?“I know what my answer would be, Mama.”
Lady Longford smiled at her.
“I am most glad to hear it,” she answered quietly. “But does it fulfill your requirements, Elizabeth?” Her eyebrows lifted in confusion as her mother laughed softly. “Recall that you stated that you would not wed a gentleman who did not care for you, and for whom you did not care in return. Does that still stand?”
“Indeed, it does,” Elizabeth answered, her heart swelling with happiness. Now, she could confirm to her mother that what she had been seeking, she had found. “I have already found what I hoped for in Lord Winterbrook, and I am altogether grateful for it.”
“Then I amveryglad.” Lady Longford squeezed Elizabeth’s hand for a moment. “You deserve such happiness, my dear girl. You have been determined, and you have sought out this for yourself with unwavering resolve. I am delighted that you have succeeded in your desire.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath and smiled at Lady Yardley, who was approaching. This evening was to be an excellent one, she was sure, for already, she was surrounded by friends and family. Her heart was filled with such a sense of overwhelming happiness, it was as if she could not quite take a full breath. If he were to ask her even this very evening, then Elizabeth would be more than glad to accept his hand.
“Good evening.” Lady Yardley inclined her head, coming to join them. “How good it is to see you both. And how do you fare, Lady Longford?” Elizabeth smiled as her mother and Lady Yardley began a conversation. That smile soon faded as she realized that Lady Yardley was acting in a slightly unusual manner. She was looking at Elizabeth with short, sharp glances as if wanting to attract her attention without letting her mother become aware of it. Whatever could this mean? “And you, Lady Elizabeth, are you quite well this evening?”
Frowning, Elizabeth nodded.
“Yes, I am, thank you.”
Lady Yardley’s eyebrows lifted.
“I see.” After a moment, she smiled. “That is good.”
A little confused and wondering if Lady Yardley had expected a different answer. Elizabeth’s forehead lined for a moment.
“Is there some reason I might not be?”
Lady Yardley only managed a small smile.
“I assume that Lady Sherbourne and Miss Millington have not managed to speak to you as yet this evening?” Her tone was amiable enough, but Elizabeth caught that the words meant something more. “Might you wish to go and join them? They are just a little over there.”
With a nod, Elizabeth excused herself, making her way quickly over to where Miss Millington and Lady Sherbourne were standing. When she approached, their wide eyes and tight lips gave her no clear indication as to what the concern was, only that there was something wrong.
“Good evening.” Her gaze darted from one to the other. “Might you tell me what your concern is? Lady Yardley has asked me to come and join you, but I do not understand why.”
