Lucylooked at her friends, her eyes wide as she clutchedAshein his satchel.Rowanwanted to pick her up, carry her up to his room, and keep her safe until all the guests had gone home.
“Themidday meal has already been announced,”Frankiesaid. “Everyonewas just sitting down when we received word you were arriving.Wouldyou like to join us, or would you like to have a tray sent to your room?”
“Doyou thinkIcould get a tray sent to my room?”Lucyasked.
“Yes, of course, my dear,”Frankiesaid with a warm smile. “We’rejust so happy to have you back safe and sound.”
“Let’sgo to my study first,”Lathamsaid. “Frankie,Katie, andPaula, please join us.”
Thewomen gaveLucya questioning look, butLucyshook her head and continued to clutch the valise.RowanslippedLucy’sarm through his and led the way, noting the raised eyebrows and surprised looks on the faces ofFrankie,Katie, andPaulaas they followed behind them withNelson,Latham, andSlice.
Rowanbriefly explained what had happened over the past few days, including the story ofAshe’srescue.Lucystood stiffly by his side, still clutching the satchel.Heknew he sounded like an agent reporting to his commander, but it was better to explain things this way.Hetried to ignore the rapt expressions on the faces ofLucy’sfriends.Theylooked like he was sharing a romantic tale of elopement.Itwas frustrating, to say the least.Butwhat was most frustrating wasLucy.Shewas avoiding looking at him.
“Frankie, sweetheart,”Lathamsaid, “Weneed to hold an impromptu party this evening to announce the betrothal.”
Frankienodded and huggedLucy. “Congratulations, my dear sweetLucy.I’mso happy for you.Itwill be a lovely party tonight, andIpromise to make it special for you both.”
“Thankyou,Frankie, for your kindness,”Lucysaid, her lips trembling.
“Congratulations,LordScarborough,”Paulasaid in her usual abrupt way. “Youare a lucky man, gaining such a wonderful wife.I’mcertain you will do your utmost to make ourLucyhappy.”
Nelsonsnorted, earning another accusing scowl fromPaula.
“Iagree,”Katiesaid. “Congratulationsto you both.”ShehuggedLucytightly.
“Thankyou all.Welook forward to tonight’s celebration, don’t we,Lucy?”Rowansaid, glancing at her.Shewas smiling, but her eyes looked a bit dazed.Hecouldn’t decide whether her expression indicated she was bemused or overwhelmed.Perhapsa bit of both.Nomatter.Shewould get used to the notion of marrying him and eventually, she would settle into acceptance.Ifshe hadn’t wanted to marry him, she wouldn’t have agreed, he reasoned.
Lucynodded. “Yes, of course.Ifyou don’t mind,I’mgoing to head up to my room.I’dlike to rest a bit before tonight’s celebration.”
“Ofcourse, my dear,”Rowansaid.Helifted her hand to his lips and kissed it.
Lucyblinked as she regarded him.Thosebeautiful eyes still had that same look of hope, fear, and worry.Hewanted to reassure her, but he couldn’t.Nothere in front of everyone.
“Lucy’sright.I’llexplain the change in plans to the luncheon guests.Sincethey are close family and friends,I’msure they will understand.Itmight be a good idea for all of us to repair to our rooms, as well,”Frankiesaid. “I’llneed a little bit of rest before the festivities.”
“IfI’mgoing to attend a betrothal party,Ishould find an appropriate dress,”Katiesaid, winking atSlice. “Imight need some assistance.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
LATER THAT EVENING ~ LATHAM MANOR
OhLord, what haveIgotten myself into?
Lucysighed as she beheldRowanstanding in the hallway outside her room.Hesmiled at her with that crooked smile, flashing that dimple.Shehad to keep herself from swooning at the sight of him in a black suit and crisp white shirt.Hisjacket and breeches molded to his muscular shoulders and legs like a second skin.Hewas not a typicaltongentleman in the way he dressed.Buthis clothes were beautifully made and suited him perfectly.
“Youlook stunning,” he said in that deep, rough way that made her shiver. “Areyou cold,Lucy?”Heasked the question in an almost overly solicitous way, butLucyknew better.HeknowsI’mnot cold.HeknowsI’mjust reacting to how gorgeous he is, the scoundrel.
Truthbe told, she did feel beautiful.
Maryhad sighed in delight as she had put the finishing touches onLucy’shairstyle.Hertalented maid had swept upLucy’sdark curls, allowing a couple to loosely frame her face. “Yourgown is so lovely, milady.Itmakes your eyes look a deep purple.”Lucyhad chuckled at that but strangely enough, her eyes did seem to match the dark purple color of her gown.”
Buteven if she andRowanlooked the part of the happy couple,Lucyknew the truth of it.Thishouse party had gone completely topsy-turvy.Shethought she’d be spending a few days among friends, relaxing, singingChristmascarols, playing cards, and indulging in a few sweet treats.Neverdid she dream that she’d be embroiled in yet another potential scandal and find herself betrothed to one of the most handsome and richest men inEngland.Surely, no one could call herUnluckyLucy.Andyet, she didn’t feel particularly lucky.
Shecould feel the heat of his touch, even through her gloves.Wheneverhe glanced at her, she couldn’t help but remember his kisses.Oncethey’d started kissing, they couldn’t seem to stop.She’dlost count of the number.Butwhat did that matter now?Evenif he had enjoyed kissing her, perhaps he’d just been carried away by the love letters, the moment, the intimacy of it all.Inany event,Rowanhad had no choice but to propose.AndLucyhad had no choice but to accept.
Perhapsif they had returned toLatham’son their own, they might not have been forced into this impromptu engagement party.Butthen, she reminded herself, everyone would say she had been compromised.Theresult would have been the same.
Asusual,Frankiehad outdone herself with the arrangements, even managing a small orchestra—who would provide music so that the guests could dance.Itreally was an engagement ball.
