by Kira Stewart
Each Season, informal and formal dances were held in both the Upper and Lower Assembly Rooms. These were occasions at which the whole of Bath Society descended. It was almost as if the girl was being introduced into Society, and Lady Anne was the right person to do just that. Even though the girl had been married, Sir Henry had kept her to himself, and she had seldom been introduced to his wider circle.
Annabelle looked at herself in the mirror. It seemed a long time since she had dressed up, and it was almost as if a stranger looked back at her. Lady Anne’s own maid had set her hair, swept it up into the latest fashion with soft ringlets framing her face. Her gown was of a light blue silk with a darker blue sash, just under the bust, and matching silk slippers. In her hair, was a simple spray of flowers, gentle and unassuming, like her own beauty. She looked like a beautiful spirit creature, so delicate that one puff of wind might blow her away.
24.
They took sedan chairs to the Assembly Rooms, the roads too cramped and hilly for the carriage. This mode of transport also ensured that they would be dropped straight at the door. Annabelle was still quite weak and Lady Anne did not want to tire the poor girl, before they had even arrived.
The place was already busy when they were set down in the sedan chairs, the candles from the grand chandeliers shining brightly out onto the street. If the street seemed busy, then the inside was even busier. Grabbing the girl by the hand, Lady Anne pushed them both through the crowd with her ample weight and gravitas. She knew many of the people around her, and many smiled and made way for the woman and her companion. Much to Annabelle’s dismay, all of the seats seemed to be taken, however, on seeing Lady Anne, two gentlemen bowed and gave up their seats.
“There, Annabelle, we have the best seats in the house. Even if you do not feel well enough to dance, you can watch the proceedings from here.”
Annabelle peered over the balcony and onto the floor below. The musicians had just assembled and were warming up for the first dance.
Annabelle settled in her seat and allowed herself to relax. The place was a bubble of noise and light, and as she closed her eyes, she could hear the strains of the orchestra starting on the first reel. The melody danced in her head, as she vaguely recalled the tune and started humming quietly to herself.
And then it struck her. It was one of the tunes that she had heard Edward humming in the walled garden as he worked. Her joy was suddenly replaced by sadness, and she quickly brushed her eyes with her handkerchief to wipe away the fledgling tears. She could not allow the memory of Edward Lennox to mar her life in this way.
Opening her eyes, she tried to focus on the dancing. The bright clothing and happiness of the dancers would surely take her mind off him.
The gay headdresses of the women bobbed and swayed in time to the music, as the couples tripped along the dance floor. The men looked handsome in their tall boots and tail coats, silk cravats and gloves. Annabelle found herself inspecting the men, as they twirled their partners beneath her, always looking for one face in the crowd of strangers.
“Come, my dear, it is almost time for refreshments. We will make our way over to the refreshment area, before the dance has finished, so we have chance of a seat. We do not have to stay long after the supper. You are looking tired and I do not want to wear you out at the start of the Season. I shall see you dancing yet!”
Lady Anne found them a table, and after seating Annabelle, she went to fetch them both a glass of wine and a plate of supper. For once, Annabelle was starting to feel hungry, and the plates of cold meats and cheese looked tempting.
The dancing had just stopped for the supper break, and now the crowds thronged into the room for refreshments, before the dancing started up again. Annabelle soon lost sight of her friend and peered through the crowd in an attempt to find her.
It was then that she saw him. At first, she looked at the men and women as they passed, all the faces merging into one. Then one stood out. For a split second, she did not know why, and then, as her thinking caught up, she let out a small gasp.
It was Edward Lennox.
He did not see her. He was smiling and talking to a very beautiful woman by his side. Dressed in black with a silk cravat and shirt, he looked very handsome—a man in his prime of life. He looked so healthy and happy. Annabelle suddenly felt hot, the air seemed to be used up and she was suffocating, drowning in a sea of people.
As soon as Lady Anne returned, she immediately noticed the change in her young guest. The once cheerful face now as pale and sad as it had once been.
“My poor child, I have over tired you. I apologize. Now here, drink this mulled wine and then we will signal for the sedan chairs to take us home.”
The mulled wine was spicy and went straight to Annabelle’s head. Instead of fortifying her, it made her feel woozy and light-headed, and she thought she might faint.
“Come dear, let us go. You must rest.”
Annabelle held her head low as they stepped into the crowd. She had briefly looked up, but Edward and his party had moved away. Edging though the crowds, they had almost reached the doorway, when a firm hand gripped her arm.
“Annie.”
He stood before her, his eyes wide with disbelief at the vision before him.
“Annie, is that really you?”
Seeing the look between the two young people, Lady Anne made herself scarce. There was some old acquaintances by the entrance she needed to see.
“Forgive me, dear. I will be back shortly.”
And with a knowing look at Edward, she made her exit.
“Annie, what are you doing here?”
Her mind was a whirl of emotions. He looked happy to see her, but she would not let her heart be broken again.
“Cousin, it is good to see you again.”
The young man looked flustered at her formality.
“Annie, it is so good to see you. You cannot know what the past six months have been for me. I have been to hell and back, but it is worth it, just to see you again.”
Annabelle smiled, unsure what game he was playing. She had heard his flattering words once before.
“The last six months have been hard for me also, cousin, what with the death of Sir Henry.”
Her eyes filled at the thought of her kind benefactor.
“I am so sorry, Annabelle. I am being selfish. You must have been through twice the agonies I have felt. The last time I saw you, I was very ill. Not myself.”
She interrupted, wanting to keep their interaction to a minimum.
“The last time I saw you, you sent me away, Sir, saying that you were dead to me.”
She turned to look for her friend.
“Annabelle. Can you ever forgive me? I was at the lowest point in my life. I was drinking heavily and I genuinely thought I was no good for you. I did not think that Sir Henry would die. He had been through so much already. He came to see me and told me he would disinherit you, discredit you. I could not allow that. When you saw me last, my father had threatened to disinherit me. He gave me six months to give up drinking and prove I was worthy to step into his shoes. Annie, I almost gave up.”
“So what changed you?”
Edward smiled, his face softening. “It was you, Annabelle. You brought me back from something that was half dead, to alive again. After you had gone, I was glad, I thought it was for the best. Then, I found the book of poetry you had left behind. For some reason, the sight of it made me feel angry and I picked it up to throw it away, when something fell from its pages. I picked it up. It was the Winter Rose I had placed there, papery and delicate, fragile just like love. I was suddenly standing with you in the garden once again, and it was at that moment, I realized how much I loved you. From that day, I stopped drinking and cleaned myself up. Only this month did I reconcile with my father. He is an old man now and we have made our peace. I have moved back into the family Estate, not far from here, to learn from my father for when I will take over the title of Duke.”
“I am
pleased for you, cousin.”
Edward looked perplexed.
“Why so formal, cousin? I am saying that it was you who saved me.”
“As I said, cousin, I am pleased for you and your young lady. She is very beautiful, much better than your last choice. Now, I must join Lady Anne.”
Before she could turn away, he pulled her toward him.
“Annabelle, that young lady you speak of is the sister of a friend. Her fiancée is ill disposed of this evening, and so I am escorting her, that is all. And as for Isabel, I left her the very day you visited. Oh Annie. I have thought of no one else, but you, since then. I had to reconcile with my father, before I could come and see you. Now I am certain of the Dukedom again, I feel worthy of you. For the last few weeks, I have been trying to find the courage to write to you. Do you not know? I have loved you since the very first time I met you? And now you are free, my love, we are both free to love each other. Marry me, dearest darling Annie?”
Annabelle felt both of his hands around her waist, as he brought her close. Her heart for so long a caged bird, flew into the rafters of the building, singing so brightly, she did not need to answer him. Her eyes said it all.
***
Want more clean regency romance?
Please check out the first installment in this series…Better than a Duke, if you missed it! Thank you!
