The Christmas Ball
Page 6
“Wait!”
Persephone’s cry stopped everything. She rolled toward him from the back of the house, tears streaking her cheeks, her frock jumbled around her in the chair.
“Don’t leave, Lord Finchley! Mama and Minerva have locked Athena in her room!”
“What?”
Lord Cummins’s roar became lost in the pounding relief that spurred him into action. He took the steps two at a time. “Which room?” he called.
“Second on the left!”
A maid stood there, her apron over her face as she wept.
“Open this door at once!” he demanded.
“I shall do so, my lord.” Lord Cummins, his pride a mantle around him, stepped forward and inserted the key.
The look of wonder in Athena’s eyes as Drew stood before her banished any lingering doubts. He pulled her fiercely into his arms. “Why did you not tell me at once?”
“I did not wish to see disappointment in your eyes,” she whispered.
“My goddess, I could never be disappointed with this.” He bent over her tenderly, but the kiss soon became a fire, consuming them both.
Epilogue
Persephone sat in the front parlor, Morgana resting on her lap. Through the mullioned windows she could see the carriage that would take Athena to Finchley Park this morning, Christmas Day. Sally was already dressed for the journey and bustled around the footmen, making sure all the baggage was packed properly in the second carriage.
No member of this house had slept peacefully last night. Athena’s whirlwind engagement and precipitate departure had been her heart’s desire. But, here alone, Persephone wondered who could take Athena’s place. Who would be her friend?
Through the parlor door she could see Papa in the hall, making arrangements with Lord Finchley. After the disaster of yesterday Lord Cummins had vowed to spend less time in the library and more time taking up the reins of his family.
Mama was absent, sulking in disgrace in her chambers. Minerva had been sent to her room for a fortnight, all her novels removed from sight, with only “elevating books” and selected sermons to keep her company. Papa felt sure they would improve the tone of her mind.
Smiling, her hair newly fashioned in loose curls, Athena skipped down the staircase to Lord Finchley’s side. Even from here Persephone could see the love that radiated from his eyes. He couldn’t stop looking at her.
Hand in hand, they came to Persephone and knelt by her chair, each kissing her cheek.
“I shall return in one week, Persephone.” Athena held her hand in tight fingers. “We will continue your exercise and massage. See how much better you are already.”
“Yes, I now have hope of improving even more.” She squeezed her sister’s hand one last time and released her, for in truth she must let her go in more ways than one. “You will marry Athena soon, won’t you, my lord? Perhaps she can teach my maid the exercises before that time.”
“Yes, I will be taking your sister away from you soon, Persephone. Perhaps the shortest engagement the ton has ever seen.”
She had never noticed before what kind eyes Lord Finchley possessed.
“But you may come to stay with us as often and for as long as you wish. We owe you a great debt, my dear new sister.”
“When did you fall in love with Athena, my lord?” She liked very much that he did not appear shocked or angry at her question. It had become a matter of great importance to her.
“At the Christmas ball. When she first let me see into her heart. It happens like that for some people.”
Athena blushed, making her even more beautiful. The look in her eyes conveyed a special kind of message.
She kissed Papa good-bye, and Lord Finchley helped her into the carriage. As it pulled down the drive, Persephone caught a glimpse of them wrapped in each other’s arms.
That made her smile.
For years to come all would talk of the squire’s masked Christmas ball and the mysterious beauty who had won the heart of a great lord. Persephone was most happy to have been a part of it. Most happy indeed. Her hand stroked Morgana’s fur, and the cat rumbled in contentment.
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