by Olivia Drake
“I’m pleased, Father.”
Jerome glanced at Lady Carlyle. “We’d like you to design our wedding rings.”
Norah went weak with a powerful mix of emotion: surprise and delight and joy, all so encompassing that tears misted her vision. Her parents were getting married! She clung to Kit to keep from melting in pleasure. “Is this true? After all these years?”
They nodded in unison. “I haven’t been so happy since a certain holiday a long time ago in Italy,” Lady Carlyle murmured.
Their hands were clasped, their gazes joined in heartfelt bliss. Kit moved his thumb over Norah’s palm, and he said in a husky tone, “Congratulations. This is indeed an auspicious day for love.”
As Norah smiled through her tears, a buzz of conversation swept the crowd, followed by an awed hush. Curious, she turned and saw everyone staring at the front door.
“Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales,” the footman intoned.
They stood in the doorway, Edward’s rotund figure clad in black evening dress and Alexandra slim and regal in a cream silk gown. In her upswept dark hair shone an airy curve of white diamonds that peaked above her brow. A glowing lavender stone winked in the gaslight.
Fire at Midnight.
Norah was too stunned to move; then Kit whispered in her ear, “This is your moment to shine, my love.”
With a slight pressure at the small of her back, he guided her forward. Bowing before their royal guests, he said, “Good evening, Your Highnesses.”
Norah sank into a deep curtsy and echoed the greeting. “We’re so pleased to welcome you both.”
Edward gave her a hand up. His gaze moved over her slender form, the elegant ivory satin gown. “Our pleasure, my lady. To you and to Blackthorne.”
Smiling warmly, the princess presented her white-gloved hand. “I especially wanted to express my appreciation for your talent, Lady Blackthorne. Perhaps you would find the time to design a necklace for me, too? The one you’re wearing is so very pretty.”
“Thank you.” Awash with pleasure, Norah stood back as people lined up to address the royal pair.
Noble guests surrounded her and vied for commissions. Lady Romney elbowed her plump form through the crush and planted herself before Norah. “I inherited a fine topaz necklace from my great-grandmother, the Duchess of Kent,” she said. “I should like you to reset the stones into earbobs.”
The imperious request made Norah’s lips quirk upward. So the countess, too, intended to ride the crest of popularity. “As soon as I can fit your order into my schedule, my lady.”
“But I warn you,” Kit added, “my wife’s talent will cost you dearly.”
“Whatever you say,” the countess proclaimed. “I want only the best.”
Kit drew Norah back, away from the multitude and into the warm bower of his embrace. He murmured in her ear, “She can’t have the best. Because I already do.”
Also by Olivia Drake
Unlikely Duchesses Series
The Duke I Once Knew
* * *
Cinderella Sisterhood Series
If the Slipper Fits
Stroke of Midnight
Abducted by a Prince
Bella and the Beast
His Wicked Wish
The Scandalous Flirt
* * *
An Heiress in London Series
Seducing the Heiress
Never Trust a Rogue
Scandal of the Year
* * *
Single Title Romance
Dream Spinner
Silver Splendor
* * *
Writing as Barbara Dawson Smith, reissues published as Olivia Drake
Fire on the Wind
Fire at Midnight
Never A Lady
A Glimpse of Heaven
Romancing the Rogue
Tempt Me Twice
With All My Heart
The Wedding Night
Countess Confidential
The Rogue Report
About the Author
Shortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Olivia Drake sold her first novel two weeks after sending it to a publisher. She now lives in Texas in a cozy cottage with a feisty cat, a loving husband, and two wonderful daughters who still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal.
Many of you already know Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith, author of 24 historical romance novels. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.
