Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,45
only possible because of your house party five years ago.”
“Oh! How lovely to think we had anything to do with it.” Lillian winked at Eleanor before she and Burbridge continued into the ballroom. Lillian had given birth to a baby girl earlier in the summer, much to the delight of both parents.
“Thank you for having us.” Violet Adley, another of Lettie’s sisters, squeezed Eleanor’s hands.
“We’re so pleased you’re here.” Eleanor loved how she and her husband, Baxter, had met when Violet was helping his parents re-create a Christmas from their past.
“This is a splendid way to celebrate the year,” Baxter added. “So much has been accomplished, and we’re both excited about the new ideas for expanding the charities.”
Mr. Adley had spent many years in India earning a fortune and had proven indispensable in helping to manage the financial aspects of the charities.
“As are we.” Gideon de Wolfe, the Earl of Warenton’s younger brother, and his wife, Ruby, joined them. “So many ideas to implement in the coming months.”
“I’m so glad we can still be involved despite living in Northumberland.” Mrs. De Wolfe tightened her hold on her husband’s arm. “We have decided to extend our stay here another week before returning home.”
Before the two were married, they’d stumbled upon an unfair gambling scheme meant to take advantage of the little money people in the rougher areas of the city had. Gideon was adamant the charities do what they could to work with law enforcement to put an end to similar schemes that frequently popped up.
“I’m pleased you did.” Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont, slapped Gideon on the shoulder. “There are more ploys to be uncovered.”
That was an element that concerned the viscount and his wife, Amelia Beaumont, as well. They’d ended another gambling ploy that had indirectly resulted in an accident that had taken the life of Beaumont’s sister and brother-in-law.
Next came Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Sloane. Samantha positively glowed as she leaned close to Eleanor. “We’re expecting again.”
“Congratulations.” Eleanor squeezed her hand. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Sloane said with a grin.
“Will we be able to meet next week?” Douglas asked. “The financial reports on a few of the more questionable charities should be available then.”
“Perfect.” Mr. Sloane nodded.
Both Gabriel and Samantha had discovered that some of the charities were little more than social organizations that didn’t truly distribute the funds they raised to the charities they were supposedly helping. They had worked to make the organizations follow through with their promises.
Additional guests continued filing past Eleanor and Douglas until at last everyone had been welcomed.
Douglas turned to Eleanor. “I believe you promised me the first waltz.”
“Absolutely.” She signaled for the musicians to begin then looked at her husband as they walked to the dance floor. “I know we are exchanging our gifts on the morrow, but there is one I’d like to share with you this evening.”
“Oh?” Douglas took her into his arms and they glided with the music. “What might that be?”
“Archie is going to be a big brother.”
Douglas halted in the middle of the floor to stare at her nonplussed, ignoring the other dancers around them. “Truly?”
“Truly.” She blinked back happy tears at the joy that swept over Douglas’s expression.
“That is wonderful news.” He glanced about then guided her off the floor to a nearby column. “You are well?”
“I am.” She nodded. “And so very happy.”
“As am I.” Douglas kissed her briefly. “Christmas is always a special time of year since you entered my life. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too. So very much. Happy Christmas, my love.”
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Chapter One
London, May 1814
Caroline Gold was the captain of a sinking ship with little hope of finding safe harbor in a desperate storm. The message that had arrived from her father’s doctor amounted to one more hole in the hull when the winds of despair were already pummeling from all sides.
With a heavy sigh, she selected a sausage, coddled eggs, and a half piece of toast from the sideboard then took her chair at the dining room table, doing her best to hide her worry.
Doctor Smithson had apologized but advised he “couldn’t possibly pay a call until payment was made on their account.”
Her father’s failing physical and mental health over the past eighteen months had created difficulties in every area of her family’s life, most of which she felt ill-equipped to manage. Between significant losses on investments