Tom’s body. When she glanced at him, his dark eyes were full of warning. And a plea to stick with the plan.
How could she deny him, especially after he’d asked her so sweetly? But at the same time, how could she move from one charade to the next?
Nathaniel was pulling something out of his coat pocket, and before she knew what he was doing, he was down on one knee in front of her, holding out her engagement ring, the enormous sapphire set into a circle of diamonds that she’d once thought was the most beautiful ring in the world. “Please, put this back on and promise you won’t ever take it off.”
Again she peeked at Tom. He didn’t say anything. Something like uncertainty flashed across his features. Was he having second thoughts about pushing her together with Nathaniel, or was he simply feeling guilty for perpetuating a lie?
Nathaniel didn’t wait for her answer and tugged off her glove.
She drew back. How could she do this? Especially with Tom standing behind her watching. “Nathaniel, I—”
He captured her hand and proceeded to slide the ring on.
She started to protest again, but her stilted words halted at the sight of a newcomer descending the stairs. With a soft exclamation of delight, she stepped around Nathaniel and rushed toward the young woman. “Theresa!” Before Theresa could descend the last step, Victoria was already drawing her friend into a hug.
Theresa gave a shaky laugh at Victoria’s exuberance. “Oh, my. I guess it’s good to see you too.”
Victoria embraced her friend a moment longer before pulling back with a smile. “Look at you!” Victoria studied Theresa’s two-toned sage green silk taffeta, which had a bodice that molded Theresa’s slim body all the way to her waist. Her luscious dark hair was pulled up stylishly so that curls formed at both temples. “You look beautiful, and I’m very jealous of your gorgeous gown. Is it new?”
“Made in Paris.” Theresa swished the skirt.
“I absolutely love it.” Victoria stood back and nodded with appreciation at the fine workmanship.
“I told her the colors are perfect,” Nathaniel added, moving to Victoria’s side and tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. Although he seemed to be complimenting Theresa, he was staring at Victoria’s face with unswerving adoration.
Theresa’s smile which was directed at Nathaniel dimmed, and her attention dropped to Victoria’s hand and the engagement ring that sat on her finger. It shone brighter than a first order Fresnel lens, the biggest and brightest lighthouse lantern. Theresa’s eyes widened in surprise and her lips pursed, before she looked pointedly at Victoria’s traveling suit, at the stains and less than stellar ironing job. Victoria had no doubt Theresa recognized the gown as one she’d worn last summer season.
“You look stunning yourself…” Theresa’s voice contained the usual sarcasm. “I hope you’re not attempting to start a new fashion with your freckled nose and…” Her friend’s gaze strayed to Victoria’s simple coif, the best she’d been able to do on her own without her maid. Theresa laughed but rapidly cupped her hand over her mouth.
Suddenly Victoria saw herself the way Theresa did, rumpled, dirty, and bedraggled. “I know I look rather ridiculous, but—”
“No, darling,” Nathaniel said. “You look as beautiful as always. In fact, I was just thinking how a little color in your face suits you.”
She smiled up at him, grateful for his kindness. She loved this quality of his, the ability to put people at ease, to find the good in strained situations. It’s one of the many reasons she’d agreed to marry him, because ultimately Nathaniel Winthrop III was a worthy man. Among her circles of peers, she probably wouldn’t find anyone else more sincere and kind-hearted than he.
“Thank you, Nathaniel.” She patted his hand.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Tom standing near the front door, with a view of both the street and the lobby. His thick arms were crossed, his feet braced, and his attention riveted to the street.
Was Tom having a difficult time watching her interact with Nathaniel? She hoped so.
“You’re lovely all the time,” Nathaniel assured her.
“And you’re one of the sweetest men I know.” She didn’t want to hurt him again. She’d already done it once when she’d called off the wedding. How could she do it again? And did she really want to? After all, if she couldn’t have Tom, then Nathaniel was a good option for her. She’d be happy with him. Maybe she wouldn’t experience the same attraction