To Kiss a Highland Rose (Kiss the Wallflower #6) - Tamara Gill Page 0,5
Highlands. I think I may let him pursue me. Did you see him, girls? He was most handsome, was he not?”
Julia nodded, her eyes bright with excitement. “Oh yes, he was an interesting gentleman. He was certainly charmed by your charms, is what I noticed most.”
Georgina threw a grape at Julia, who picked it up off her skirt and plopped it in her mouth. “I think I shall let him kiss me at the mask. I’m sure he will try.”
“You have just come out of mourning. Do you really wish for another husband so soon? If you marry before me yet again, I shall be forever termed the friend who cannot find a husband for herself. People will think that you being around me has enabled men to fall in love with you as they did in England. The good-luck love charm. I’ll be mortified,” Elizabeth declared, already hearing the whispers and tattle that would travel from Scotland all the way to Almacks in London.
“I promise ye, my dear, that I shall not marry again until you are safely in the arms of the man you’ll love forever and a day. But that doesn’t mean I cannot have restrained fun this Season. I’m a widow, after all. As long as I’m discreet,” Georgina said, a wicked glint in her eyes.
“Well, I for one am going to enjoy my time here, as we all should. And we shall help ye in choosing a fine, sweet man who will love you as much as we love you, Elizabeth. He is out there, you know. And one can never say that Lord Hastings is not that man. If he seeks you out again, you must help him on with your regard. If he senses your interest, then you may be able to secure his affections.”
Elizabeth slumped back in her chair, feeling drained and tired from all the work she had before her already, and it was still the first week of the Scottish Season. “My brother would skin me alive if he heard I was acting fast up in Edinburgh. With Sophie expecting, the last thing he needs is for a salacious rumor that his sister has turned rogue when it comes to finding a husband, and then traveling all the way up here to drag me home.”
“He will do no such thing. He is too distracted to take any notice of what we’re all up to in Edinburgh. The first he shall hear of anything will be your betrothal.” Julia set down her cup and clapped her hands, gaining their attention. “Now, my dears, about this ball. What should the theme be, do ye think?”
“Well,” Georgina said, “we could allow the guests to choose, but maybe notable characters throughout history. Thoughts?”
Julia nodded. “Oh yes, I shall go as Cleopatra.”
“Heloise will do well for me. I’m as doomed in love as she is.” Elizabeth was half-joking when she nominated her costume, even so, a small part of her reminded her that just because what all of London believed her to be before she left, a luck charm for her friends, but unlucky herself, did not make it true. This Season she could either let the past dictate her future or she could clasp the fun on offer here in the capital and enjoy herself to the fullest. Living with Georgina allowed more freedom than she’d ever had before. Her friend being a widow enabled her to act as a chaperone too. They could come and go as they pleased, sleep all day and dance all night if they wanted. What more could she ask for?
Julia and Georgina both barked out a laugh, their eyes brimming with unshed tears of mirth. “Oh my dear, you are not going as Heloise. I shall not allow it. No, you shall go as Peitho, the goddess of love and seduction, for that is who ye are and will be not just for this ball, but for the Season. No more lucky charm for others, my dear. It is time ye were the lucky charm for yourself.”
Georgina grinned, nodding. “Peitho it is. Now, we must head down to the dressmaker and have her make our gowns. We must look the best since we’re hosting. Oh, what fun we shall have.”
“What hearts we shall steal,” Julia continued.
“And what kisses we shall enjoy,” Elizabeth finished, smiling and thinking that perhaps, this year, things would be different. She was with two women who were her true friends and had her back