Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,352

to the country in your future.”

Hugh scowled. “I wish I had more to offer her.”

“A wife you love is what’s important. The details about the future, including the blunt to fund dreams, will sort themselves out.” He glanced out the window. “Do take care though. The weather might not cooperate with travel.”

Hugh remained where he was, staring at the fire, long after the sound of the front door closing reached him. How could he possibly convince Lucy to give him a chance?

Lucy drew a shaky breath as she turned in a slow circle before Emma. “How do I look?”

Twelfth Night had arrived, ten days since she’d refused Hugh. She never would’ve guessed in a thousand years that she’d be in London, along with Aunt Edith, at Emma’s townhome, preparing for another ball.

This might be her first London gathering, but that wasn’t what had her nerves fluttering.

“Perfect.” Emma grinned. “That gown is stunning on you.”

The white satin with silver embroidery was a dream, adding another layer of surrealness to the evening. Seed pearls strung on wire graced her hair, and she felt like a princess.

Yet all of her efforts were for naught if Hugh didn’t come though Emma assured her he’d received an invitation.

The last week had been a whirlwind filled with heartfelt conversations with her family and more changes than she had dreamed possible.

Aunt Jane had decided Aunt Edith shouldn’t live alone with only Lucy for companionship. At least, that was how she’d proposed it to Aunt Edith. Aunt Edith had been coaxed into agreeing. Aunt Jane had pulled Lucy aside and apologized for not interfering sooner, stating that she hadn’t realized how secluded Lucy’s life had become. Or how difficult Aunt Edith had grown.

Lucy had protested, insisting things were fine as they were. But Aunt Jane persisted until Lucy confided her fear of reaching for happiness only to lose it again. That she couldn’t bear to have her life destroyed a second time. She’d told Emma everything as well, including the kisses with Hugh. Lucy had cried more tears in the past week than she had since the months following her parents’ deaths. But they had been cathartic ones.

Emma had surprised Lucy, being more supportive and understanding than Lucy could’ve guessed possible of her normally selfish cousin. Emma appeared to have gained a better understanding of how fortunate her life was. She’d also decided Viscount Jameson was the one, and everything about her had softened since. The viscount seemed to feel the same, and Lucy believed some serious wooing would commence from this evening forward.

Lucy would live with her aunt and uncle for the time being and would have a Season. Aunt Edith was going to spend half the year with them as well and half the year with her other niece who lived near Bath. While she complained about the new plans, she seemed to enjoy the attention, and her spirits had lightened considerably. She’d even agreed to attend the ball this evening.

When Uncle Andrew had advised Lucy that he’d provide a dowry for her, Aunt Edith offered to add to it. He’d also advised her that he approved of Hugh and had a proposition for him regarding his plan to breed horses should Hugh and Lucy come to an understanding.

“What if he doesn’t come?” Lucy asked as she met Emma’s gaze in the cheval glass.

“Then we’ll invite him to call on the morrow.”

“But what if he thinks you’re interested in him?”

“He won’t once he sees you. He won’t even remember my name.”

Lucy chuckled, just as Emma had meant her to, but her nerves were still strung tight. “Viscount Jameson will be here soon. Are you excited?”

The gentle smile and delicate blush that lit her cousin’s face answered for her. “Yes. Oh, Lucy, you were so right. Why didn’t I realize how I felt about him?”

“I’m just pleased you did and that he feels the same.” She drew a deep breath, but it did little to settle the flutters. “Shall we?”

“Yes.” Emma wound her arm through Lucy’s and moved toward the door. “To a tremendous evening, and the beginning of a new life for both of us.”

“To us,” Lucy agreed, though she couldn’t completely shut out the doubt. Would Hugh come? If he did, would he forgive her for her previous refusal?

Hugh greeted Mr. and Mrs. Waverly in the receiving line, surprised by the warmth of their welcome. Worry filled him for the reason behind it. He wanted to speak with Emma, but only to ask for her