The Bachelor's Bride (The Thompsons of Locust Street #1) - Holly Bush Page 0,49
together under her chin, smiling broadly. “Oh yes! Muireall is less likely to complain and even forbid us to go if Aunt Murdoch can chaperone.”
“Kirsty,” Muireall hissed. “Our decisions will be made privately.”
“I hear them now, Mr. Pendergast! I hear James and Elspeth,” she said and hurried from the room. “Elspeth! Mr. Pendergast is here. We’ll put that all away when he is gone. Come!”
Elspeth touched her hair and skirts, hurriedly following Kirsty. “Hello, Mr. Pendergast,” she said when she came into the room, and he stood.
He smiled and walked toward her. “Hello, Miss Thompson. You look lovely today.”
“That is enough oohing and aahing between you two. I want to know all about this event Mrs. Pendergast has invited us to. Come in and sit. There is coffee and tea. Where is James?” Kirsty said.
“I’m here, girl. What are you going on about?” he said as he came in and sat beside Muireall.
“I assumed the invitation was for Kirsty and Elspeth, as they are friends of your sister’s,” Muireall said.
“As I said before, they are for everyone in your family, all your brothers and sisters and your aunt too.”
“How formal will this be, Mr. Pendergast? What will all the ladies be wearing?” Kirsty asked.
“You’ll have to speak to Annabelle about the ladies’ attire. All the gentlemen will be in formal wear; that is all I know,” he said and turned to Elspeth. “Are you planning on coming?”
Elspeth could sense that he was uneasy. Did he not want her to attend? Was he unhappy that his mother had issued the invitation? She leaned toward him and lowered her voice. “Would you like us to come?”
He stared at her and licked his lips. “Very much so,” he said, and glanced at James. “I am concerned about you and your sisters’ safety, though. My father is having additional security brought in and only using staff that we are familiar with, but when there are three hundred people in attendance, it will be difficult. I’ve met with the head of our family’s security and my father several times. He is convinced it can be managed.”
“Three hundred people?” Elspeth asked.
“Mother’s entertainments are much sought after, and she knows a lot of people in Philadelphia.”
“Then we should be honored,” Muireall said.
“Why do I get the feeling you are not, Miss Thompson?” He smiled.
“There is no reason for me to come,” James said. “I’ve no desire to pull on fancy duds and stand around with three hundred people I don’t know.”
“I was counting on you to come, Mr. Thompson,” Alexander said. “I was hoping you would be able to help me keep a close eye on your sisters and mine.”
James blew out a breath and closed his eyes. “I’ll have to get to the tailor’s, I suppose. And Payden too, since he outgrows every piece of clothing he owns within a week.”
“I’ll be staying home with Payden,” Muireall said. “There’s no reason to fuss with formal wear for him.”
“If I’m going to this ball, and I’m sure it will be a late night, then we’re all going, Muireall. I’ll not leave you and Payden here while things may be dangerous. You’re going and so is Payden.”
“I have no interest in—” Muireall began.
Elspeth interrupted, asking Muireall to join her in the hallway. She waited until her sister was close enough to hear her whisper. “Can you not just accept graciously? Just this once, Muireall. Kirsty is beside herself with excitement. I admit I’m looking forward to it too. And shouldn’t the Earl of Taviston be exposed to elegant assemblies? Wouldn’t he be standing beside Father in a receiving line at Dunacres if there were going to be a fancy party? Please, can we not just enjoy ourselves this one time and be presented to Philadelphia society?”
“You make me out to be the worst kind of antagonistic harridan. I worry, Elspeth. I worry that I will let my guard down and something terrible will happen.” Muireall’s eyes filled with tears. “All those terrible things happened, and then Mother fell and Payden was taken, and then they were killed.”
“Muireall,” Elspeth said, clutching her sister’s hands. “Not everything will turn out badly. Some things will be wonderful. And I would very much like to dance with Mr. Pendergast.”
Muireall stared into her eyes for a long moment and then led the way into the parlor. “James? You must plan a time to escort us to the dressmaker’s and drag your brother to the tailor’s, which will be a trial in itself.”