she launched into her tale, and for a brief while, Thomas laughed.
Chapter 7
Beatrix and Selina dressed for the masquerade ball at Rafe’s house on Upper Brook Street. Selina was absolutely resplendent in a gown of rose with an overskirt of gold gauze that shimmered in the candlelight. The sleeves were embroidered with a variety of flowers in gold thread, and she wore diamond eardrops and a diamond necklace that perfectly matched the diamond betrothal ring Harry had given her. The jewelry made Beatrix think of the demi-parure her mother had promised her—emeralds set in a pair of earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet. Mama had told her they would belong to her one day. Beatrix looked forward to getting them from her father.
“You look beautiful,” Beatrix said, beaming at Selina.
“Thank you.” Selina blushed as she looked in the mirror. “I don’t even recognize myself.”
“I do. You’re still the brave girl who rescued me at Mrs. Goodwin’s.”
Selina turned to her, smiling. “You rescued me too.”
“I’m so happy for you and Harry. To find a man you love and who loves you in return…” Beatrix sighed.
“It’s astonishing. I don’t know if I shall ever believe it.”
“Just so long as you remember that you deserve it,” Beatrix said.
“I can’t forget that because you and Harry keep reminding me.” She adjusted the necklace at her throat, repositioning the diamond just slightly. “Do you think it’s odd we don’t have masks?”
They’d discussed this with Harry’s family at length and decided Harry and Selina shouldn’t wear them. Everyone would want to congratulate them, and they couldn’t if Harry and Selina weren’t easily recognizable. And since Beatrix was hoping to catch her father’s eye, she couldn’t very well hide her face.
“Not at all. And who cares anyway? We have very good reasons for not wearing them.”
A knock on the door drew them both to turn. Selina went and opened it to reveal Harry.
He was dressed in black save his bright white shirt and rose-gold waistcoat that had been made to match Selina’s gown. The love in his eyes glowed as he gazed at Selina. Beatrix couldn’t have been happier if she were the one about to be married.
“Beautiful,” Harry said. Then he looked past Selina at Beatrix and added, “You too.”
Beatrix laughed. “Thank you. I’m going down. You two catch up…whenever. Just don’t wrinkle her gown.” She waggled her brows at Harry as she walked by them and started toward the stairs.
A short while later, people began to arrive. Beatrix kept looking for Tom, which was silly because he wasn’t coming. She was soon swept up in the excitement and splendor of the ball. Rafe’s house was magnificent, and the ballroom in particular was lavishly decorated with sparkling chandeliers, mirrors that reflected the light, and a great many flowers. The air quickly grew warm, but doors were opened to allow the evening air to flow inside, and several footmen waved fans.
After dancing a set with Lord Daventry, whom she’d also partnered with at Almack’s, Beatrix went to fetch a glass of lemonade.
“Miss Whitford, good evening.”
Beatrix turned to see her half brother. At least, she was fairly certain it was him. “Lord Worth?”
He chuckled. “Very good! How is the lemonade?”
“Far superior to Almack’s, I’m happy to report.”
“That is not a difficult accomplishment. I would expect nothing less. Your brother has spared no expense.” Worth looked around the ballroom. “His house is exceptional.”
Beatrix didn’t know how to respond to that, so she finished her lemonade and then handed her empty glass to a passing footman.
“I must apologize for not calling on you yet,” Worth said. “I do plan to.”
“Wonderful.” She flashed a brief smile and glanced around for an excuse to depart before he could flirt with her. She really didn’t think she could endure it.
Then it happened. He was here. The Duke of Ramsgate was walking straight toward them. She knew because he wasn’t wearing a mask.
Beatrix’s heart cartwheeled, and her pulse raced like a frightened pony. She was already a trifle warm, but an anxious heat flashed over her.
The duke stopped near his son and cast a glance toward Beatrix. She smiled broadly—probably too broadly—and waited for him to recognize her.
He barely inclined his head before looking back at Worth. “Have you been here long?”
“Awhile,” Worth said. “You just arrived?”
“Yes, against my better judgment. This Bowles fellow is an upstart. His house is a tad vulgar, don’t you think?”
Beatrix froze. She couldn’t think of a thing to say. She could barely think. He hadn’t recognized her at