What a Spinster Wants - Rebecca Connolly Page 0,71
“We are talking about Camden Vale, aren’t we?”
Ingram’s expression soured. “Funny, wife.”
“Just because he is your best friend of late does not change his stripes,” she laughed, linking her arm with his. “I adore him, but even you must allow that he rather enjoys being defiant.”
“I know I do,” chimed in another voice.
Graham smirked as Tyrone joined them, bowing politely to the Ingrams. “Making a tardy appearance, Tyrone?”
His friend appeared unruffled by the accusation. “I didn’t realize we were emphasizing punctuality at your soirée, Radcliffe. How interesting.” He turned his attention to Grace while Graham and Ingram snickered. “My Lady Ingram, might I claim the next dance?”
“Naturally, Mr. Demaris,” Grace said, smiling warmly. “And will we be competing against your cousin for best dancers in our set?”
Tyrone grinned freely. “I knew you were my favorite of the Spinsters for a reason, my lady.”
“Watch yourself,” Ingram growled good-naturedly. “Just for that, I think I’ll partner with Janet.”
“Then we are assured of winning,” Grace shot back. “Remind me to fetch a compress for Janet’s toes later.”
The Ingrams glared at each other, both on the verge of laughing, and Graham only shook his head, chuckling to himself. It was rare to find a couple in Society that adored each other, let alone one that could banter with each other so skillfully. Yet, in his admittedly limited experience, that was the standard for the Spinster couples.
Had none of them made comfortable matches for the sake of it?
No, that was part of their foundation, was it not? To marry for love, if at all? To avoid forming a marriage out of desperation?
What, then, of Edith and her venture?
Protection and security were what she sought. If the rumors were true, if she had a lover, she could have found it. Or, if she wished, she could find it in such a way with more powerful men. It was far less respectable, but many respectable widows did such.
Even some respectable wives did such, with more discretion, of course.
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he had to admit the possibility was there.
“Oh, she looks wonderful, does she not?”
Graham turned at the sound of Miranda Sterling’s voice near him, bowing in greeting. “Miranda, good evening.”
She smiled, her eyes bluer for the nearly matching shade of gown she flawlessly wore. “Good evening, dear. Lovely decor and arrangement. What a marvelous room!”
“Thank you.” He returned her smile, then returned his attention to the dance. “What were you saying? Who looks well?”
“Edith, dear. Edith.” She indicated the dancing with her fan. “There, in the green silk. And she doesn’t look well; she looks luminous.”
His eyes caught sight of Edith then, and all sound in the room ceased.
How had he missed her entering? Her gown was the color of nature in the spring draped in a delicate lace overlay, both forming to her frame and person with a perfection that would make any dressmaker weep. Matching cream and green ribbons weaved in and out of her dark curls in an almost teasing manner, bringing the itch of temptation to his fingers. Tracing those ribbons within those locks, dislodging some and disheveling the appearance, yet losing nothing at all in the experience.
But more captivating than all of that, as incomparable as it was, had to be the brilliant smile upon her perfectly full lips. She seemed to be constantly on the edge of a laugh, every step of the dance appearing lighter and fresher than he had ever seen. She was everything that any miss in Society would wish to be.
Graham could not look away.
He was transfixed by her, and it took him far too long to notice the unsteady beat of his pounding heart. As well as the dotty smile currently affixed to his lips.
He couldn’t help it; anyone witnessing such a sight would have to smile at it. The fact that he felt as though every inch of him smiled along with his lips was beside the point.
“Such a vision,” Miranda praised on a delighted sigh. “It’s been an age since I have seen her so full of joy. And that gown! Janet Sterling brought it for her, you know, along with three new gowns, all perfectly tailored, by way of apology.”
“What for?” Graham heard himself reply, his voice sounding rather distant.
Miranda tsked beside him. “Oh, she felt so horribly burdened with guilt for not being more present for Edith during her time of need. I did try to tell her that with Francis working towards the betterment