Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Arthur’s frown deepened. “And what is this lady’s name, pray tell.”
* * *
“Oh,” the man frowned. “I believe it’s Lady Janice Raven. She is some country bumpkin with eccentric manners. Her family is strange, they say. The father lets them run wild and live unmarried lives with men.”
* * *
Arthur’s eyes widened in shock at this inaccurate characterization but then closed them again. These people would believe whatever they pleased. After all, his father was thought to be a most upstanding and honorable man. An example to society. When the truth was extremely different.
* * *
No.
* * *
All he could do was warn Janice of what these people intended so she could keep herself out of their clutches. “I see,” he said slowly.
* * *
The man pointed to another. “Clarence is holding the wagers if you would like to place your bet.”
* * *
Arthur nodded absently. “Thank you.”
* * *
He turned and headed for the exit. The ball was to be held this evening. He needed to prepare.
Janice stared at herself in the looking glass and had to admit she looked quite lovely.
* * *
“You look well, my lady,” Flora said in breathless admiration.
* * *
Janice smiled.
* * *
The square-necked gown Emily had made for her, flattered her figure, emphasizing the jut of her breast, and cinching tight at her waist before fanning out in a wide swishing skirt. When she moved, it was as if the wind was blowing in the leaves, making them sway, the tiger’s eye winking in and out of view. Her long black hair fell down her back in a curtain, held down in place by the matching headpiece that circled her head like a band, and cinched in place by the gold tiara.
* * *
She wore golden slippers on her feet and gold and ruby earbobs to complete the look. Alexandra burst into her room. “Are you ready? It’s time,” she said excitedly, looping her arm through Janice’s. “We are going to have such a good time.”
* * *
Janice smiled, trying to match her excitement. “I’m looking forward to it.”
* * *
They traipsed down the stairs together to join the rest of the family in the receiving line. Janice was unsure as to whether she should just step into the ballroom or stand next to Alexandra. She leaned in to whisper to her friend. “I think I should go in. This is for the family.”
* * *
Alexandra nodded absently, too caught up in speaking to the baron of Sanditon to really hear her. Janice took the chance to slip off, sliding into a side room across from the ballroom. It seemed to be just a nook, with a leather-covered bench and shelves of books to read. She picked one at random, pulling the door partly closed, and began to read.
* * *
Soon the orchestra began playing and the decibel of conversation rose quite high but Janice ignored it all, too caught up in her book.
Arthur walked slowly into the Carrington townhouse, his cloak trailing behind him. Beneath it, he wore dark green breeches and a bright yellow shirt. His cream waistcoat was decorated with dark green leafy vegetation. He pretended not to notice the shock on Lord Carrington’s face as he approached the receiving line.
* * *
He did not manage to wrangle an official invitation but he was quite sure the Carringtons would not turn a duke away - even one with his reputation.
* * *
He pasted a smile on his face and held out his hand before executing a bow for his hosts. “Lord and Lady Carrington, forgive me for arriving at your ball without an RSVP. I do hope you do not take it amiss.”
* * *
“Absolutely not, Your Grace,” Lady Carrington said with a curtsy. “You are most welcome.”
* * *
“Thank you.”
* * *
He bowed to the three daughters before entering the ballroom, his eyes already scanning it for Janice. She did not seem to be anywhere nearby, a fact that was upsetting to him.
* * *
What if those beef-witted loose screws already found her?
* * *
He began to weave around the room with greater urgency.
CHAPTER 20
The door opened with a suddenness that startled Janice. She looked up with wide eyes, an apology ready on her lips. She almost choked when her blue eyes met Arthur’s gray ones. “Gah…what are you doing here?” she asked, in a loud whisper.
* * *
He smiled. “I was looking for you.”
* * *
He looked around and his smile widened. “Are you hiding?”
* * *
“No!” Janice blushed, “I…just got lost in this book.” She held it up to show him.
* * *
He bent down and peered at it. He smiled. “The Merchant of Venice? It certainly is…compelling.”
* * *
“Well, it is,” Janice said defensively.
* * *
Arthur’s smile widened. “I’m sure.”
* * *
She put the book aside and cast about for a change of subject. “What are you doing here? I seem to recall you saying quite clearly that you abhorred such gatherings.”