Blinded by Grace: Book Five of the Cotillion Ball series (Crimson Romance) (8 page)

“I’m so grateful Father, that you are the one taking care of his banking needs and I don’t have to talk to him on a regular basis.”

Charlotte rose when the butler opened the front door and she caught familiar voices. “Well, Jasmine and Parr are here now, with your partner for the evening, Halwyn, so this is it.” She moved alongside her son and smoothed his lapels. “I pity all those young women who I dragged out on the dance floor to meet you the night of the Cotillion. They didn’t make enough of an impression on you to have you consider courting them. Only Grace did. Let’s go greet her.”

Halwyn had a hard time breathing all of a sudden. His mother did know how to cut right to the heart of the matter. In actual fact, Grace had made an impression on him the night of the dance. But it wasn’t a sensual impression at all. Rather, it was one of concern. What color were her eyes, anyway? He couldn’t remember. Her hair was very dark, and contrasted with her very pale skin. He thought the silver material he selected for her gown would make her more sophisticated. Perhaps she could attract another man’s attention tonight, and he could still bow out of their contract gracefully as a spurned suitor.

He turned as Jasmine and Parr entered the room first. He shook Parr’s hand and hugged his sister. Then Grace walked into the room and Jasmine and Parr were forgotten. If he thought he had trouble breathing before she came in, he was mistaken. His breath left him in a whoosh as he stared at the vision in front of him.

“Grace?” His voice croaked.

“Yes, Halwyn, it’s me. Who else did you expect?” She came to his side and reached up to straighten his glasses.

Charlotte clapped her hands together. Halwyn hadn’t even been aware she had returned to the room. He only had eyes for Grace. And he feared his mouth was hanging open. He forcibly tightened his jaw and tore his gaze from the silver column of loveliness before him. He had been correct in his fabric choice. And the single band of blue satin ribbon around her waist was the exact shade as her eyes. How could he not have remembered what color her eyes were, mere minutes before? Grace was beautiful.

Charlotte pulled Grace into an embrace. “My dear child, you are a vision in beauty this evening. Halwyn did an excellent job of picking a partner for this evening’s ball. I would have selected you for him myself if I’d known Halwyn was interested. He beat me to it.”

Grace’s smile wavered, and her eyes searched for Halwyn in the room.

Halwyn cleared his throat. “Yes, Grace, when I told Mother of our plans for the evening, she nearly leapt across the table at me, she was so enthusiastic. She seems to think we are a good match … ”

His mother preened. “I simply adore the idea that you and Halwyn are beginning to spend time together, and I can’t wait to gauge the reactions of your mother and her husband. Let’s get our wraps and hats and make our way to the ball. We’re already fashionably late, and I’m sure Simon and Sophie are there already. We don’t want to keep them waiting for too long before Grace makes her grand entrance.”

Halwyn found his voice again, and extended his arm to his date for the evening. And for the next year. “Are you ready for this, Grace?”

“I’ve never been more ready, Halwyn. Simon will be irate. The question should be: Are you ready?”

He placed his hand over hers as it warmed his arm. “Let’s head into battle, shall we?”

Grace laughed at his remark. It reminded him of tinkling bells. He rather enjoyed hearing her laugh. And being close enough to take a whiff of her lilac water. He had a feeling Grace hadn’t had much she found humorous since the death of her father. He’d have to make it his mission to have her laugh every time they were together. There was no turning back now.

Halwyn didn’t think of himself as a shallow man. Rather, he was a principled, astute, analytical person, which was why he was such a successful banker. He’d been aware, when he selected the fabric for Grace’s ball gown, the coloring would flatter her. After all, he had six sisters and one very fashion-forward mother, and he couldn’t help but have some of what they talked about on a daily basis work its way into his subconscious.

However, he was unaware of how much her appearance would be altered with a simple changing of her attire. She was no longer a young girl, but rather a graceful, lovely woman with curves in all the right places. How could he not have seen her as a woman before? Was it the result of Jasmine’s design, with her off-the-shoulder treatment revealing more of Grace’s porcelain skin and showing a hint of décolletage? Or did the gown merely bring into high relief the fact he was dealing with a woman and not a young schoolgirl friend of his sisters? She may have been introduced into society three seasons ago, but tonight she was entering it. Perhaps other men were as blind as he had been, and would see her tonight, in her new gown, the gown he had selected for her, and think the same thoughts he was. He nearly growled.

They had taken seats opposite each other in the carriage, so he could stare at her all he wanted without craning his neck. Of course, it wasn’t the reason he chose to sit across from her. At least that’s what he told himself. Her tongue darted out nervously over her bottom lip. A lip the color of the palest pink rose in the garden. Would it feel as soft as a rose petal? She ran her fingers lightly down her fine gown, and Halwyn had another poetic impression as a bit of John Keats came to mind. She resembled the sweetest flower wild nature yields, a fresh-blown musk-rose. All Halwyn had to do was mention her trust to a few of his friends, who were always in need of money. Then Grace would have more suitors than she’d know what to do with. An heiress who had brains and beauty thrown into the bargain. They’d be fools not to jump at the opportunity—Simon Huffman, with all his bluster, be damned.

And then where would she be? Back where she currently was, or possibly in an even worse situation. A woman’s property became the man’s as soon as they wed, and Grace could well end up married to a man who would take her money and leave her to her own devices out in the Hamptons. What kind of life would that be? No, the course of action they had settled on was the best of all options for her. Besides, the thought of another man putting his hands on Grace in a possessive manner made Halwyn’s stomach cramp.

But the enormity of the ruse they were about to perpetuate on society was overwhelming both of them right now. She ran her tongue over her lips again, and Halwyn followed its movement. Theirs was purely a business agreement, he reminded himself. But if her reaction to nervousness at what they were about to show to society was to draw attention to her lips, it was going to be a very long year.

Charlotte and George Fitzpatrick were in the carriage as well, but their lighthearted banter barely registered with Halwyn. He could not stop thinking about how soft Grace’s lips must be. And how smooth her shoulders were. Like an alabaster statue, except her skin was warm and lovely, not cold and unfeeling. Not a blemish or a freckle in sight. His fingers itched to touch her and feel her heat.

Her eyes met his. Ice-blue eyes, he noted. Had they always been so crystal clear? Or was it again the silver fabric doing its job, painting extra coloring on her face? She smiled faintly as she held his gaze.

She visibly took a breath and straightened herself. “I suppose we should speak to each other, Halwyn. After all, we are supposed to find each other’s company enchanting.”

He pitched his voice low, so only Grace could hear him. “You are enchanting, Grace. As well as lovely. Are you certain you want to go through with this, though? You will certainly attract attention from many fine young gentlemen tonight.”

Her eyes flitted over his face. “But if they are suddenly attracted to me simply because of the gown I am wearing, they are missing the best part of me, and I’ll want nothing to do with them, don’t you see?”

Halwyn’s gut clenched at her heartfelt words. Was he no better than the men she was berating? Was he missing the best part of her? He probably was, but he had an advantage over the legions of other unworthy men. He was soon to announce his engagement to Grace, something the other poor blokes would not be able to do. Then he could have her to himself, to get to know and understand her mind, as well as being able to possibly touch her and taste her. To drink in her lilac scent anytime he wanted. And to perhaps sample those rosy lips.

There were definite benefits to having sisters. He and Grace had known each other for years, so a protracted engagement would be unnecessary. They just might be able to pull off this quick engagement, and she would be effectively off-limits to other men. Halwyn mentally patted himself on the back for agreeing to this endeavor. His sudden possessiveness toward her alarmed him somewhat, but he assumed he was behaving in an appropriate manner for someone who had just found the love of his life. He’d sort out later how much of it was real feelings and how much was part of the act they were perpetuating.

“All right then, Grace, let’s talk.”

“Jasmine told me about a townhouse that is on the market right now. It might be worth taking a drive by to see what sort of traffic it has in the evenings.”

“What an excellent idea. I’m glad you’re holding up your end of the bargain.”

“Well, of course I would. As I expect you to this evening.”

“Believe me, Grace, it’s my pleasure. Now, tell me about this townhouse.”

She talked, but he barely listened. For some reason, he could not make sense of what she was saying. All he could do was stare at her mouth, her lips, and her tongue. He was definitely going to enjoy the next year. Or possibly regret it mightily.

• • •

A swarm of butterflies were setting up residence in Grace’s stomach, and they only became more intense the closer they got to the Haversham household. She ran her hand over her stomach to quiet the fluttery beasts. Despite their attempts at casual conversation about which homes were currently on the market, Grace could tell Halwyn was every bit as nervous as she was. Even his jittery behavior didn’t prevent him from making her mouth water. The mere sight of him stole her breath. She searched her reticule in vain for her favorite handkerchief—the one Halwyn had bestowed on her many years ago. Whatever had become of it? It was so unlike her to forget her belongings, especially one that held so much significance. Sighing softly, she pulled a different hankie from her purse.

She stifled a small yelp when the carriage came to a sudden stop. She and Halwyn locked gazes, and she noticed his Adam’s apple bob up and down. She gulped, too, as she made a grand show of gathering her possessions to depart the cab of the carriage. Halwyn helped her alight, and then smiled down at her. His gaze, through his new glasses, was as warm as his hand was on her elbow.

“Are you ready, Grace?”

“The question is, are you? Simon will be quite angry, and I don’t have a clue how he will act out. Except to say he will. Are you up to the challenge?”

“Right now, we are two old friends who are entering the ball together with the rest of my family. Let’s start there. If Simon pushes the issue about your new gown, then we’ll tell him of our desire to see more of each other. One step at a time. I’m sure it will be fine. Even Simon isn’t that diabolical.”

“Don’t be too certain, Halwyn.”

Charlotte Fitzpatrick’s eyes lit up as she caught sight of Halwyn and Grace standing side by side next to the carriage. She patted Grace’s hand. “You know, my dear, we Fitzpatricks are all about surprising society. We managed to conceal Joseph’s true Native American identity for almost an entire season when he and Ginger got together. Now it’s your turn, and Halwyn’s, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I’m so glad you and Halwyn have found each other, and so quickly.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, although there really is no big surprise to reveal here. This is only our first outing together. But knowing I have the full support of your family will make facing Simon a bit easier.”

“So, have we properly girded our loins? Are we ready for Simon and Sophie’s wrath, once they see you in this lovely gown?”

Grace ran her tongue over her dry lips and glanced up at Halwyn. He blinked to bring his eyes back into focus, and placed his hand protectively over hers, which was resting on his arm.

“Consider our loins sufficiently girded, Mother. Lead on.”

Together with Jasmine and Parr, the Fitzpatricks, en masse, entered the ballroom. Grace let her held breath out in small puffs as she went through the flurry of greeting their hosts, the Havershams, and depositing their shawls and the men’s top hats with the butler. Maybe this would be all right after all. She certainly was surrounded by the support of the Fitzpatricks. Despite Simon’s ire with the situation, even he would not cause a scene at the ball, would he? The Fitzpatricks wielded too much power and influence for Simon to risk alienating them. Grace didn’t envy her mother tonight, though, since all of Simon’s anger would be directed at her. But, if she hadn’t been so foolish as to marry him in the first place, none of what Grace and Halwyn were plotting would be needed. Perhaps she should consider thanking her mother for bringing Grace and Halwyn together, she thought with a wry smile.

Halwyn led Grace to the edge of the ballroom floor as the first waltz of the evening began. It was one of her favorite pieces of music—Johann Strauss’
Die Fledermaus
. For a moment, she forgot the drama about to unfold this evening, and let herself drift with the music. Halwyn was a good dancer, and she followed his lead as if they’d been dancing together forever. She thought of her father, dead now almost three years. In happier times, they used to sit at the piano together, working on duets. It was a special time for both of them, and she missed her father even more.

She glanced up at Halwyn and blinked back the threatening tears. “Do you by chance play the piano, Halwyn?”

“Mother forced all of us to take lessons, so I can tell you where middle C is. But beyond that, it never grabbed my interest. Why do you ask?”

“Because my father and I used to play together in the evenings. I was just remembering those times, and how this particular piece was one of his favorites.”