CHAPTER 7
Henrietta felt the satiny softness of her new gloves against the silver gown that had been delivered earlier that day. True to her word, Madame Louise had fulfilled more than half of the dresses that had been ordered. And each creation was a masterpiece in and of itself.
“You truly look stunning, Hetty, I am almost afraid to stand next to you.”
Hetty glanced over at Lady Samantha Shore, who was wearing a lovely peach gauze gown. “Nonsense, Samantha, if anything I am in your shadow.”
Samantha grimaced, “That’s only because I am so blasted tall.”
Hetty’s lips twitched, “I should love to fill out a dress as well as you do.”
Samantha grimaced, “I have to watch every morsel that passes through my lips. Indeed, I vow that I put on flesh by merely thinking of food. It is completely unfair!”
Hetty smiled, “If you mean to complain to me, please remember that I have just barely developed a bust line. And even that has to be cultivated by a very aggressive lady’s maid.”
Samantha laughed, “I understand your sentiments, I haven’t been able to take a deep breath for the last two years!”
The girls giggled together, it was nice for Hetty to have someone close to her own age. The Mangrove Musical, was an annual event for the crème de la crème of the ton. While Hetty wasn’t in close familiarity with the family, she had recently gotten to know Lady Sophie Mangrove much better through the Bluebells.
Tonight, was hosted by Lady Sophie Mangrove and Mrs. Celia Rotherford, Sophie’s sister in law. She was a tall willowy woman with rich red hair, much like her twin brother, Lord Elias Mangrove. Hetty had enjoyed meeting more of Sophie’s family.
Eden and Randall had breezed in for a few moments, but didn’t stay too terribly long. She had mumbled something about Master Auggie being flushed and irritable. Hetty hoped that all would be well for the little one.
Bea had visited with Samantha and Hetty for a spell before her husband Samuel had whisked her away. Neither one had been seen for the past quarter hour.
Randall’s sisters Juliana and Lillian were not present, which surprised, Hetty. She made a mental note to call on them in the next few days. Hetty had enjoyed their friendly spirits, and one really couldn’t have too many friends.
Glancing back at the door, Hetty saw Lady Gen enter.
“Is that your Aunt, the one that you stayed with in Wales?” Samantha inquired.
Hetty smiled, “Yes, that is my Aunt Genevieve, she is the dearest woman. Let me introduce you!”
They made their way over to where Lady Gen had found a seat. Hetty greeted her fondly, kissing her cheek, and then introduced Samantha to her.
“Of course, you are Agatha’s daughter, are you not?” Lady Gen peered through her spying glass.
Samantha smiled proudly, “Yes, that is my mother. She couldn’t be here tonight, she has something of a megrim.”
“I am sorry to hear of that, my dear. Who is your chaperone this evening?” Lady Gen enquired.
“I came with my brother, Lord Benjamin Shore and his wife, Hazel. They were very kind to allow me to tag along.”
“We were delighted to have you along with us!” Hazel, who had been within hearing distance, joined the group.
“Where is that scoundrel of a brother, Hazel dear?” Lady Gen’s eyes twinkled as she questioned Hazel.
‘I have not seen him yet, but I have a feeling that he will not be missing this evening.” Hazel’s grin was contagious. “I have noticed that you have caused quite a stir this evening, Hetty. And I must concur that you do look ravishing.”
Hetty grinned, “Thank you, Hazel. You look radiant yourself.”
Hazel accepted the compliment with grace and then asked, “Was that Lord Bennett that I saw speaking with you earlier?”
Hetty glanced over her shoulder to see Lord Anthony Bennett’s eyes watching her. She blushed furiously, “I have no idea why he seems so attentive.”
Samantha choked on a laugh, “You may not see it, Hetty, but Lord Bennett is hardly the only man with his eye turned toward you. I would be willing to bet that Lord Avery hasn’t missed a move you have made since you entered tonight.”
“That’s nonsense,” Hetty shook her head, turning to see where Lord Timothy Avery was standing. When he waved cheerily at her she returned it with a faint smile. This attention was certainly not what Hetty was accustomed to.
Hazel caught her brother Miles entering the ballroom. Chairs were set up in rows for the musical because of the great number in attendance.
Miles caught his sister's eye and began to walk toward her. He was halfway there when he seemed to spy someone behind her who completely captured his attention.
Miles stopped dead in his tracks, a look of awe spreading over his face.
Hazel looked over her shoulder and had her suspicions confirmed. Miles hadn’t taken his eyes off the lovely Hetty in her magical silver gown.
Hazel withstood the impulse to rub her hands together. “If you would excuse me, I must go and greet my brother.”
Lady Gen hadn’t missed his entry, “Tell the boy to come and see his godmother!”
Hazel nodded happily, “I’d love too, Lady Gen! I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Miles’ eyes were glued on Henrietta. She had been beautiful in her day dress at Lady Gen’s. She was a vision in this silver ball gown. Her hair had a million shades of toffee and caramel. It had been twisted up in an elaborate hairstyle that made Miles hands itch to take it down.
Her bodice was nearly nonexistent, and Miles had an unruly urge to strip his coat from his back to cover the broad expanse of skin that the gown revealed. Her breasts were white, and looked pillow soft as they rose above the silver creation that she was garbed in.
Hetty’s waist seemed impossibly tiny and her throat, dear heaven above, her throat was begging for his kisses. Miles wanted her, like he had never wanted anything or anyone else in his life.
This was insanity. He did not want Henrietta Moberly. But damn it to hell he sure felt like he did.