Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83053 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Cameron now owned that townhome—a gift from their grandfather, the Marquess of Denbigh.
Cameron also owned a small estate—the Thornton estate—which was part of the larger Denbigh estate where the marquess and dowager marchioness lived.
Tricia and Kat would want for nothing for the rest of their lives. They both had sizable dowries, and they would always receive an allowance from the Denbigh estate.
Sometimes it seemed like a dream come true.
Other times—like tonight—it seemed like an arrow had shattered her heart.
When Cameron fell in love with Rose, Tricia met Thomas.
And from that moment, her life had never been the same.
She was a suitable match for Thomas now, being a lady of the peerage. He wouldn’t have looked her way four years ago. Of course, she was way too young four years ago anyway, but once she’d spied Thomas Jameson, her heart was no longer her own.
After tonight, she knew he shared her attraction. She would have given up her maidenhead to him if he hadn’t stopped her.
Perhaps it was her own fault, for when she said she didn’t want to marry a man who didn’t love her—
“Tricia?” Kat interrupted her thoughts.
“Yes?”
“Are you sad about something?”
Tricia cleared her throat quickly. “Of course not, Kitty Kat. Why should you ask such a thing?”
Kat squinted. “Because in the dimness of your light, I can see your eyes watering a bit. As if you’re about to cry.”
Tricia sniffed back what Kat correctly saw as the beginning of tears. “Why on earth should I be sad, Kitty Kat? I just attended my first ball as a lady of the peerage. I am ecstatic, of course.”
“If you were so ecstatic, why are you in bed now while the ball is probably still going on?”
“And how would you know that?”
“Because the clock only just now struck one. Didn’t you hear it?”
No, Tricia hadn’t heard it. She had been too lost in her own thoughts.
“You should go back down to the ball, Tricia,” Kat said. “I know there couldn’t be any women there more beautiful than you.”
Tricia laughed lightly. “You’re too kind, Kitty Kat. I’m just glad that you are so much younger than I, because I know I wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to you. When you come out, all the eligible bachelors in England will be vying for your hand.”
Kat gave her a dazzling smile. “Do you truly think so?”
“I know so. Now go back to sleep. I can’t go back to the ball. My dress is rumpled.”
“You can smooth it out. Why didn’t you have Trudy help you undress?”
Indeed, why hadn’t she? “I suppose I didn’t want to bother her.”
Being lowborn, Tricia was still uncomfortable around servants. But when it came to her ornate gown and corset, she did require help.
“Then you must go back down to the ball.”
“Don’t be silly, Kitty Kat. It’s after midnight, and my carriage has turned into a pumpkin.”
“But did you meet your handsome prince?” Kat asked.
“I met several handsome men,” Tricia said.
“And perhaps one of them will be your prince?”
“I don’t know, Kitty Kat,” Tricia said, though she certainly hoped one of them would. “You go back to sleep now.”
At those words, a giant yawn split Kat’s mouth. “I suppose I am fatigued.”
“Of course you are, love. Now get some sleep. I’m frightfully sorry that my light bothered you.”
“Will you tell me absolutely everything in the morning?” Kat asked.
“I guarantee you that I will.”
Though truthfully she couldn’t tell Kat everything that had happened.
She walked over to Kat’s bed, pressed a kiss on her forehead, and tucked her in.
Should she go back down to the ball?
She already told mother she was tired.
But she wasn’t tired. She could read more of The Ruby, but the light would bother Kat.
When she heard Kat’s breathing turn shallow, she knew she was fast asleep. Tricia blew out her lamp and left the room, locking it behind her.
She had no intention of going back to the ball, but she was rather peckish. She could sneak down to the kitchens and get a plate of goodies. She walked briskly down the stairwell. Her cheeks warmed as she brushed by a lady and a gentleman in a clandestine embrace. Why would they be on the third-floor stairwell? Wouldn’t they be more comfortable on a balcony in the fresh air? Or perhaps the library? The art gallery?
She paid them no mind and swiftly walked down the two flights of stairs to the first floor, where she bypassed the ballroom and headed toward the kitchens.
A young maid scurried toward her. “Yes, my lady?”
“Good evening,” Tricia said. “I don’t wish to return to the ball, but I find I’m a bit hungry. I thought I might get a small plate.”
“Yes, of course, my lady.” The maid hurried toward one of the chefs, whispering to him. A moment later she returned to Tricia with a plate that contained a lemon cake, some fresh strawberries and raspberries, and some lovely clotted cream.