Page 100

"Forgive me, my dear. I think I have to visit the powder room. Enjoy the ball with your husband," and with that she walked away, her back ramrod straight.

Victoria wanted to call out to her that she could hardly enjoy the ball with her husband when he was otherwise engaged socializing with the other guests present.

" Vicky" an excited female voice called, when she turned she let out a squeal seeing her sister Charity. She gathered her into an embrace. Instantly happy to see her again

She had not realized how much she missed her, until she had set her eyes on her. Releasing her, she looked at her and she must admit that her sister looked radiant, her skin and face glowing with a happiness that seemed to radiant from within.

"You look well, sister."

"As do you," she answered with a slight laugh.

"Yes, but you seem happy, happier than usual. Tell me," she said leaning in with a conspiratory tone. "There must be a reason, such happiness is never without cause."

"Robert had asked to marry me," her sister replied, her cheeks flushed suddenly with color. At her response, an involuntary squeal of joy escaped Victoria causing her to slap a hand across her mouth to stifle the sound, when she realized she was drawing the attention of the guests to herself

"That is absolutely wonderful, Charity," she said taking her hands in his.

"Yes, it truly is," her sister answered with a broad smile on her face.

"Has he met with Father?" she asked, knowing that their father was probably the only hindrance to their union.

"Yes he has. Father seems to like him. He asked him to return in a few days' time to discuss my dowry."

Not that any existed but Charity did not need to know that

She would pay for that from the money she had hidden away for that sole purpose. She would contact the solicitor to allow things move smoothly with Charity's knowledge. It might not be completely honest, but she would do anything to protect her sisters from the harsh reality of her family's financial condition.

Taking her hands in hers, she pasted on her biggest smile.

"I am sure it will go well. The young baron does love you. I see no reason while you two will not get to enjoy many happy years together."

"I truly hope so," Charity replied even though a hint of doubt dimmed the brilliance of her smile.

Victoria could not blame her for her apprehension especially considering the drama surrounding her own marriage to the duke. She had certainly set the bar for unconventional marriage in the family.

"Please excuse me, I think I can see Robert calling me over."

Truly, Victoria could see the young baron her sister fancied waving her over from his place. His golden locks giving him the look of a young Adonis. She totally understood why her sister had fallen head over heels for the chap and the wide smile on his face showed that her regard was not one sided in the least.

Victoria smiled, her heart gladdened for her sisters good fortune

"Go on, it was nice meeting you here," she said to her sister.

"Likewise," she replied, walking away after hugging her briefly. Victoria watched her go, an indulgent smile on her lips.

When she turned back, she saw that Anthony was heading towards her, a ready smile lighting his face causing an answering smile to appear on hers.

"My love," he called when he stood beside her, drawing her into his embrace. "Why is a pretty damsel like you standing all alone here?"

"I was not alone," she said with a short laugh "You know that. I having been spending time with your mother. She just excused herself not too long ago."

"I am here to keep you company now," he said, squeezing her shoulder slightly.

"You do not have to mind me. I can entertain myself while you attend to your ducal duties."

"Well you ,my dear, are my most important duty, the one I care most about," he said staring down at her, a possessive light on her eyes.

"Besides," he said on a lighter note, "I came to claim my first dance from my beautiful wife."