Page 24 of An Unforeseen Kiss (Captivating Kisses #4)
“May we go, Mama?” Verina asked excitedly.
Lady Traywick hesitated, and Val said, “Let them come, Aunt Agnes. I will be there to chaperone them. In fact, perhaps Miss Snow would also like to attend. Four girls might be a little much for me to keep up with. If she will agree to split the burden with me, you might be more comfortable.” His gaze met hers. “What do you say, Miss Snow?”
“She says yes,” Justina answered. “Miss Snow loves to dance. She goes to the assemblies at Kidsgrove, which is the village closest to Traywick Manor. I hear that everyone wants to dance with her because she is so graceful.”
“Well, Miss Snow does sit a horse and ride well. Dancing is also very athletic.” He smiled. “I hope this means you will accompany us.”
Eden felt a bit lightheaded, thinking she might actually have a chance to dance with him.
“I would be happy to chaperone the young ladies with you, Your Grace.”
“And dance,” Verina insisted. “You must, Miss Snow.”
“Only if I am asked,” she said. “And only if the four of you also are engaged for a set. Otherwise, I take my chaperoning duties seriously. I will not leave any of you alone.”
Quigby called them in to dinner. Val escorted his mother, and Eden found herself walking with Lady Traywick.
“My girls think of you as family, Miss Snow. Thank you for agreeing to go with them to this assembly.”
“Dancing is something we practice regularly, my lady. It will be not only easier but more enjoyable for them to do so with a partner and music being played instead of me humming to them.”
“Are you enjoying your time at Millvale?”
“Yes, my lady. I do believe it has been good for your daughters to travel a bit, and they have been good company to their cousins. The bonds of friendship are growing between the four of them. Lady Lia and Lady Tia will certainly look out for their cousins when they do come to town for their come-out Seasons.”
“And what of you, Miss Snow? Will you come to town with us?”
“I would like to come with Lady Justina when Lady Verina makes her come-out. I think it would be good for the younger sister to see the older one make her preparations. Being in town would also give us a wonderful opportunity in regard to our studies.” She paused.
“But once Lady Justina is set to make her come-out, I will no longer be needed, my lady. I should move on to another household.”
“I know Verina will welcome your advice when she decides to wed. Justina will be the same. I hope you will consider staying with us at least through Justina’s first Season before you leave us.”
“I am touched by your offer, Lady Traywick. Of course, I am happy to stay with the girls as long as I am wanted.”
They reached the dining room, and Eden received numerous compliments on the arrangement sitting upon the table.
Supper was wonderful, consisting of a white soup, a delicate cod, and roasted chicken with fresh vegetables.
The wine was particularly good, and Eden enjoyed two glasses of it.
Her head felt a bit light as dinner ended since she was not used to partaking often, and she moved carefully back to the drawing room.
Taking a place on a settee near the piano, she tried to contain her excitement when Val came to sit next to her. The scent of citrus filled the air, making her slightly dizzy.
The others gathered about, and Verina played first for them, two selections from Bach, her favorite composer. Justina played next, one selection by Mozart and two more from Haydn. Then the girls sang their duet, with Verina accompanying them on the pianoforte.
Once they finished, everyone applauded, with Val being the loudest.
“You both were a delight,” he told his cousins.
“Your lessons with Miss Snow, as well as your dedication to practicing, have paid off. Keep practicing those pieces so they become second nature to you. You will be asked to play often when you enter Polite Society, especially while you are looking for your husbands.”
He looked to his sister. “Tia, you might learn something from your cousins’ strong work ethic when it comes to practicing the pianoforte.”
“Are you afraid you will be stuck with me for the rest of your life because I play in such a mediocre fashion, Val?” she teased.
Everyone laughed, and he said, “I would be happy to always keep you at Millvale with me, but you deserve a family of your own—and another man to harangue besides your loving brother.”
More laughter followed, and then the duchess rose. “It was a wonderful evening, but I am ready to retire.”
“I will go with you,” Lady Traywick said. “I am a bit sleepy myself.”
They left the drawing room, and the four young ladies started talking about a number they might sing together.
“Will you work on the harmonies with us, Miss Snow?” Lady Lia asked.
“I would be happy to once you decide on a song.”
“Let us look through our music,” Lady Lia said. “We can make our selection, and Miss Snow can play it for us tomorrow.”
“She is good about helping us blend our voices,” Verina said.
“Then we can practice together tomorrow,” Eden said. “Meet in the music room at noon. I will see our studies are completed by then, Goodnight to you all.”
Val rose. “I will see you girls at breakfast. May I walk you out, Miss Snow?”
“Certainly, Your Grace.”
They left the drawing room, and he asked, “Would you care to go to the library? I know Justina has said that you excel at chess. Perhaps we could play a game or two.”
She blinked sleepily. “I am not at my best tonight. Two glasses of wine have made me sluggish.”
“Then come to the library anyway,” he urged. “I will find you a boring book to help you drop off even faster.”
She giggled, something she hadn’t done in ages, and he chuckled.
“All right,” she agreed. “Just for a few minutes.”
They arrived at the library, and Eden took a seat, trying to stifle a yawn. She closed her eyes to rest them for just a minute, until Val brought her a book.
And tumbled into sleep.