Page 12

CHAPTER 12

E dwin stepped in front of the large mirror in his chamber as soon as he donned his new outfit from France. The coat was crimson red, and it fit him just perfectly. It had been hand-stitched by Parisian artisans, the merchant had said.

Tonight was the night that would determine his future, and it was only right that he wore his best attire.

Dignitaries from Italy who owned large businesses would be in attendance. Even though Edwin had done everything he could to make their acquaintance so they would give their business to him—and he knew that the masquerade ball was simply a social event—he was aware that they would take note of his demeanor and actions throughout the ball.

And, of course, he was determined to impress them. After all, the wool and cotton industry in Italy was large, and England was only slowly beginning to realize it. He knew that he must gain exclusive rights to import the materials so that every merchant in England would have no choice but to buy from him.

He smoothed a hand over his hair and donned his hat before stepping out of his chambers and heading downstairs. He was just beginning to tap his staff impatiently on the floor when his wife appeared at the top of the stairs.

Edwin stared, speechless for a moment.

She stood there, looking like an angel as she smiled down at him. Her dress trailed on the floor behind her and swished around her ankles, lending her a regal air.

When she finally began to descend the staircase, he was able to get a proper look at the cut of the dress. It cinched her waist and gently hugged her hips, capturing her curves just right.

Edwin swallowed as his eyes lingered a little too long on her chest.

When she stopped in front of him, her eyes gleaming and her lips curled into a small smile, he found his words.

“You look…”

He was not quite certain what to say. Beautiful would be an understatement, and radiant would be far too cheap.

“You are utterly breathtaking,” he murmured.

Her lips stretched into a full, stunning smile.

He felt something stir in his chest at that moment.

“I am certain your business partners will approve,” she said, before looking away and walking towards the door.

Her action surprised him.

“Aren’t you going to take my arm?” he asked, following behind her.

She cast a brief glance over her shoulder at him as she continued walking briskly. “We can spare the dramatics for the ball, where your business partners shall be watching.”

There was a slight edge to her voice, as though she was annoyed.

What could possibly have annoyed her?

As he climbed into the carriage after her, however, he realized he would not have enough time to find out the reason behind her annoyance.

It did not take long for them to arrive at the estate of the Duke of Wellington. A long queue of carriages extended from the drive down to the end of the street, while people dressed in finery and fancy masks made their way to the entrance of the mansion.

“You brought your mask, I suppose?” Edwin inquired.

Today was one of the few days when he wouldn’t feel particularly out of place for wearing a mask. After all, everybody would be wearing one at the ball.

Ava lifted a golden mask with lace trimmings and secured it on her face. “I would not want to embarrass you in front of your partners now, would I?” she said, smiling sweetly at him.

Edwin was not quite certain what to make of that.

She was smiling sweetly at him, and yet her words were not quite as sweet.

“Ava, have I?—”

“Edwin, we must step out of the carriage. We should not arrive late to our first ball as a married couple,” she urged.

She was right. If he arrived too late, he may be labeled an arrogant bastard.

“Fine,” he relented as he climbed out. “But you must tell me why you are being so short with me.”

He held out a hand to help her down, and she took it.

“I do not know what you are talking about,” she muttered as she adjusted her dress. “Now, we must go.”

The hosts of the ball, the Duke and Duchess of Wellington, were at the door, welcoming the long line of guests.

“Now, this is a face I am familiar with,” the Duke boomed as soon as they stepped in front of him. “Gillingham and his Duchess. You are most welcome.”

The ball was already in full swing when they entered. The hall was packed full, and it was obvious that the crème de la crème were present.

Edwin braved the crowd, his arm wrapped securely around his wife. At first, he did not notice the eyes that followed them. However, when a lady walked right into another because she was staring at them, he could no longer ignore it.

“Am I the only one imagining it, or are people staring at us?” Ava muttered.

Edwin opened his mouth to respond when someone grabbed his free arm. He jerked his arm out of the man’s grip, but he was surprised when he heard laughter.

“It is me, Lord Fitzroy!” The man chuckled. “I so love my mask. I can simply sneak up on people and they would be terrified out of their wits.”

“Ah!” Edwin nodded. “You certainly scared me.”

He recognized Lord Fitzroy all right. After all, the man was hosting the Italian businessmen he was seeking to charm into a deal.

“Now, this must be your Duchess,” Lord Fitzroy said, taking Ava’s hands.

“Indeed!”

He bowed before planting a kiss on her palm.

Something in Edwin’s heart tightened. Was the kiss on the hand simply an innocent gesture, or was Lord Fitzroy being flirtatious?

He tightened his arm around his wife.

“Now, you must meet my guests,” Lord Fitzroy continued as he led them into the throngs of masked people. “They are dignitaries, I must tell you.”

They finally approached the group at the far end of the hall, consisting of two ladies and three gentlemen. The gentlemen were nursing drinks while the ladies chattered.

Despite the masks, Edwin could immediately recognize the Italian dignitaries. Their skin was more tan than others in the group.

“Now, here is the man we have been speaking of—the Duke of Gillingham himself,” Lord Fitzroy announced with such excitement that Edwin had to wonder if the man was drunk.

“Now, this is Lorenzo Toscana and his wife Bella.” Lord Fitzroy gestured as he made the introductions. “This is Luca Riccardo and his wife Andrea. And lastly, Leonardo Matteo. He is a bachelor—perhaps a good Englishwoman might catch his eye on this trip.”

Laughter erupted, and Edwin joined in.

He exchanged quick greetings with the visitors.

“You must meet my wife, the Duchess of Gillingham. We have only just gotten married,” he said, pulling Ava closer.

“Ah, congratulations, Duchessa ,” Luca offered.

“You must tell us how you met,” Leonardo asked.

“Please, you must tell Leonardo. Perhaps he’ll pick up a trick or two on how to find a wife.”

“I would be happy to. However, I would leave that to my wife,” Edwin said as he glanced at Ava, smiling fondly.

“Thank you, Edwin,” she responded, holding his gaze just a tad longer.

His heart warmed, and he could not help but wonder if this was for the Italians’ sake or if it was genuine.

“Oh, see the love on their faces!” Andrea crooned.

“How fabulous! To be young and in love,” Bella added.

Edwin took that moment to lean in and gently tuck a lock behind his wife’s ear. She blushed shyly.

“We met at a ball just like this one,” Ava finally said.

“One look at her and I was positively smitten,” he added.

He was not lying. He had certainly been taken by Ava the moment he had laid eyes on her.

“Isn’t that just lovely?” Andrea said.

“You have only been married for a while, haven’t you?” Lorenzo asked.

“Indeed,” Ava confirmed. “And I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.”

She held out her hand to Edwin, and he took it and gave it a squeeze.

“Now, Your Grace, you must tell me where you got your dress. I have never seen a fabric so delicate,” Bella complimented.

“Indeed!” Andrea agreed.

Soon enough, the two ladies were steering Ava away in a spirited conversation about fabrics and dresses.

Edwin was relieved. The ladies taking to his wife so quickly boded well for him.

“You have yourself quite the charmer, don’t you?” Luca joked. “Now, we must talk business.”