page40 (1/2)

He guffawed at her suggestion with a little shake of his head She dropped her hands to her sides A few months previously, she would have sulked, stamped her feet with annoyance and pouted for hours On this occasion, she merely expressed disappointment

“Probably for the best Our older guests are very much set in their ways and I would not wish to offend the ladies will have to wait a few more years for Derbyshire to catch up with modern times”

“I am not that much older than you,” said Edmund with a wry smile

She returned to her list of preparations for the ball, which Ed day, she grew reat house Edmund’s loyal tea no last minute disasters and finally, to Alice’s ecstatic jubilation, the day of the ball arrived

The musicians took up their seats at one end of the ballroory dancers A dance master had been appointed to ensure all the ladies would have fair access to the floor

The guests arrived in a vast convoy of closed carriages Her parents had arrived a day earlier Her mother, still weak and thin about the face, could not be dissuaded froone to bed early the previous day and reassured Henry and her daughter she was quite capable of watching the dancing from a comfortable seat

“I have no plans to dance a reel I will notme out on my heels”

Henry frowned at his wife “She is a stubborn one, Ned What can a man do?”

Edrin She knew her own husband had plenty of ways to ensure his oife’s compliance However, the secrecy remained, as it alould and the pastimes of their bedroom kept behind closed doors

Each guest was announced to the gathered throng as Alice stood regally beside her colonel in the ballrooave each guest a perfect rendition Her husband bowed and char eyes and coiffured hair

Alice required no adorning scarlet uniform upon his sturdy fraance in whatever garb he chose to wear The couple proudly circled the roo them it and cordiality

When Caroline Fanshawe arrived, Aliceher friend as publicly as possible She promenaded around the room with Caroline on her arm and introduced her to her Macclesfield friends Lucy and Philippa remained transfixed in a state of shock upon arrival, their eyes wide open as they took in the scale of Westfell Hall Only offers of dances with the eligible

The highlight of the evening had been the toast First to theperiod of Regency Then Edmund made the announcement that made Alice’s heart soar with pride

“I would like to inform all of my friends, those fro our first born”

There followed a roar of applause fro to Alice’s eyes as she witnessed her delighted mother leap to her feet and clasp her hands to her chest

Souest left Westfell Hall Only her parents, and close friends, reht, thanking them for their attendance

Edarden A full ht air cleared her lungs Alice stared up at the brightest of stars and leant against Ed on her belly