Aweek later, Easton and Miaentered the ballroom of the Marquess of Stephens. It was their first event together since their betrothal was announced in the papers. Her hand was tucked in the crook of his elbow because, for the first time this Season, she was apprehensive. So many eyes were on her as she and Easton descended the stairs after being announced.
He patted her hand. “All is well, my love. No need to be nervous.”
She nodded as another tremor went through her. “Everything feels so different,” she whispered. “Why is everyone staring?”
“Because you’re the most beautiful woman in the room.”
Easton always knew what to say to calm her nerves. She felt a little better as he steered them toward Chandler, who was chatting with Lady Wright and Lady Victoria.
“Good evening,” Easton said.
Mia felt her anxiety ease a little now that she was standing with friends. “Good evening, Lord Chandler, Lady Wright, Lady Victoria. This event is such a crush.” She let go of Easton’s arm and went to stand beside Lady Victoria while her betrothed talked with his friend and Lady Wright.
“You look beautiful this evening,” Lady Victoria said.
“Thank you. I’ve never seen you look more lovely. Is that a new dress? It’s quite flattering on you,” Mia said.
“Yes. The modiste delivered it yesterday.”
Mia looked over at the others to make sure they were still engaged in conversation, then leaned toward her friend and whispered, “I see Lord Chandler is talking with you again. Are you interested in attracting his attention?”
“I’d like that very much, but I’m not sure if he’s interested in me.”
“I have a good feeling about that. No gentleman seeks out a lady at every ball they attend if he’s not interested.”
“Do you think so?”
Mia nodded. “I do.”
The orchestra was tuning its instruments, and soon, the strains of the first dance could be heard.
Lord Chandler excused himself from his conversation with Easton and Lady Wright and turned to Lady Victoria. “May I have the honor of this dance, Lady Victoria?”
She smiled and placed her fingers on his sleeve. “I’d be delighted, my lord.”
Mia watched as her friend and Lord Chandler twirled around the room to the first waltz of the evening. They were both smiling and made a handsome couple.
“Would either of you care for a lemonade?” Easton asked.
Lady Wright shook her head. “No, thank you.”
Mia nodded, and they walked to the refreshment table together. “Has Lord Chandler mentioned anything about being interested in Lady Victoria? They look well together.”
Easton looked back at the dance floor and smiled. “He might have hinted.”
Those four simple words gladdened Mia’s heart. She wanted her friend to know the happiness she was enjoying, and if Lord Chandler’s smile was any indication of his enjoyment when dancing with her friend, Lady Victoria might indeed enjoy a happy future.
The next fortnight wasfilled with appointments with the modiste and meetings with the contractors at their new home. Audrey had made a few suggestions that both Mia and Easton approved of. They were overjoyed when they learned the minor renovations would be completed by the time they married.
Mia made sure that Audrey didn’t tire herself out needlessly and asked Lady Devon to accompany her to help shop for her trousseau.
“I’d be delighted, my dear,” Lady Devon said.
She’d always liked Lady Devon, but spending so much time with her lately, Mia had begun to adore her soon-to-be mother-in-law. Lady Devon was such a calming presence, never dictating what Mia should choose but gently guiding her to what would work best.
St. George’s church had been engaged for the wedding, and the invitations had gone out. Everyone had accepted. Audrey and Fletcher would host the wedding breakfast at Fletcher House, and her sister and Lord Chandler would stand as their witnesses.
As Mia came down to the dining room the day before the wedding, maids and footmen scurried about, taking care of last-minute details and decorations. She was surprised to see Fletcher and Audrey there, eating their breakfast, and especially surprised to see more than fruit and toast on her sister’s plate.