Chapter Seven
Amber’s father did not approve, but he was reassured when Lord Byrn told him the head bouncer, Titan, would provide a couple extra footmen as her escorts. Amber guessed they were really there to protect Diana from her stepson, Mr. Geoffrey Hough. That detail didn’t matter to Amber or her father. They all knew the men would look after Amber as well.
Which is how exactly one day later, she was standing outside of Lady Morthan’s home, waiting to be announced into the ball. Excitement seemed to crackle in the air as she drew in every breath. She couldn’t keep her feet still. This was going to be the best night of her life, and she couldn’t wait for it to begin. She kept shifting from one leg to the other while Diana smiled indulgently at her.
Diana’s mother was with them as well, chattering about her old friends from school and how each of them was a viper who had betrayed her in one way or another. Last of their party was Lord Byrn, still in black but somehow managing to look magnificent.
“I keep telling you, Mama,” Diana said, “Amber is the sister of one ofmy friends. Elliott got it wrong.”
“I am so sorry, Mother,” Lord Byrn intoned.
“Well, I don’t see how she can just show up and—”
“It was the mail, my lady,” Amber interrupted. “My letter must have gotten lost. That sort of thing happens all the time on the Continent.”
It wasn’t true, as far as she was aware, but Lady Byrn seemed to enjoy talking about how everythingover therewas worse than it washere. And sure enough, she began to expound on all the things that someone had told her simply did not work on the Continent. Which left Amber free to look at everything and everyone.
At first, she feared that some of the ladies who frequented the Lyon’s Den would recognize her, but so far, none were in attendance. It was the gentlemen who posed the real threat. Nearly every man here had visited the place at one time or another, but she had been a nameless, faceless woman who helped her grandfather set a value on their goods. Surely they wouldn’t recognize her?
She bit her lip, flinching away from one of the biggest louts who frequented the Den. And as she turned, her gaze connected with Lord Byrn’s. Apparently, he’d been watching her as closely as she’d been looking around. Then as their gazes connected, his expression softened.
“Have I told you how exquisite you look tonight?” he asked.
She was wearing a pale, yellow gown of an old style, quickly resewn to her body. The trim had been removed, a bit of ribbon added, and the sleeves changed. All of that in a day such that every inch fit her like a dream. Even with the pale color, she felt like sunlight personified. When she’d first put it on, Diana had made her twirl around to show off every angle, and Amber had laughed like she hadn’t since she was a child.
“The clip in your hair. Is the lion of your own design?”
“Yes,” she said. She’d made it as well. It was meant to be a gift to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for next Christmas, but she hadn’t been able to resist wearing it now. The burnished gold matched her gown, and the bright, ruby eyes would dance in the candlelight.
“Of her own design?” Lady Byrn asked. “How could that be?”
“It is a hobby of hers, Mother,” Lord Byrn responded. “I have seen her sketchbook filled with jewelry designs. It is quite impressive.”
“Really?” the lady asked. “Could you fashion a peacock for my hair? With beautiful plumage to trail down my face.”
“It would be my absolute pleasure.” Not a lie. It would be a gloriously fun thing to do. “And while I am in London, I shall look for a good jeweler who could bring the design to life for you.” Especially since the thing would cost the moon and would amply repay her father for the two night’s he’d have to spend in the cage with her grandfather in her stead.
“Hmm,” Lord Byrn drawled. “I wonder what jeweler you will pick.” He didn’t sound upset by that. More amused than anything else. “Keep the design modest, please. We aren’t made of gold.”
“But the peacock will be. And it shall look wonderful in your hair.”
Lady Byrn preened at the thought. With Amber’s help, she began to speculate on what gemstones could be in it. And so they progressed up the line inch by slow inch. The anticipation was killing her, but talking about jewelry was the best way to pass the time, especially as Lady Byrn began pointing out what the other ladies wore. It was the kind of discussion that would be invaluable to her later. It told her what society women wanted, what styles they preferred, and what was seen as too much or too little.
If only she could focus on it rather than the approaching door. She could hear the Major Domo announcing everyone as they entered. Lord and Lady Castlereigh stood out in her mind. Imagine, she was about to be at a ball with such an important man! And if the jewelry was anything to judge by, she was surrounded by unimaginable wealth. It would have made her feel self-conscious if she hadn’t known her own design matched theirs in skill. Plus, Lord Byrn was by her side, making her feel safe as he smiled warmly at her whenever she glanced his way.
“First balls are so exciting,” Diana whispered in her ear. “I’m so happy to be here with you.”
She grabbed Diana’s hand and gripped it tight, then watched as Lord Byrn extended his arm to his mother. Now that was an impressive sight. The man was handsome with his broad shoulders and dark clothing. Amber pretended he was offering to escort her. She watched as Lady Byrn set her fingertips on his forearm, straightened her shoulders, and stepped forward as if she were the queen.
They were introduced with a booming voice, and all heads turned to see them enter. Then with stately movements, they descended the stairs just like royalty.
“Our turn,” Diana whispered. “Head high.”
Amber soothed out her gown, took a deep breath, and then at Diana’s urging, linked arms with her. They stepped up and were announced.
“Lady Dunnamore! Miss Amber Gohar!”
Her name. Out loud. At a ball!