Craven sat back. “Try to entertain the possibility that Cordelia is an answer and not an extension of your hurt.”
He could, in fact, entertain such an idea. He could picture being wrapped in her arms, holding her close. But he didn’t deserve such a lovely woman and he wouldn’t risk creating the next Lord Dashlane. The line ended with him.
* * *
Cordelia crouched behind a settee. On her left was Lady Charlotte Summerset, or Charlie, as her brother, Lord Hartwell, called her.
Charlie reached for Cordelia’s hand, holding it in her own as she bounced in excitement. “I can’t believe my brother is going to ask your sister to marry him.”
“Is she coming?” Bianca whispered from her right.
“Did she see your note?” asked Adrianna.
Cordelia drew in an excited breath as she looked over to where Ash hid behind a chair. She still hadn’t had a chance to speak with him about why he’d looked upset this morning but now wasn’t the time. The Marquess of Hartwell was about to propose to her sister, and he’d invited the entire family to participate in the surprise. Cordelia placed a hand over her heart. This was all so exciting.
“I…I hope so. If she didn’t wake—” Hartwell, grimaced, looking a bit pale.
“If she didn’t wake, perhaps the staff didn’t deliver it.” Ophelia reached over and patted Hartwell’s shoulder.
“Should I get her?” Adrianna asked, starting to rise.
“No,” Dane said, holding out his hand to stop their youngest sister. “She’ll come. We just have to be patient.”
Her father chuckled. “Patience is not a Moorish trait.”
Dane joined in the laugh. “I’m learning that.”
“I can barely stand the suspense,” Ophelia said, louder. “Can’t we get her?”
A rustling of skirts came from just outside the door. “Where is everyone?” The noise halted. “Hello?”
Cordelia looked to Hartwell. A large smile had spread across his face. Then, without warning, he popped up from behind the couch. “Juliet,” he said, holding his hand out to her.
Her own heart fluttered as they all rose too. Hartwell moved about the couch and taking Juliet’s hand, dropped to one knee.
“Dane,” Juliet cried, pulling on his hand. “What are you doing?”
Cordelia watched as he looked up at her sister. Her throat clogged with emotion.
“If romance is what my lady wants, then that is what I shall give her.”
“I…” Juliet started as her voice trembled.
“Oh this is so exciting.” Cordelia clapped and grinned, unable to control the emotion she felt in this moment. She had experienced her own first kiss yesterday. And she imagined what a proposal like this might be like.
Then she stopped. She had received a proposal, actually, but it had been nothing like this. Her excitement faded like dust in the air.
Adrianna reached over and hugged her. But some of the magic of the moment was lost.
“Juliet Moorish,” Hartwell said, everyone going silent.
“Yes,” her sister answered, visibly trembling.
He flipped her palm over and set a box down in her hand, then cracked open the lid.
Cordelia held her breath as a sparkling emerald came into view. She didn’t want to be, but suddenly a knot of jealousy twisted in her chest.
“Juliet,” he said again. “I told you that you sparkle more than any gem I’ve ever seen.”