To Catch A Suitor (Dalton Family 2)

Oliver relaxed a little. He had been to several of Miss Loxley’s eccentric dinner parties over the past few years and he knew that inside that four-story townhome would be plenty of entertainment to distract him.

“I’m not quite sure you’re prepared for this evening,” he said, pulling himself away from the heaviness he had been feeling before, and grinning at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s head turned quickly to look out the window at the home of her sister’s oldest and closest friend. Vienna Loxley was a woman quite unlike any other in London—possibly the world.

“I think I am actually feeling a little excited about this event,” said Elizabeth.

“Hold on to that feeling. It’s likely the only event you will truly enjoy the whole Season,” said Kensworth. His bland tone made it clear to everyone listening just how he felt about having to attend any of the ton events.

Rose nudged him in the ribs. “Be nice.”

He sighed. “Must I?”

“Yes.”

Kensworth leaned across the carriage toward Elizabeth. “Darling, are you sure you wouldn’t rather skip this whole entire come-out and return to the orphanage with Rose and me? We could always use another teacher. I’m sure we can find you a very nice farmer to settle down with.” He wagged his eyebrows playfully.

Rose pulled her husband back into the seat. “Any more unhelpful comments like that and you’ll be finding yourself sharing Oliver’s bed tonight rather than mine.”

Kensworth’s eyes widened and he pretended to button his lips.

“Why must he intrude on my goodnight’s sleep?” asked Oliver. “Doesn’t he have his own bed you may sentence him to?”

“Yes—but I don’t think that would be punishment enough.”

Oliver squinted a smile at Rose. “Very flattering. Thank you for that.”

“You’re quite welcome.” She smiled sweetly back at him. Rose was certainly throwing a new dynamic into his and Kensworth’s friendship.

Elizabeth and her brother laughed at the bickering. The carriage inched forward again as the other equipages were emptied and began to drive away. Finally, it was their turn to exit the carriage. A footman opened the door and Oliver quickly stepped down to help Elizabeth out of the carriage before wrapping her hand around his arm and escorting her inside. Rose and Kensworth followed closely behind. Oliver wished he and Elizabeth could be the ones to walk behind. It would give him a much better view as his reclusive friend and new bride re-entered Society. Oliver had rarely ever been able to drag Kensworth to an “insufferable puffed up society event full of preening debutantes and obnoxious mothers"—Kensworth’s exact words—and he wished he could see his friend’s face as he was forced to smile and do the pretty. Oliver, however, had mastered that particular talent.

They all made their way up the front stairs of the home behind the line of invited guests, and just before the door opened, Oliver leaned toward Elizabeth’s ear. “Prepare yourself,” he said, quiet enough for only her to hear.

He felt her shiver beside him. Because of his breath against her ear or because of nerves? She turned wide eyes up to him and he felt as if they were voicing a question to him, one he couldn’t interpret. His gaze dropped briefly to her lips, which were, at the moment, tantalizingly close to his.

But no—thoughts of her lovely mouth were not allowed. He looked toward the open door of Miss Loxley’s home. It was time to focus on the evening ahead of them, helping to launch Elizabeth into Society.

Chapter Nine

Elizabeth stood in the entry hall of Miss Vienna Loxley’s London townhouse and gaped. She had heard her sister speak of Vienna, but never had she actually met the woman. And never had she imagined a home that could only be described as eccentric.

The warm light of many candles illuminated the space, allowing Elizabeth to see with perfect clarity the many jaw-dropping features of the room. Her eyes first settled upon a gigantic round table in the middle of the foyer. The table itself was nothing impressive, but the base had Elizabeth blinking: a massive and quite startling carved lion head held up the large mahogany table, realistic enough that she wouldn’t have been surprised to hear it roar. She turned to take in bright green drapes—the exact shade of a lime—hanging over the two main windows to either side of the front door. An ornate longcase clock stood in the corner of the room, fashioned to look as if the base were a woman wearing a dress, complete with slippers peeking from underneath.

“It is something, isn’t it?” asked Oliver, pulling Elizabeth back into the moment.

“I cannot find the words to describe this home,” said Elizabeth, turning her wide eyes to Oliver.

He grinned mischievously. “Look up.”

Elizabeth obeyed and then gasped at a scandalously painted ceiling. Those musicians were so very naked behind their lyres and harps that Elizabeth wanted to blush or laugh or wrap a shawl around herself. They did look very merry, though.

“Ah—you’ve arrived!” A cheerful, fluttering voice called from across the foyer.

She tore her gaze from the provocative ceiling and resisted the urge to gape when she finally laid eyes on Miss Vienna Loxley. Elizabeth had of course heard many tales of her sister’s friend. She was prepared for Vienna to be a little out of the ordinary. This woman could never be described as anything so pedestrian. Vienna was an angel in the flesh.

White-blonde curls peeked out from beneath Vienna’s elaborately decorated gold silk turban, adorned with glittering jewels and one single large ostrich feather rising from the back. Elizabeth had never appreciated fabric head wraps before. Vienna, however, elevated the style and made it look entirely different and highly appealing. Her skin was nearly as milky white as her hair, giving her an appearance more porcelain than flesh. Her bright green eyes glittered as much as the emeralds dotting her turban. Most striking of all was the thin flowing cream gown draped over her willowy figure. Vienna was nothing less than striking.

The woman swept over to Elizabeth and took her hand and kissed it. “Lady Elizabeth, I presume. I cannot believe this is our first introduction. But I feel as if I already know you from all the stories Mary has told me over the years. You look exactly as she described: a beauty, with mischievous eyes.” She winked and turned her attention to Oliver. He bowed and she curtsied. Even her curtsy was impressive. It was both lazy and regal at the same time. Elizabeth slowly awakened to an uncomfortable sensation growing in her stomach. It was ugly and pinching.