Enticing the Earl

Finally, the time came to dress for the ball. Lucy laid out the beautiful sapphire silk gown. Mia stared at the fabric as Lucy tightened her stays. The dressmaker had embellished the gown with silver embroidery at the hem.

“Here we go,” Lucy said, gathering the gown in her arms.

The silk slipped over her skin like a whispered voice, drawing Mia to stare in the mirror as Lucy buttoned up the back. Mia couldn’t take her gaze off the cheval mirror in front of her. The blue silk had a V neckline that emphasized the curve of her breasts and opened wide at the shoulders. The short sleeves were also embroidered in silver thread.

“Oh my,” she said, once completely buttoned.

“My lady, this is the most beautiful gown I have ever seen,” Lucy whispered in awe.

“Me too,” she admitted. “I feel like this is a dream where I’m just about to get rudely awakened.”

“You are a countess, my lady. It’s not a dream.”

Mia inhaled deeply before opening the door to the bedroom. Simon turned and stared hungrily at her. She did the same at him. He was dressed in his formal breeches. His jacket spread across his wide shoulders in a deep blue hue that matched her dress. His silk waistcoat was striped in blue, black, and silver. The silver in his waistcoat almost matched his eyes.

“We are not going downstairs tonight,” he said, strolling toward her with a lopsided grin.

“Oh?”

“I am not about to let another man see you in that dress.”

Mia giggled. “I believe your sister is expecting us.”

“I don’t care. We will order a tray up here and dine by ourselves.” He was so close his breath fanned her cheek. “When this ball is over, I am going to make love to you until you can’t move for days.”

“Promise?” she asked coquettishly.

“Indeed.” He held out his arm for her. “If we don’t leave now, we won’t.”

Mia smiled and hoped she would not embarrass herself or him tonight. They walked to the ballroom arm in arm with smiles on their faces. A nervous tingle flowed through her body, but she tried to ignore it and focus on the beauty of the experience. Simon had already told her that since it was a country party, Caroline didn’t stand on formalities and have everyone announced. This would allow them to slip into the room without as much notice. Mia would have to thank Caroline for that.

A slight gasp escaped her lips as she entered the room. The candles flickered from chandeliers above their heads. Women dressed in their jeweled tones mingled in the room with men in their formal attire. She had never seen so many people at any function other than Christmas service at church. Her tinge of nerves spread.

“You will be fine, Mia.” Simon squeezed her forearm slightly.

“I am not as certain as you on that.”

“Everyone will love you.” He led her toward his brother. “James, how are you tonight?”

Mia smiled at James. She had never seen him dressed so formally. “Good evening, James.”

“Mia, you look beautiful.”

Her cheeks heated at the compliment. “Thank you.”

While James and Simon chatted, she scanned the room for Selina. Finally, she found her friend across the crowded room. From Mia’s position, it looked as if Selina was being introduced to many people who hadn’t met her yet.

Once Simon finished speaking with James, he looked at her. “Are you ready for the introductions?”

“I suppose I am. Not that I’ll remember anyone’s name.”

“No, but they will remember you,” Simon commented.

For the next hour, Simon introduced her to so many people she lost count. Most people were polite but not terribly friendly. A few younger women eyed her in such an odd manner, she finally questioned Simon on it.

“Why are some of the women giving me such strange looks?”

He shrugged. “Most likely because they haven’t heard of you before now. You did marry an eligible earl too. Could be jealousy.”