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“You are utterly besotted with him,” Helena said.
Millie dragged her attention back to her sister. “Yes.”
“Who would have imagined, when you carried your little infatuation for him all those years ago, that he would ever return your affection.”
“Thank you, dear sister.”
Helena laughed. “He has always been so serious, and you are not.”
“Yes, that is true.”
She peered at her in consideration. “Together, you bring out the best in each other, I think. He makes you more steady, and you make him lighter.”
“You may tell Mother and Father those things as well when you give your report of the house party. I know Mother wanted you to help me find a decent husband.”
“She only wants you to find happiness, like she has with Father and I have with Charles. Can you blame her?”
“No. I am certain if she had attended with me, I probably would not have spent as much time with Wesley as I did.”
“A hidden blessing.” Helena looked toward the refreshments where Charles and Wesley were fetching drinks. “I had wondered for a moment if you and Mr. Kendrick would make a match of things.”
“You thought so as well?” Millie gaped. “He is so much older than me, Helena. I admit to being open-minded to the possibility, but I am surprised you thought it a good match.”
“He has all of Mother’s requirements and would take care of you. Besides, Lady Dalmeer approved of the match. She told him you fit all the criteria he was looking for in a wife.”
Millie’s mouth dropped open. “What exactly happened?”
“Mr. Kendrick approached Charles and I the morning after we arrived at the party and told me he had an interest in you. I believe he wanted our blessing to pursue you, but he did not know you well and wanted to know if you would be amenable to someone of his situation.”
“Referring to his age?”
“Perhaps. He was not very blunt when he spoke to us. I wonder if he asked Lady Dalmeer for a recommendation, or if she provided it without provocation.”
“It hardly matters. I cannot believe you did not tell me.”
“I worried you would not take him seriously unless you decided for yourself his age was not a hindrance.”
Helena knew her as only a sister would. Millie laughed. “Lady Dalmeer gave me two suitors when many people here were only assigned one. I suppose I ought to be grateful for that.”
“Or perhaps she wanted to ensure she was successful one way or another.”
Millie could not reply to her sister because Wesley had returned with a cup of ratafia and a plate bearing gingerbread and candied orange peels. “There is also seed cake if you would like,” he said.
“This is lovely, thank you.”
He and Charles delivered the refreshments, then left to procure their own. Millie watched him leave, chewing on her orange peel and grateful she had a mind of her own. Lady Dalmeer’s choices for her were decent, but the choice she had made for herself was the best of all.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Twelfth Night Ball took place three days later. Millie had looked forward all day to the first dance, as Wesley had asked her to save it for him, but watching the festivities had been a nice way to pass the evening. Helena was present, but she had already warned Millie she would not remain long. She wanted to rest well the next few nights so she might be able to travel more easily when they left for home.
Millie stood in the long gallery, watching the couples pair up around the room. She had asked Betty to put her dark hair up in a simple configuration, and she felt elegant, but not overdone. Her burgundy gown matched the holly berries in the décor. Wesley approached, and she realized she had accidentally matched him as well. His burgundy waistcoat was striking against his black coat and white cravat. His dark curls were combed into submission, and his green eyes were entirely focused on Millie.
“Are you ready for our dance?” he asked, holding his hand out. The instruments in the balcony were being tuned in preparation to play again as couples took their places.
“I have been looking forward to it.” Millie put her hand on his arm and followed him to their place in the line.
They did not talk as they danced, but merely enjoyed the time in one another’s presence. It had not even been three weeks in this house, yet Millie’s life had been changed forever. The feel of Wesley’s hand on hers, his gaze on her face, his smile only for her, were things she never thought she would have. When she had set out to find someone she might be able to love, someone who would wholly adore her and treat her with respect, she never could have predicted Wesley would take that role.
