Chapter 69 - Sixty Nine
The invitation arrived on a crisp, sunny afternoon. It was a single, elegant card delivered by a Carson family courier, requesting the presence of Duke Eric and Lady Delia for a family dinner at the main estate that very evening. The summons had come directly from the Dowager Duchess Elena.
The moment Eric read the letter, his first thought was not of the implications of the meeting, but a much more immediate concern: Delia had nothing suitable to wear. He immediately went to the most exclusive modiste in the city, a woman named Madame Dubois who dressed royalty and the highest echelons of the aristocracy.
"I need a gown," Eric stated simply, entering the lavish, silk-draped boutique. "For a lady."
Madame Dubois smiled. "Of course, Your Grace. What color does the lady prefer?"
"Her eyes," Eric replied without hesitation, a soft, fond look on his face. "They are the most incredible shade of blue. Like the summer sky just after a rainstorm. Find me a gown that matches them."
After viewing several options, he selected a magnificent creation of flowing silk in a shade of periwinkle blue so perfect it seemed to have been spun from the sky itself. It was elegant, graceful, and stunning, without being overly showy. It was perfect.
Now, sitting in the carriage on the way to the Carson estate, Delia felt the soft, luxurious fabric of the new gown against her skin. She had never worn anything so beautiful in her entire life. But the beauty of the dress did little to calm the nervous fluttering in her stomach. Her hands were clasped together so tightly on her lap that her knuckles were white.
What if the Dowager Duchess has changed her mind? she thought, her mind racing. What if she thinks I’m selfish for choosing justice over my family? What if she thinks I don’t care about the people I love, as long as I get what I want?
Eric, sitting beside her, sensed her anxiety. He leaned closer, his voice a low, reassuring whisper in her ear. "Don’t worry about a thing. For Grandma to call for us so suddenly, it can only mean good news. Besides," he added, his gaze sweeping over her, "you look absolutely beautiful."
He was inches away from her now, his presence warm and overwhelming. He looked at her styled hair. "I love seeing your hair down," he murmured, "but I think I love seeing it in a low bun more. Do you know why?"
Delia was silent, her heart beginning to beat a little faster at his proximity.