Chapter Seventeen
THAT NIGHT AT Lady Debenham’s ball, Teresa shone. Just as she had the previous night at Lady Thorpe’s musicale. When surrounded by her admirers, she somehow forgot her fears. She laughed and glittered, was flattered and feted.
The die had been cast very soon after they entered the ballroom.
“Oh, what a lovely gown, Lady Jersey! Such an unusual color, but it suits you admirably!” Teresa’s remark made Richard stiffen and turn to her half in warning. The gown was an unfamiliar shade of brown, a color he did not particularly like on women.
“Do you really like it, Lady Merrick?” Lady Jersey slowly appraised Teresa, causing Richard’s heart to quicken some more. But Lady Jersey clearly saw the honest admiration in Teresa’s face, which brought an answering smile to her own.
