A Secret Love
“The Duchess of Richmond’s gala was one of the highlights of the Season. The Richmonds’ house on the river was thrown open; everyone who was anyone attended. Alathea arrived relatively early with Serena, Mary, and Alice. Her father, out to dinner with friends, would look in later. Leaving Serena on a chaise with Lady Arbuthnot and Celia Cynster, Alathea hovered until the circle about Mary and Alice was established, Esher and Carstairs to the fore, then headed for a quiet nook by the wall.
Her attempt at self-effacement was frustrated by Lord Falworth, who spotted her in the crowd. Seconds later, her “court” closed in.
To Alathea’s relief, not five minutes passed before Chillingworth joined them. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, the earl settled by her side, displacing Falworth, who sulkily shifted back. As large as Gabriel, Chillingworth had a similar effect on her admirers; challenged, they exerted themselves to converse intelligently.
By the time the orchestra struck up for t...he first dance, Alathea was feeling in considerable charity with the earl, very ready to grant him her hand.MoreLess
Her attempt at self-effacement was frustrated by Lord Falworth, who spotted her in the crowd. Seconds later, her “court” closed in.
To Alathea’s relief, not five minutes passed before Chillingworth joined them. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, the earl settled by her side, displacing Falworth, who sulkily shifted back. As large as Gabriel, Chillingworth had a similar effect on her admirers; challenged, they exerted themselves to converse intelligently.
By the time the orchestra struck up for t...he first dance, Alathea was feeling in considerable charity with the earl, very ready to grant him her hand.MoreLess
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