MY BEST FRIEND, Nelly, reached for my hand and squeezed it as the carriage bounced on the bumpy road. I hated riding in a carriage for so long, but the trip would be worth it. “I’m so excited!” she exclaimed. I smiled and shook my head. “Richard I’m sure will be pleased to see you.”
Nelly’s eyes lit up with the mention of her betrothed. “Yes. His business in Charleston is finally finished. Word of him meeting me at the dance this evening was the best news I have received in weeks.”
Smiling, I took Nelly’s hand in mine as we grew closer to the hotel. “Did you hear that the new Hotel Tybee has been said to be the finest resort on the Atlantic?”
Nelly’s smile widened as she nodded and lowered her voice. “And the most romantic.”
I bit down on my lower lip. “One can only hope.” Nelly and I fell into a giggling fit as my mother gazed upon us with disgust.
“Really, girls. Please don’t act like children.” Smoothing her dress, she continued to talk. “Sophia, I’ve heard that Devlin Covington will be present for the dance.”
Rolling my eyes, I looked away. “Why should that concern me, Mother? I’m courting Daniel.”
My mother let out a sharp laugh. “Please. His family is not near the worth of the Covington’s. You’ll be lavished with the finest of items from Paris if you were to have a match with Mr. Covington.”
My blood boiled. “I care not about being lavished with fine items, Mother. I care about love. It seems we know where your heart lies.” Father quickly turned and looked at me before glancing over to my mother.
My mother sat straighter. “You best watch your tongue, young lady.”
My father reached for my mother’s hand. “Ladies, let us have one weekend where you do not quarrel with each other for me?” My father looked at me with pleading eyes.
Smiling weakly, I nodded my head. “Yes, for you, Father.”
My mother’s lips parted open as if she wanted to say something else. I knew my mother didn’t love my father. It was apparent she had feelings for Danny’s father. I saw the way her eyes lit up when he walked into a room or approached us on the street to wish us a good day.
I looked away. Had my mother chosen to walk away from love for money? I was almost positive she had. Father came from a very wealthy family in England and he had prospered here in Savannah until the war cost him almost everything.
Peeking back at my mother, she stared down at the carriage floor. I will not end up unhappy and pining after a lost love.
I will not end up like my mother.
I stood before Nelly. “So? What do you think?”
Nelly’s smile widened. “I’m thinking Mr. Stowe will be adjusting his cockstand often in his trousers to hide the effect this gown will have on him.”
My mouth dropped open in shock before I began laughing. “Nelly Ann Hunter. You are a very naughty girl.”
Winking, she whispered, “Could be the company I keep, perhaps?”
Nelly had been my best friend since I could remember. Her long blonde hair rested gently on her shoulders as her blue eyes screamed with naughty thoughts. Always. She was shorter than me, but our bodies were almost identical. I turned and gazed upon myself in the mirror. “Mother is going to have a fit when she sees me.”
Lucy fought to get the corset on me this evening. Thank goodness corsets were declining in style.
“Miss Sophia, will you be needing anything else?” Lucy asked.
I turned and smiled. “No, thank you. Lucy, you may attend to my mother now if needed.”
Lucy gave me a slight bow and headed out of my room after excusing herself.
Turning back to the mirror, I looked at the sapphire-blue silk bustle dress. My shoulders were bare, giving way to my soft ivory skin that longed for Danny’s touch. My breasts were swept up by the tight bodice and swelled out of my gown, showing the most cleavage I’d shown to date. My light-brown curls were piled on top of my head. Curls hung down and framed my slender face. “I must admit, I’m hoping Danny will find it hard to keep his hands to himself this evening.”
Nelly chortled. “You vixen. You are going to kill the poor man.”
I slipped my gloves on and smiled as I turned toward the door. Hearing my gown swoosh as I glided through the room increased my heartbeat. Looking over my shoulder, I winked at Nelly. Her long black bustle dress fit her like a glove. I looked straight ahead and giggled. Danny wouldn’t be the only one struggling with a cockstand this afternoon.
The moment I walked into the room, I felt him. Glancing around the room, blue eyes caught mine. I had never seen a more handsome man in my seventeen years.
“Cast your eyes upon them. Have you ever seen two finer gentlemen?” Nelly whispered as she leaned in closer to me. I pulled my eyes from Danny and noticed Richard standing next to him.