Elmore found himself smirking, and quickly hid it behind a cough. It didn't do to annoy Aurora now.
"I did what I thought was right. Even if it lost us sponsors, it's only fair that people know you were the mind behind our plan."
Her smile was small. Hesitant. Yet she let out a soft laugh that made his heartsoar,her nose crinkling in the most lovely way.
"Thank you," Aurora said, and it was all that Elmore needed to hear. Nothing else was relevant, so long as Aurora was pleased with him. Yet she continued anyway, adding, "I really appreciate what you did today. You didn't have to, but you included me the best you could; I admit that I worried you wouldn't, but I was wrong."
Elmore smiled softly, and he had to resist temptation to touch her shoulder. Instead, he gripped his hands together and said, "you don't have to thank me."
"I do, Lord Winters."
That almost made him laugh. Surely they were past formalities by now? "Please, call me Elmore; I think you and I constitute friends by now?"
It was bold of him to suggest; bold enough that he winced in anticipation of her reply.
Yet it earned him a beautiful smile, Aurora's lips parted wide in what had to be the most beautiful expression he had ever seen. Aurora was absolutelylovely,with her golden hair spilling across her shoulders and brightening her face.
"Elmore, then," she replied. His name on her lips was magnificent, and he hoped to hear it again soon.
They returned to Mr. Washam with Lord Foley's news, both bubbling with excitement. He joined in their happiness, exclaiming that this wasfantastic.
Now, they just had to prepare for a ball; and after that, if they were lucky, the pieces would all fall into place.
Chapter 23
Aurora Washam
"I can't attend the ball," Aurora insisted, but her words were falling on deaf ears. "Father, you and I aren't of high society; nobody will know who we are or care what we have to say. Elmore should go alone."
Oh, that statementburnedto admit; she had fought so hard for her right to be included, but now it was all falling apart. Whether by invite or not, it didn't change the fact that they would be out of place at Lord Foley's extravagant ball. What about etiquette? What would theywear?
Until now, Lord Winters — well,Elmore —had been waiting patiently by the doorway. Since he had arrived thirty minutes ago, he had hardly breathed a word; but now he spoke up.
"You will be fine, Aurora. Lord Foley has invited us all himself, there's no reason to think we won't all be welcome. Besides, this is a change to speak about the angel's trumpet with people of wealth, perhaps secure more sponsors."
He was right, of course, but it still sent a shock of frustration through Aurora. She had never been to a ball in her life; nor any dance, really. Without a doubt, she knew that she would stand out for all the wrong reasons. Because she was poorly dressed, or spoke wrong, or didn't know how to act amongst those of high society.
"I know that you're nervous, dear," Father spoke, "but this could be the exact opportunity we need."
In the doorway, Elmore hesitated. "I was going to wait until I said anything, but I have something that could sway your decision. Could you give me a moment to retrieve something from the carriage?"
Aurora had almost forgotten that he still rode here in a carriage. What had once seemed opulent was normal now, something she hardly even paid attention to.
Elmore darted off outside; she saw him from the study window talking with his coachman, a young man with wild hair. Then, something was bundled into his arms — something pink and fluffy, it looked like — before he came back inside.
When she turned to question Father, his expression was as confused as hers.
"I can't imagine what he has," Father sighed, "but if it will somehow convince you to attend the ball, I won't complain."
Aurora only shrugged, nonchalant.
A smile curved at Father's lips, as Elmore ducked back inside the room. "It looks like we're about to find out what this odd surprise is."
"Aurora," Elmore asked lightly, "cold you come into the hall, please?"
She did just that, curiosity growing with each step.
Elmore walked in front, so that she couldn't see what was ahead. Then he stepped aside to reveal their stairs, where something long and elegant was hooked over the banister.