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The night of the grand ball finally arrived. Lilly was so nervous her stomach had been fluttering all day. She had not seen hide nor hair of Lady Seavers or her daughter, which was a relief.
She dressed carefully, choosing a dark emerald-green satin empire-waist gown with an elegant train. The drop sleeves artfully hung off the shoulder, giving the illusion of being perilously close to falling, and the low-cut bodice showed a creamy expanse of shoulder and collarbone, much to Lilly’s advantage. Lilly smiled wickedly when she thought about how Dominic might react upon seeing her.
Dominic came to Lilly’s room just before they were due to arrive downstairs. He presented the necklace to her after stealing a few heated kisses and caressing her exposed shoulders with his lips and hands.
Her only jewelry would be a pair of diamond studs that mysteriously appeared on her pillow this morning and the infamous diamond necklace. Intricate strands of diamonds, ranging from pea size to the size of small stones, were delicately placed together, forming a diamond net design that came around the neck like a choker and gracefully blanketed itself over the wearer’s collarbone. Lilly would wear the priceless necklace until the time came to present it to the Prince Regent in front of everyone. Her nerves tingled; this night would either be a roaring success or a complete and utter failure.
Lilly presented herself beside Dominic and Lady Seavers as the first wave of guests arrived.
“You look lovely.” Dominic smiled and kissed her hand. “Don’t you agree, Lady Seavers?”
Lady Seavers pretended not to hear and waved absently at an acquaintance.
“Ignore the woman,” Dominic soothed. “Tonight it’s all about you.”
“I am so nervous I don’t give a whit about her tonight. Do you think this will work, this grand gesture? Do you think it will draw out Mr. Hollow?”
Dominic paused for a moment. “I’m sure it will, even though there have not been any attacks or incidences.”
“Thankfully.” Lilly shivered. Her nerves were wound as tight as a spring.
“Everyone in London will hear about this ball. There has already been quite a stir about the necklace,” he reassured her.
Lilly looked around and could see many eyes not on her, but on the glittering jewels she wore. “I feel like I am being hunted.” Lilly instinctively moved closer to Dominic.
“Quite a few people would commit murder for gems like that, Lilly.”
“Believe me, I know.”
The first strains of music could be heard as the dance floor cleared and couples began to assemble.
“Would you do me the honor, Lilly?” Dominic took her hand and lightly kissed her knuckles.
Lilly smiled in delight. “I would love to.”
It was almost like a dream being here with him. Lilly could almost pretend the nightmare of the past few weeks never happened, and Lilly had met Dominic here under the glittering chandeliers and elegant attire of high society. She was back. Dancing, laughing, and floating as Dominic led her through the dance. All too soon it was over and Lilly’s hand was claimed by Chance. The evening moved quickly as Lilly danced and danced until finally her aching feet could take no more. Begging forgiveness from another dance partner, she retreated to the edge of the floor where Dominic was waiting with a glass of chilled champagne.
“You read my mind.” She sighed and took a large gulp.
“Careful—his highness is here, and you don’t want to swoon at his feet. Soon this will all be over.”
“I hope so. This night can’t end soon enough.” Lilly looked out over the crush of guests. The ball was a roaring success, and she could finally be herself again after tonight. No more lies, no more hiding—but deep down she did not care if she never went to another ball again.
“Haven’t you had a good time?” Dominic looked disappointed.
“Yes, but it has been all I can think about for so long I just want to be done with it.”
“You cut me to the quick, my lady. Have I not been a suitable lo—”
“Hush, you,” Lilly scolded, blushing. She fanned her cheeks with her dance card and hoped no one was close enough to hear them.
“I meant distraction,” he teased.
The sound of trumpets erupted, silencing the buzz of conversations. A proud Fields stood before the musicians, silently demanding the attention of every guest.
“It is my greatest honor to present his royal highness, the Prince Regent.”
Amid a roar of applause, Prince George entered through a discreet side door and was lead to the center of the dance floor.
Dominic took Lilly’s hand and led her before the Prince. She curtsied as Dominic bowed before addressing him. “Your highness, may I present to you Lady St. James, daughter to the late Duke of Cranston.”
“I have heard so much of you, my lady, but nothing of your elegant beauty.” He took her hand and lightly kissed it.
“Thank you, your highness.” Lilly fought the nervous fluttering in her stomach and smiled shyly.
“I believe you have something for me?” He smiled and winked. “Please allow me.” He gestured toward the necklace.
Lilly demurely stepped forward and presented her back to the Prince Regent before tipping her head down and sweeping the bobbing curls of her elaborate coiffeur aside. She could feel Prince George tentatively fumbling with the clasp before the weight of the necklace eased. Everyone erupted in applause as he held the necklace up for all to see. A royal escort stepped forward holding an open chest lined with bright red velvet. With great showmanship, Prince George draped the necklace over the velvet and the chest was whisked away.
Lilly stepped aside, a bit cowed by all the attention and noise. Chance approached with Olivia on his arm smiling triumphantly.
“Oh, Lilly!” Olivia cried excitedly. “There is certainly going to be a lot of talk, but it will all be in your favor!”
“I think we did it, Lil, I think we really made it happen.” Chance quickly gave Lilly a brotherly hug.
“Only time will tell,” Dominic said, joining them as the guests flocked to greet Prince George, who clearly enjoyed being the center of attention.
“I just hope everything follows as planned. My nerves are so frayed I can’t take any more surprises.” Lilly fanned herself again. The crowd was a bit overwhelming and the heat from the press of bodies doing nothing to calm her fevered cheeks.
“Well, at least your reputation has been saved, that’s all that matters. I wonder where Lydia is in all this crush?” Olivia looked around for the tall, willowy blonde.
RIIIP!
“Oh.” Lilly turned to look down at her freshly ripped hem. “Blast, this is my favorite dress!” She looked for the perpetrator, but the crowd was constantly shifting around them.
“God’s teeth, Lilly—we just salvaged your good name, must you curse in a crowded ballroom?” Chance scolded.
“One day, Chance, you will be forced to not be the perfect gentleman, and I hope to see it. Some things are more important than reputation. Just you wait,” she returned with irritation.
“Don’t worry, Lilly, we can retire to the ladies’ room and a maid will fix it.”
“Thank you, Olivia.” She looped arms with Olivia and together they headed towards the entryway.
Chance rolled his eyes. “Come on, Dom, let’s talk Devon into losing some money at cards.”
“You leave my brother alone,” Olivia snapped playfully as she and Lilly walked away. “I swear, as if he doesn’t have enough vices.”
“Who? Your brother?”
“Yes, he is turning into a complete rogue. Gambling, women, he spends money like it falls with the rain.”
“He’s just young,” Lilly said, trying to weave them through the crush.
“He is thirty and two!” Olivia cried in exasperation.
The music started up again as they reached the front hall. The retiring line was enormous.
Lilly sighed. “Let’s just go to my room and Jenny can help me.” Lilly signaled a footman and gave him instructions. They climbed the stairs talking more freely as the music and noise faded away.
“I am so glad to have you back, Lilly. I missed you terribly,” Olivia said with emotion.
“I missed you too, Olivia.”
“I wish there was something I could have done for you.” She pulled Lilly to a stop. “I feel horrible, like I abandoned you.”
“You did not abandon me, Olivia. What could you have done? Women in our positions have to follow very strict boundaries. We don’t have any power of our own.” Lilly sighed morosely. “But that’s all in the past now, and nothing is going to get in the way of me living my life.” They hugged like sisters, sisters of the heart if not by blood.
Reaching her room, they quickly entered, but as Lilly closed the door she was alarmed by the bewildering darkness.
“Has the fire gone out?” Olivia stepped toward the shadowed mantle.
“I don’t know...” Lilly’s skin prickled with fear. “Olivia come back, I think we should return to—”
A dark shadow came barreling out of the dressing room, tackling Olivia to the floor.
“No!” Lilly tried to scream but someone grabbed her from behind.
“I got you, bitch!”
Lilly struggled, fearing for Olivia and herself. Her captor squeezed her in a massive bear hug until she could no longer move or breathe. Her vision turned black and her ears began to buzz.
She tried to yell, but no sound emerged. Her lips moved silently until she surrendered to oblivion.
***
Olivia had no time to fight. Her attacker had taken her to the floor so suddenly, her head hit with an awful thud and she was unconscious.
“We got ’em, let’s go.”
“Bof of ’em?”
“Yeah, why not? Maybe her da pay a ransom for her return?”
“Good thinkin’, Rhyes.”
There was a quick knock before Jenny opened the door. “You called for me, my lady?” She screamed upon seeing the shape of a man the open door had illuminated. She turned and ran back down the hall.
“Damn it, let’s move!” Rhyes yelled. They bounded down the back stairs and out through the garden before unceremoniously dumping Lilly and Olivia into a waiting coach in the alley.
***
Jenny screamed as she ran down the hall. Footmen came running with a huffing Fields in tow, followed by curious guests.
“Someone has taken Lady St. James and Lady Brentton!” she cried.
Footmen hurried past her, but quickly returned shaking their heads. Lilly and Olivia were not in the room.
“James, summon the watch immediately. Quick, we must search the grounds; they have only just been taken.” Fields paled visibly and wiped his brow. Footmen dispersed in every direction.
“What happened?" Dominic came thundering up the stairs, followed by Chance.
“They are gone, my lord—kidnapped!”
“What? How?” he bellowed.
“Two men were seen taking them. They can’t have gotten far. We are searching the house and grounds as we speak, my lord.”
“That rotten bastard! He was here under our very noses,” Dominic growled. “Chance, find Devon and Olivia’s parents. We need to follow whatever trail we have and quickly. Have my horse and two others saddled, Fields.”
“Yes, my lord.” Fields bowed and walked away, visibly shaken.
“I will find you, Lilly,” Dominic declared.