Chapter 19

Bernadette spentthe entire day rushing around, assisting with final preparations for the ball, making certain all of Alden's guests were entertained and happy, and avoiding thinking about the way her life and everything she'd known for the last ten years was about to change.

"You cannot despair entirely," Kat said as the four friends dressed for the ball together in Bernadette's room. "It is merely a ball. No commitments are required tonight."

"You have noticed that Bernadette has packed her things, have you not?" Minerva asked from where she sat on Bernadette's bed, cuddling with Napoleon.

Napoleon was more interested in watching Egbert, who had perched on the end of Bernadette's vanity as if he were as excited about the ball as the rest of them. Bernadette had added watching the two of them to make certain Napoleon did not decide to eat Egbert for supper to the list of things she needed to remain aware of that night.

"Is that what all of these trunks are?" Muriel asked, rising from the trunk she'd been sitting on, since there weren't enough chairs for them all.

Bernadette glanced from her trunks to her friends. She'd made a few decisions that afternoon, between calming Lady Ursula's hysterics when she discovered that there were, indeed, alligators in the terrarium, leading a class in making the feathered masks that were encouraged for the ball that evening, and overseeing the final decorations in the network of marquees and tents where the ball would be held in the garden.

"I am leaving after the ball this evening," she announced to her friends.

All three of them gasped and turned to her, dropping what they'd been doing.

"Bernadette, dearest, you cannot give up so easily," Kat said, setting down her hairbrush and crossing to Bernadette. "You cannot let that ghastly Lady Gladys win."

"If what you have with Alden is true love," Muriel added, coming to stand by Bernadette's other side as she stood by her washstand, "then you cannot give it up so easily. I was in doubt myself at first, but Cedric has taught me that love is not only possible, it is something we all deserve."

"If you are going to leave the man you love," Minerva added, picking Napoleon up and coming to join the group, "then at least do it by succumbing to a fever and dying. Or perhaps just needing to retire to the seaside, since I would miss you too dearly if you actually died."

Bernadette laughed briefly at Minerva's statement. She appreciated her friends more than she could say.

"I am not leaving out of some sense of desperation, or because I'm fleeing a tragic situation," she reassured them. "I'm leaving to find Hethersett myself so that I might explain why I wish to no longer be married to him."

Her friends blinked in surprise, exchanging looks with each other.

"So you are not running away out of a sense of heartbreak and despair?" Minerva asked, looking a bit disappointed.

"No," Bernadette said, pressing a hand to her stomach. "Quite the opposite. I have thought and thought about this, and I've reached the conclusion that the only way Alden and I could possibly stand a chance of being happy together is if I take matters into my own hands to right the wrong I was pushed into years ago."

"Good for you," Kat said with a strong nod. "We should all take matters into our own hands when it comes to our happiness. No matter what certain arrogant, pig-headed gentlemen tell us to the contrary."

Bernadette eyed Kat sideways. Clearly, there was something more behind her words, but it would have to wait for another day to be resolved.

"Does Alden know you're leaving?" Muriel asked, ever the voice of reason.

Bernadette let out a breath and turned to face her mirror. "Not yet," she said. "I have not had a chance to speak to him since this morning, and I had yet to form the plan entirely in those early hours."

Part of Bernadette expected her friends to censure her for spending the night in Alden's room. They had figured out that's where she was when Kat had attempted to visit her after dark and found her room empty. Bernadette also expected them to chastise her for not consulting with Alden about her plan as well. But Oxford Society ladies had a long-standing habit of resolving their own problems.

"Have you had word from Hethersett?" Minerva asked as the four of them finished up dressing and decorating themselves.

Bernadette winced. "No, I have not. Discovering where he is and whether my pleas have enraged him will be my first order of business. I will travel to London tonight, after the ball, and begin by making inquiries at the Norwegian embassy."

"Are you quite certain you do not wish to wait a few days more?" Muriel asked. "And that you would not like Alden's help in this matter?"

Satisfied with her appearance for the ball, Bernadette turned to her friends. "The answer to that question lies in whatever Alden decides to do tonight at the ball."

"What do you mean?" Kat asked, crossing her arms. Even frowning and dubious, she managed to look regal and imposing, particularly when dressed for a ball.

Bernadette shrugged. "I mean that Alden still has the option to choose one of his guests to betroth himself to. It would be so much easier for him to pick someone else than to go through the trouble of untangling my marriage just so we could be together."

Her friends surprised her by snorting, shaking their heads, and rolling their eyes.

"He loves you, you daft woman," Muriel said, walking over to the vanity to snatch up her fan. "If he's a man worth his salt, which I believe him to be, he will capture the moon for you."

Bernadette knew that was true. Another part of her did not know why she was attempting to resolve the entire matter entirely on her own. Except that for the past ten years, she had been solely responsible for her own fate. Her parents had been no use to her. They had been the ones to embroil her in the impossible situation in the first place. Everything she had and everything she had achieved had been because of her own efforts. Why should she not rely on her own efforts to extract her from the trouble she was in now?

"Whatever happens tonight," she said, giving her hair one final pat before deciding it was presentable enough for the ball, "I am through with being a pawn in other people's games. I will decide my own fate, even if that means parting myself from the man I love. With any luck, doing so will enable me to come back to him, free and able to give him all my love and my life."

"Well spoken," Minerva said, looking as if she might break into applause.

That made Bernadette smile. Whatever course the rest of the evening took, her life could not be entirely ruined as long as she had friends.

A flicker of movement from the vanity reminded her that Egbert was there, and before leaving the room to head downstairs and outside, Bernadette scooped the vibrant lizard up and planted him on her shoulder. A lizard was as good as a brooch when it came to decorating a ballgown.

A good half of the guests had already gathered in the garden before Bernadette and her friends reached the marquees. For the first time since they'd begun arriving the morning before, Bernadette felt confident in her handiwork. From the meddling mamas to the most timid of the young ladies to the brashest young bucks, everyone was glancing around in wonder.

Bernadette had done what she'd set out to do. She'd created a world in the space that extended in front of the tall glass walls of the terrarium that gave the illusion of the world Alden had created inside his ballroom spilling out into the garden. Potted trees had been positioned to make it seem as though there were no barriers between the garden and the terrarium. Lanterns had been hung on poles both inside and outside the terrarium that made it seem as if there was one trail of light. Low-lying troughs had been positioned to run through the garden that made it look as though the stream inside continued outside.

Beyond that were lanterns and candles positioned to magical effect, reflecting the night sky. A dance floor had been laid down between the tents, and already, the dance instructors from London were leading a few of the guests through dance forms, as if testing the integrity of the floor. Artwork that had been created by some of the guests over the last two days had been arranged in a sort of gallery, and a few of the young ladies were showing off their work to some of the young bucks.

In and amongst it all, the servants of Lyndhurst Grove were rushing about, arranging refreshments and doing their utmost to make certain every last detail of the ball, from the masks that were being handed out to the reptile escapees that had somehow made it out of the terrarium and needed to be put back, was perfect.

Bernadette had never been so proud of an event she had arranged, and the ball had only barely begun.

"It's magnificent," Minerva commented by her side. "And you know I do not give such praise easily or lightly."

"I do know," Bernadette laughed, continuing forward, toward the tent where the orchestra she'd hired was tuning.

"I have attended events you have arranged in the past," Kat said, glancing around in wonder. Even Napoleon seemed impressed as he looked out from his basket. "But this is by far the most magnificent."

"One can scarcely tell where the terrarium ends and the garden begins," Muriel noted.

"That was my aim," Bernadette said, surveying the effect with deep satisfaction. The fact that night had already fallen added to the illusion.

Bernadette continued to lead her friends around the various parts of the exotic world she and the staff of Lyndhurst Grove had created. She truly was pleased with the efforts of everyone involved. Better still, Alden's guests seemed to appreciate the magic as well.

"I had my doubts," Lady Laura said, approaching Bernadette near the refreshment tent, which was piled with cakes decorated to look like the fruits Alden had described from his travels, even if such fruits had been impossible to obtain on such short notice, "but this is absolutely magnificent."

It must have been. Lady Laura did not so much as flinch when Egbert flickered his tongue at her from Bernadette's shoulder.

"You were so clever to invite so many fine young gentlemen," Lady Bronwyn whispered to Bernadette once she'd moved on to the side of the dance floor where many of the young ladies had gathered to whisper and giggle and gaze in awe at their surroundings. "One weekend is far too short to settle any matches, but my Glenda has caught the eye of none other than Lord Nathan Gatwick, who has already accepted my request that he call on us when we are in London."

"I am so very happy for you, Lady Bronwyn," Bernadette said with a bright smile.

She was happy, too. Not only because Lady Glenda had a suitor, but because that suitor was not Alden.

In fact, as more of the guests made their appearance on the lawn, it became clear to Bernadette that, in terms of matchmaking, Alden's ball would be hailed as a great success. The musicians could not begin playing fast enough for the forming couples, all of whom were eager to engage with each other through the art of dancing. The mamas were in heaven as the young bucks circulated among their daughters, bowing politely and smiling as they invited the young ladies out into the stary night to dance.

That alone would have been beautiful enough for Bernadette to consider the night a success, but then Alden appeared at the top of the garden, flanked by his cousins.

Bernadette caught her breath. Alden was astoundingly handsome in his expertly tailored suit. His jacket was midnight blue, and his neckcloth a dazzling green that would have made Egbert jealous. He was groomed to perfection as well, and even though Bernadette liked him a bit disheveled and careless of his appearance, as any good explorer should be, she could not help raking her gaze over his form as he singled her out with a smile and approached her.

"Do you like what you see, Lady Bernadette?" Alden asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"What is not to like?" Bernadette replied with a fiery, coquettish look.

That made Alden smile even wider, which fired Bernadette's blood all the more.

It would be absolutely worth every trouble the two of them had to go through if she could figure out how to bring the two of them together. All of her heartache, every bit of uncertainty, and all the effort she had expended to make his ball a success would be worth it if?—

"My, my, Lord Alden. Aren't you looking delicious tonight?" Lady Gladys asked as she walked directly up to Alden and took his arm.

She then turned a pointed, icy smile on Bernadette, as if to warn her to stay away.

"Lady Gladys," Alden nodded to the woman.

Bernadette's smile vanished. There was something guilty and worrying in Alden's deference to Lady Gladys. Enough so that Bernadette found herself wondering if something had happened during the day that had spoiled everything she'd resolved herself to do.

"Has something happened?" she asked, glancing between Alden and Lady Gladys. She had to resist pressing her hand to her stomach to stop the butterflies that had gathered there.

Lady Gladys laughed low in her throat. "Why don't you have a dance with your lovely ball organizer, Alden, dear?" she said. "Tell her all about what we discussed this morning."

Bernadette felt as though her world had tipped sideways. The only thing that prevented her from sinking to the grass in despair was Alden's firm response of, "Yes, I think that would be a wise idea. Lady Bernadette?" He stepped away from Lady Gladys and offered Bernadette his arm.

Bernadette took it at once. She was eager to know what was going on.

Fortunately, Alden began his explanation before she needed to ask.

"First off," he said as they walked towards the couples forming on the dance floor, "it is not what you think."

"I should hope not," Bernadette said. "Because it looked as though Lady Gladys is convinced she's won."

Alden made a frustrated sound and frowned. "She does think she's won," he said. Bernadette widened her eyes at him, uncertain whether she should be alarmed or angry. Before she could say anything, Alden swept her into his arms in the new form of the waltz and went on with, "But she has not won anything yet."

Bernadette let out a breath, sinking into the embrace-like position of the dance. "Are you certain of that?" she asked.

Alden looked directly at her for the first time as the orchestra began the prelude of the dance, which was designed to give more couples a chance to join in. As couples flocked to join them, he smiled at her.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight," he said. "Green suits you."

Bernadette opened her mouth to protest that she was wearing blue, then remembered Egbert sitting on her shoulders. She smiled back despite her anxiety over the bind they found themselves in.

"I feel as though I must remind you this is not a game," she said as the dance began in earnest and Alden deftly moved her into the first steps.

"Oh, I know it is not," Alden said, seemingly unable not to smile. "But I have an extraordinarily difficult time maintaining my focus on anything dire when you look as beautiful as you do now."

"Flattered," Bernadette teased him.

"Minx," Alden growled at her in return.

They were very much in danger of exposing their true feelings to everyone around them. Indeed, more than a few of the couples dancing close by stole glances at them that hinted they could see past the charade of professionalism Bernadette had tried to maintain since the weekend began.

"What does Lady Gladys think she's won?" Bernadette asked at length, after the steps of the dance had taken them around in enough circles for her to spot Lady Gladys watching them from the side with a narrow-eyed look of calculation.

Alden sighed briefly, then said, "She has proposed a scenario in which I marry her, but whisk you away from Wessex and the impending rage of Hethersett so that I might protect you."

Bernadette nearly missed a few steps in the dance. "Protect me from Hethersett?" she asked.

"Yes," Alden said. "She claims your husband has a violent temper."

Bernadette's jaw dropped. "He does not," she protested. "In all the years I have been writing to Hethersett, not once has he expressed anything that could be described as violent."

"Truly?" Alden asked as the dance reached its peak, couples swirling all around them, happy and carefree.

"If anything, Hethersett is as mild as a maiden in the sentiments he's expressed to me," Bernadette went on. "He tells me more about the fashions of the Norwegian and Swedish courts than he does anything martial or manly. He is fond of children and has written to me about a few of the palace children in particular since they were born."

Alden blinked, his brow creasing in a frown. "Has he?"

"Yes."

"You don't suppose—" He paused, looking awkward for a moment.

"That he, perhaps, prefers men to women?" Bernadette finished his question.

"Well, yes," Alden said.

"I do not know," Bernadette said. "That would make matters easier, though."

"It certainly would," Alden said, looking as though a whole new possibility had opened up to him. "How would we discover?—"

He was unable to finish that question either, as the dance ended and Lady Gladys marched onto the dance floor, heading straight toward them.

"My lord," she said with an impatient smile for Alden. "I believe now would be a good time for you to announce your marital intentions. This way, the important part of the evening can be faced directly, and afterwards, your guests could enjoy each other's company."

"I am not so certain—" Bernadette started.

"You are not involved in this," Lady Gladys cut her off.

"Bernadette most certainly is involved," Alden said, frowning at Lady Gladys. "She is at the very center of every decision about my future happiness that I will or can make."

"Whatever the case may be," Lady Gladys said impatiently, gesturing as if Bernadette was a fly she was attempting to shoo away, "you must make an announcement immediately. The sooner the better."

"I will make an announcement when I am ready," Alden said, attempting to turn back to Bernadette.

"No, now!" Lady Gladys shouted, grabbing his arm and jerking him back to face her.

Several of the other couples nearby had been watching the exchange from the beginning and gasped. Whatever hope Bernadette might have had of keeping the awkward arrangements that had been proposed between the three of them a secret were fading fast.

"You must marry me," Lady Gladys hissed. "Soon. Before the creditors come. Announce it at once."

"Madam," Alden said, peeking around furtively and attempting to remove Lady Gladys's hand from his arm, "this is unseemly."

"I do not have time for seemly," Lady Gladys hissed. "I do not have time for?—"

"What is the meaning of this?"

A new voice, deep and masculine, with the faintest hint of an accent, called out from the side of the dance floor. Lady Gladys was immediately forgotten as everyone turned to see who had asked the question.

Bernadette gasped so hard when she saw that she nearly fell into a coughing fit. There he was. She hadn't seen him for over ten years, but there was no mistaking Lord Harold Hethersett.