"And what will you be doing this afternoon?" she asked him.
"I shall put in a long-overdue appearance at my bank."
"I'm sorry you've neglected your duties because of me."
He took her hand and kissed it. "Don't be. I've enjoyed every moment."
* * *
How, she wondered that night, had the insipid assemblies she'd attended previously prepared her for the pinnacle of assemblies—that at the august chambers of Almack's? If she were a wagering person, she would bet that every lady here had been taught by a dancing master. Since there were no dancing masters in either Upper Barrington or Lower Barrington, her cousin Annabelle, who was Sir Arthur's granddaughter and who had made her debut into London Society, had given Emma enough instructions that she cut a very dashing figure at the assemblies in Nottingham, the closest town of any size to the Barringtons.
Would those here know she was but an imposter? Even if she did don a necklace which had come from one of the great European royal families. Dear, dear Adam knew how insecure she felt and had promised he would partner her for the first country dance as well as the first waltz.
Upon entering the brightly lit ballroom, Lady Sophia presented her to Ladies Cowper and Jersey. Emma's heart pounded so furiously she was afraid the stalwarts of London Society would hear it. Ever since she could remember she had read about Almack's and the aristocratic patronesses who screened each applicant as strictly as a father grills his daughter's suitors. To her astonishment, the patronesses welcomed her with bright smiles and compliments on her beautiful necklace. She never would have boasted about its provenance, but Lady Sophia did. Even Lady Jersey, who was perhaps the richest heiress in the kingdom, gushed about it.
She wondered if she should compliment them about their lovely dresses and the sparkling coronets they wore, but she was much too timid.
When the orchestra started, Adam claimed her for the first set. She was relieved that even if she made a misstep, he would understand. He never chided her because of her unsophisticated ways. Though she was nervous at first, she soon gained confidence. Not only that, she was extraordinarily proud to be standing up with the most handsome man present, extraordinarily proud to be his wife, and extraordinarily proud of her own appearance. It would have been impossible to have looked better than she did tonight. She had no illusions that she was a great beauty (as Maria most certainly was), but she was keenly aware of the role of a talented hairdresser, a skilled modiste, and nearly priceless jewels played in creating the illusion of beauty. She had Adam to thank for all of this.
And for so much more. As they danced, she reveled in her good fortune. If only there was some way she could repay his many kindnesses in some way. For now, all she could do was to make sure she did not embarrass him.
As they faced each other on the long way as another pair of dancers executed their steps between the two rows, the look her husband gave her was enough to melt her expanding heart. There was such tenderness in his warm gaze, she wanted to throw herself into his arms and kiss him.
After the first set was over, the three Birmingham brothers and their wives gathered for Almack's notoriously bland punch. Being with these new relations compensated for the trepidation of an unfamiliar situation. Not that her own nervousness in any way diminished her joy. She had never thought she, little Orphan Emma from Upper Barrington, would ever be standing in Almack's amongst so many aristocratic matrons whom she had read about for years. Never would she have thought to see so many stunning gowns or so many fabulous jewels.
"It's official," Lady Fiona said, gazing up adoringly at her husband, "Nick has filed his candidacy for Parliament."
"This is great news," William said.
Adam smiled at the brother who looked so much like him. "We'll do anything we can to help you."
"I'm gratified you said that." Nick's gaze circled the family gathering. "I need to do electioneering in Yorkshire later this week, and I can use some familial support."
"We'll come," Adam said.
Emma felt like whooping with joy. She would get to go to York! Even better—she was assured of many more days in his presence.
"I think all our lovely wives should come, too," William said. "Nick will be sure to win then."
Lady Sophia nodded vigorously. "My brother tells me that the voters do love to interact with candidates' pretty wives—not that I'm suggesting I'm pretty—but Lady Fiona and Emma most certainly are."
Will's gaze softened as he peered at his wife. "Any man with eyes in his head would know I have the good fortune to have wed the loveliest lady in the kingdom . . ." He paused and looked at Emma and Lady Fiona. "Meaning no offense to the other beautiful ladies present."