How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back Read Online Free

dressed in a richly embroidered gown trimmed with lace and ribbons.
    “We wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Thank you so much for inviting us, Lady Carroway,” Emily smiled. “We’ve been looking forward to this evening ever since we received the invitation.”
    “You look lovely, all three of you. I hope you shall enjoy a few dances before the night is over. There are a number of gentlemen who are very eager to make your acquaintances. I hope you do not mind my introducing them to you?” she asked, looking suddenly worried that she might have done something inappropriate. Taking Beatrice’s arm, she steered the three sisters toward the ballroom.
    “Not at all,” Beatrice grinned. “We shall welcome all gentlemen who wish to speak with us. How else are we to find suitable husbands?”
    Although Beatrice had said it jokingly, Claire still managed a faint groan at her sister’s remark. Was it really necessary to be so frank about the fact that they were actively looking? It made them seem nothing short of desperate, a view that deeply colored her cheeks from sheer embarrassment as she looked about to ensure that no one else had heard.
    Picking up on her mortification, Lady Carroway made a quick attempt to soothe her. “It’s quite all right, Claire—your secret’s safe with me.”
    Obviously it had the opposite effect and did nothing but deepen the color in her cheeks. What a horrific moment this was turning out to be.
    “Well,” Lady Carroway continued. “I was wondering if you would mind it if I took a quick turn about the room with your sister. She and I have much to discuss,” she said pointedly as she turned her gaze on Emily.
    “Not at all,” Beatrice remarked.
    “Then let us go before Claire dies of embarrassment, which she seems just about ready to do at any moment.” Lady Carroway gave a small chuckle as she took hold of Emily’s arm and guided her away from her sisters.
    Light, wispy notes of music began to rise from the orchestra, signaling that the first dance was about to commence. When Emily craned her neck to ensure that her sisters were all right, she saw that they were already deeply immersed in conversation with a number of old acquaintances. She therefore allowed herself to give Lady Carroway her full attention.
    “You know that I have always been very fond of you, Emily— and your sisters,” the viscountess was now saying. “I know that you have had a difficult number of years. Losing both of your parents at such a young age was very hard on you, I know.” She paused momentarily as she glanced out over the dance floor, her posture as regal as that of any queen.
    “I have always considered you to be a part of this family, Emily, and have had the pleasure of watching you grow into the fine young woman that you are today—kind, nurturing, and full of joy.” She stopped as she pulled Emily to the side, where a large bay window overlooked the park-like grounds. She lowered her voice. “You have always been a loyal friend to Adrian. The way in which you look at him has not gone unnoticed, either. I know that you love him.”
    “I . . .” Emily began, but Lady Carroway raised her hand to stop the explanation that she knew was coming.
    “It’s quite all right, Emily. I am only too pleased that my son is fortunate enough to be loved by you. And I know that he loves you in return. That is what I wish to speak to you about,” she said with a brilliant gleam in her eyes. “Adrian has told us that he intends to marry. He would not elaborate on the matter, but I am certain that he intends to ask you.”
    Emily could barely contain her excitement, and yet, she couldn’t help the growing sense of unease that was gradually taking hold of her. “You are sure of this?” she asked.
    “I know that he adores you, Emily. I can’t think of anyone else that he might even consider. Can you?”
    “I suppose not.”
    “Then don’t worry. It will all be settled very soon.” Lady