A Kiss at Midnight

Chapter Six

"Ilona, wait. Please."

Each of her steps putting distance between them. Each gown of lavender or blue a further obstacle. But Henry was persistent, his pace quickening as he effortlessly avoided the barriers in play. With one long stride he caught up, his hand closing over her forearm. Under his grip, she didn't fight being spun around.
Her expression beginning to break beneath the weight of hurt. His hand fell away.

"Why didn't you say anything? You saw I did not wish to dance with him and yet you did nothing." A tremble in her voice.

"He was a cousin of a lord and a pretty powerful one at that, what could have I done, Ilona? What?"

"Anything Henry! Instead you just stood there and let it happen." Her voice grew quiet. "I thought you were my friend."

"Ilona," he said, reaching for her hands. "I am your friend." A bitter taste in his mouth saying that last word. "But there is an order to things and I cannot protest such matters."

The truth slamming into Ilona causing her to stumble. Her feelings were insignificant when it came to matters of statue and wealth. If she took the chance to admit how she truly felt about him and Lady Westmore protested it than he would sided with his mother and that was all too much for her...

"I don't think my presence here is needed anymore."

The tears perilous close to falling as she turned to leave only to bump into a gown of purple. A hand reached out to steady her and Ilona glanced up to see it was her mother. Anna's lips silently forming the sound of "oh". Concern ablaze in her gaze before she turned to Henry.

"Lord Westmore, it is a wonderful evening but I think Ilona and I will take our leave now. Regarding other matters, I will send word when my husband has returned so you may discuss it with him."

"Ilona, I-" Henry started.

"Goodbye Henry," Ilona said quickly.

The carriage ride home was one of silence. No words passed her lips but her grip remained on her mother's hand otherwise she would drown under the tidal wave of anger and hurt. When they got home, Anna quietly assisted Ilona with her gown. As the laces of her gown slipped free so too did the tears. And then the words came tumbling out. Annalise slowly eased herself onto the bed, listening.

"No one should have Grandma's ring but you, Mother." Ilona took a step towards her mother.
"You were the piece that brought Grandma and Grandpa together. Their heir, their little pup. Who was the light in the time of great darkness after Alexander's death. You have lost so much that I cannot let Carrick take this ring too." Her voice shaking. "I won't."

Her mother held her arms out. "Come here, my darling," she said softly.

Ilona stumbled in her haste to reach her but Anna caught her daughter in her arms. Her lips brushed Ilona's forehead as she clutched her daughter to her heart.

"It may have been a fleeting moment but I know in my heart and the words imprinted by her kiss goodbye that Danika loved you so very much. So if you truly want to do this and I think you do, then I will not hold you back."

Tears rolling down Ilona's cheeks. "I want to but I don't want you to be alone."

A slight shake of her mother's head as she cupped Ilona's face in her hands. Her voice trembling as she spoke. "I am not alone, my little wolf. I was once but not anymore. I know exactly where your father is and where you and Carrick intend to go."

Ilona's hand closed over her mother's.

Anna pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "Go, rest and in the morning, we will choose a wardrobe fit for a lady and it most definitely will not include that beige bonnet of yours."