The Duke's Unusual Proposal

Chapter 13

        As she dressed for the ball Reggie's thoughts were of Simon and the incredible night and morning they shared. She needed to focus on the up coming ball and the people she would be meeting as she hoped to be able to remember all the names of the mostly titled people and their spouses. There were a few untitled invitee's as well.

        Standing before her mirror she looked at herself in the off the shoulder dark green silk gown she'd chosen sewn with thousands of tiny emerald beads. Tonight she was wearing the same emerald and diamond jewelry she'd worn for her wedding along with the Sutherworth diamond tiara. She wore matching satin slippers with emerald green beads and long green gloves.

        Simon stopped in the doorway to admire his wife. "Sweetheart, you are absolutely breath taking tonight," he told her as he walked toward her.

        Reggie smiled at him in his fancy evening clothes that took her breath away. "And you, my darlin' Duke are very handsome tonight," she replied once she regained her breath.

        "Are you ready to join the others?" Simon inquired as he offered her his arm.

        "Yes," she replied setting her hand to his arm and allowing him to lead the way downstairs to the ballroom. Once at the drawing room they joined the sisters and the aunts as they too, were going toward the ballroom.

        Victoria looked resplendent in a beautiful white satin gown trimmed in light blue that made her eyes seem bluer. Sophia was in a dark blue gown with blue sparkling beads sewn randomly over the entire dress that reflected the light when she walked. She was wearing a beautiful sapphire and diamond jewelry set and Reggie thought how stunning her aunt looked tonight in her gown. Silvia wore a peach colored gown that made her skin glow along with diamonds around her neck and in her hair.

        They were standing in the hall admiring each other's attire when Jordan arrived early to join them and stopped stunned as he admired Annabel in her white and gold gown. Giving her a kiss on her cheek he told her, "Annabel you are stunningly beautiful tonight, my sweet."

        "Why thank you, Jordan," she replied giving him one of the brilliant Stockton smiles. "You're not so bad looking yourself."

        Looking around for the first time he noticed the other women. "All the ladies are beautiful tonight," he quickly told them.  The others smiling as they started their migration toward the ballroom.

        It wasn't long before Connor announced the first guest as they stood in the receiving line to greet them. Once most of the guest had arrived and were greeted Simon took Reggie's arm as they walked to the center of the ballroom to open the ball with a waltz. Reggie smiled up at Simon as he whirled her around the ballroom making her feel as if they were the only two people in the room. When the music finished it left them both wishing their waltz could have gone on forever. Held in her husband's arms while they waltzed was very enjoyable, Reggie thought.

        Simon escorted from the floor with her arm tucked in his as they strolled the ballroom to speak with their guests. Simon seemed proud to have her on his arm and she was just as proud to be with him. Jordan soon claimed her for a dance while Simon danced with Annabel then the two groups met to reclaim their partners with Jordan and Annabel strolling off to meet more people. It was very clear to most everyone there that Annabel was Jordan's chosen lady and wedding bells would be ringing in the near future between them.

        "You think I am a rake," Simon whispered in Reggie's ear and she smile. "Here comes one of the biggest ones in the ton." Reggie smiled as she watched the man Simon was referring to approach them.