A Love Worth Risking

Chapter One

Faith Acklam hated aristocracy. 

The only reason she was at the Gildon Ball was to accompany her beloved sister Mollie during her first season. Oh, how she wished Mollie shared her disdain.

"Ladies," Faith greeted as Lady Binham approached. Her light chestnut hair still held its natural color despite her age. She seemed youthful, as if she had forgotten she was getting older. Faith remembered her looking just as she did now. When her mother and Lady Binham held their women-only gatherings, they would include Faith, who recalled how they pampered their faces with beauty treatments. She was too young then, but they would playfully dab some on her cheeks and nose, making her laugh. This was long before Mollie and Lily were born, of course. Mollie and the Binham's little daughter, Lily, were the closest of friends, just as their mothers once were. But her mother was no longer alive; she had passed away when Mollie was only two. Faith sighed, wondering if they would still be able to enjoy beauty treatments together after the ball, sharing laughter and pulling apart all this nonsense if her mother were still around.

"Oh, my dear, you look wonderful!" Mollie chimed, brimming with excitement. "That rose pink suits you perfectly."

Lady Binham stroked Mollie's cheek gently. "Sweet Mollie, you are beautiful as well."

Faith noticed a hint of sadness in Lady Binham's eyes. Mollie was a spitting image of her mother, and anyone who looked at her would see Francis Acklam. Faith had always felt more like a guardian to her than a sister. She was just a baby when their mother passed, and her feelings of sisterhood had transformed into a sense of responsibility. Growing up, they had shared the same bed. Faith would cradle Mollie, inhaling her baby scent, and gently stroke her curly red hair until she fell asleep. The only other baby who had grown up in her arms was her brother Blake. Blake was just a year older than Mollie, but somehow, he had always behaved maturely, rarely crying, and falling asleep almost instantly. Faith attributed his calm demeanor to his reddish-brown hair. This tranquility was not found in anyone else quite like it was in Blake. He lacked the exuberance that defined Mollie. Mollie was so cheerful, so vibrant, like the spirit Faith had lost. As Faith watched her grow up, she witnessed her transformation into their mother. Sometimes, when she looked at her, she would forget that she was Mollie. Her sister had grown up. Now, it was Mollie who stroked her hair, just like their mother used to. Faith felt her mother's spirit within her. Mollie's joy, her strong connection with people, her vivacity all mirrored their mother's. And Faith missed her mother every single day.

"And of course, Faith," the lady added, "you have always been a pure beauty."

Faith smiled. She loved this woman dearly and realized she hadn't visited her in quite a while. Perhaps she should drop by with Mollie soon.

As Lady Binham chatted with Mollie, Faith's gaze drifted toward her brother, who was making his way to the dance floor with Anna Keighley. When Henry wrapped his arms around Anna's waist, Faith blinked in astonishment. Had a stone fallen on his head? Well, perhaps he was finally seeing clearly. It was obvious from ten feet away that Anna was in love with him. Although, Henry was a bit... socially awkward. He didn't know how to approach people very well, and he was quite reserved.

Faith smiled. Her brother would probably tell Anna he wanted to marry her in a few months. That thought made her very happy. Anna was sweet, and their conversations flowed easily. Faith was sure her brother would be happy with her.

Just before the dance ended, Mr. Lucas approached Faith to secure the next dance. But while she was watching Henry and Anna, she accepted the invitation to avoid being rude and reluctantly moved onto the dance floor with him. As luck would have it, Anna was now dancing with Noah Binham.