Freeing Ebony

Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty – Four

Henry fidgeted with the little golden circle in his pocket. It wasn’t mandatory to give a ring with a proposal but he thought it would make the occasion a little more special.

She’d told him she was ready … in so many words. He’s kissed her before she could tell him but he knew what she’d been trying to say. She was ready. Vernon was in the past and he could now be forgotten. He didn’t want to waste any time before securing her hand. Well, they’d have to wait until December. He wasn’t having their wedding without his grandmother present. It would be quite poetic anyway. So many members of his family had wed at the village church. Though, of course, he could if she said ‘yes’.

The ballroom was already quite full with guests. Noblemen and military men alike, everyone was feeling the excitement in the room. The strings band that Emilia had hired were warming up and dance cards were being filled out. He’d made small talk with several of his parents’ acquaintances with many of them asking after the main attraction – Soprano Ebony Seaver. There were only a few mentions of the happenings at court but none seemed to care too much. As far as the ton were concerned, the star of Her Majesty’s favourite opera was to perform a private concert. London were quick to judge the little man, but they would strangely overlook the private life of a celebrity if it meant they’d receive something in return.

The announcer cleared his throat as his mother, sisters, Alice and Ebony all entered the room.

“Her Ladyship, Emilia, Countess of Ethridge. Lady Catherine Aubrey, Lady Jane Gray, Lady Anne Preston, Lady Alice Alcott and Miss Ebony Seaver.”

At the mention of Ebony’s name all heads turned and the whispers started. They were excited whispers. Not many sounded negative.

His sisters all joined their husbands, Kitty in particular seeming overly attached to the soon departing William. But he couldn’t take his eyes off Ebony. She looked so happy. She looked relaxed and carefree. Not in the several months he’d known her had he ever seen her look her age. She was twenty. She was in the prime of her life. The stress she’d been experiencing made her have the spirit of an eighty year old. He’d loved her before, but he could never comprehend the amount of love he had for the new Ebony.

Her dark eyes found him and she flashed him a brilliant smile as she was led to the stage by his mother. She looked ever so beautiful. His sisters had pulled, brushed and pinned her impossible tendrils until they were smooth and shiny. The little, intricate braids were twisted into a sophisticated bun on the back of her head. Her gown was gold and tight the waist with several yards of expensive lace folded into the skirt. Handmade, material roses were the decoration on the bodice, with the little buds being sewn to the sleeves and to the bust of her gown. She belonged here with him.

“My lords, ladies and gentlemen,” Emilia began, capturing the attention of the room. “It is my great pleasure to present to you a beautiful young lady of whom I’m glad to call ‘friend’ … though I hope to be calling her my daughter soon enough.” Emilia laughed lightly, as did many others. Ebony’s cheeks went bright red and Henry shot his mother a displeased look. Emilia had been the one who’d given him her sapphire ring. She’d told him that his father had given it to her on their first anniversary. Emilia ignored his look though. “We’ve all heard her dazzling voice bring Bellini’s Elvira to life on the stage, and here to perform the pieces we all fell in love with and exclusively for us – Miss Ebony Seaver!” Emilia and Ebony kissed each other on the cheek and then Emilia left Ebony on the stage. She turned around and said something to the band and they began to play. Ebony then opened her mouth and began to sing in perfect Italian.