A Solemn Promise

XIII

"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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XIII.

Adam's eyes tore from Grace, whose mouth was still agape in shock, to the two ladies that had just been announced to the assembly. And there she was, standing at the entrance, her innocent eyes searching for him. Unbeknownst to Sarah, her fiancé had been about to realise a lifelong dream in the arms of another.

A thousand pounds of regret fell down upon Adam's head as he realised the magnitude of his actions. He had succumbed to his mother's pressure during the Season. He had finally engaged himself to someone she deemed worthy. When unbeknownst to him he would be reunited with Grace only a few months later. Only they were not reunited. He had beheld Grace for mere seconds, really, known her to have been honest and sincere in her affections for a brief moment before his obligations had caught up with him.

Upon returning his gaze to Grace, his beautiful, innocent Grace, he realised that she did not know the significance of the two ladies. She did not know the name of his fiancée. And he would have to break that to her and ruin this reunion in a mere flash.

But Grace was quicker than he had given her credit for, and upon seeing Lady Sarah and her mother being claimed by the duchess, the realisation was painted all over her face.

"Oh," she whispered, immediately putting distance between them, which Adam felt deep within his soul.

"You must promise that we will continue this discussion," Adam said under his breath, looking at Grace intently. "We must speak again."

Grace frowned helplessly. "What are you saying?" she asked, taking another step away from him. "She is who I think she is, is she not?"

Adam regretfully nodded. "Yes, but –"

"Then you must go to her," Grace instructed firmly, turning on her heel and darting away from him, back in the direction of her mother and sister.

Grace quickly disappeared into the crowd, and all Adam wanted was to go after her, but he knew he couldn't. He had meant what he said. They would speak again. He walked away as well, but in the direction of his own family, catching the eye of Lady Sarah almost immediately.

She smiled sweetly at him. It was the perfect adjective to describe her. Sarah was sweet. She reminded him of a mouse, with dainty, angular features. Her hair was a soft brown, and her eyes a dark green. She was average in height, standing at his shoulder, and her figure was draped in the latest high waisted fashions.

The daughter took after the mother almost exactly, though a few lines graced Lady Ashley's face to betray her age. She was a very elegant woman with excellent connections and had done everything in her power to put her sweet Sarah in the path of amiable gentlemen during the summer.

His own mother was beaming from ear to ear, heartily approving of their presence, which made him think that Cecily must have known they were coming. She had banknotes in her eyes now that they were come, and she could almost taste the twenty-five-thousand-pound dowry that was promised alongside Sarah.

As soon as Adam reached the party, Lady Ashley and Lady Sarah both curtseyed. He bowed his own head respectfully. "Lady Ashley, Lady Sarah, what a surprise. We had not expected you so soon," he murmured politely.

"The duchess wrote to hasten our arrival, milord," replied Lady Ashley. "She thought that Sarah would most enjoy the opportunity to stand up with you in front of your people."