A Heart Revealed by Josi S. Kilpack

Amber’s story of the rinse was well received and even sympathetic, making for a most comfortable and companionable afternoon. She now walked side by side with her mother while Darra trailed behind them. Of everyone in attendance, Darra had by far been the least responsive to Amber’s charms.
    “It did go very well,” Lady Marchent said with a nod and a relieved smile. “I was quite pleased with your behavior and how the tale regarding the rinse was received. You were very engaging to the other women and handled yourself very well indeed.”
    Amber smiled at the compliment and felt the comfortable reassurance that this wig would return her to her place in society. Never mind that her head itched atrociously. “So I may attend the ball at Carlton House tomorrow night, then?”
    Lady Marchent hesitated, and Amber felt her grip on her mother’s arm tighten the smallest degree.
    “You said that I could, Mama,” Amber reminded her. “You said if the tea went well I could go to Carlton House.”
    “It is so soon,” Lady Marchent explained. “Perhaps it would be better to wait for a less formal event to make your reentry.” She glanced over her shoulder at Darra and Amber followed the look.
    “Darra does not want me to attend, does she?” Amber said.
    “It is not that,” Lady Marchent said. “Only she has enjoyed a different kind of attention since your absence. If she had more time for her to accept that things have changed once again she will be more supportive.”
    Amber bit back a sharp retort about her mother considering her feelings as much as Darra’s. “All my suitors will be there,” Amber said instead. “And I am of a mind to make a decision as quickly as possible. It would do no good to refuse such an enviable invitation from the Prince Regent himself and miss an opportunity to secure my prospects.”
    Lady Marchent remained thoughtful as they passed a gentleman who nodded and bowed to them. They greeted him and then resumed their conversation. “You haven’t had time to plan your dress,” Lady Marchent said.
    “I have the emerald dress I did not wear to the Covington’s. My maid can have everything in readiness.” She tightened the grip on her mother’s arm. “Please, Mama. Let me go. Don’t let Darra’s discomfort in sharing the attention prevent me from making progress toward my own potential.”
    Lady Marchent let out a heavy breath. “Let me convince your sister of the wisdom of it,” she said, slowing her step and letting go of Amber’s arm. “Go on ahead. We’ll only be a short distance behind.”
    “Thank you, Mama,” Amber said, smiling so as not to show her disappointment in her mother’s reluctance. She leaned in and gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek before quickening her pace, allowing Lady Marchent to fall even with Darra.
    Amber reached the house before her mother and sister, but rather than go directly to her bedchamber, she stepped into the drawing room and closed the door enough to be hidden but still able to overhear the conversation as her mother and sister entered the house. They were only a short distance behind her so she did not have to wait long.
    “It is not fair,” Darra whined. “I am always pulled about according to Amber’s will, and I can hardly stand it.”
    “I am sorry,” Lady Marchent said sincerely, rippling that pool of jealousy not yet dried up within Amber’s chest. “But she is quite ardent in her desire to make a quick match and to let an opportunity pass for her to pursue such a thing would work against that. Surely you can see the wisdom of this course. It is in your best interest as well as hers.”
    Darra let out a breath and lowered her voice, causing Amber to lean closer to the gap in the doorway. “He prefers me, Mama, I know he does.”
    He? Amber thought. He who?
    “Then you have nothing to worry about, my dear,” her mother said. “Your sister has any number of suitors to choose from. Once she’s made her match,