Shattered Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page A

social affair held where his name isn’t at the top of the guest list. Even Lady Pomeroy, who only invites a select few to her annual ball, is rumored to have changed the scheduled date because Lord Charfield was unable to make her first choice.”
    “Well, if Lady Pomeroy went to such lengths to include him I can hardly see why the two of you are concerned that he’s attending our small country party.”
    Lilly wrung her dainty hands. “We just don’t want you to be hurt.”
    “Hurt? I don’t see how I can be hurt.”
    Patience stepped closer. “He’s broken countless hearts, Elly. It’s rumored that once he turns on his charm, women fall at his feet.”
    Elly laughed. “Are you afraid I’m going to make a fool of myself over someone who will probably not even notice that I’m there?”
    “Of course not,” Patience said. “It’s just that you haven’t had all that much experience with men.”
    “I see,” Elly said, trying not to show her emotions.
    “I mean,” Patience continued, using her words as a shovel to dig a hole even deeper, “we know you’re far too sensible to lose your heart to such a scoundrel.”
    “Thank you for that.” Elly placed her hand over her heart. She tried to pretend she agreed with them even though she wasn’t sure the twins were complimenting her. “I’m glad you have such confidence in me.”
    “We do,” Lillian said. “We both know that when you fall in love it will be to someone with a stellar reputation.”
    Elly laughed. “Can you see that in your crystal ball?”
    Lillian giggled. “Of course. It’s perfectly clear.”
    “And Harrison? What do you see in his future?”
    Sad expressions covered their faces.
    “You know Harrison will never risk falling in love again,” Lilly said. “Not after he was hurt so badly before.”
    “I doubt he’ll ever marry,” Patience added. “It’s been nearly five years and he’s never once shown interest in another woman.”
    “It’s not Harrison we’re concerned for,” Lilly said. “It’s you.”
    Elly smiled. “Well, don’t be. You have nothing to worry about. You forget. I’ve already met the man of my dreams. I’m sure Lord Charfield can’t hold a candle to my secret admirer.”
    Patience and Lilly’s faces paled.
    “But you’ve never met the man you’ve corresponded with,” Patience said. “Perhaps he’s exactly like Lord Charfield. Or worse.”
    Elly laughed. “Don’t concern yourselves. Lord Charfield won’t give me a second glance.”
    Lilly flapped her arms in the air in a graceful sign of frustration. “Don’t be so confident, Elly. No one is safe from his charms. Not even you.”
    The temperature of the air in the room dropped and Elly struggled to keep the smile on her face from faltering.
    After an uncomfortable silence, Lilly stepped closer and put her arm around Elly’s shoulder. “Oh, Elly. I didn’t mean that like it sounded.” Her rosy cheeks turned a blazing scarlet.
    “Of course you didn’t. And I didn’t take it that way.”
    Elly put on a brave face and gave her hair a final pat. She knew the twins had nothing to worry about. Charfield wouldn’t pay her a moment’s attention once he saw her make her way across a room.
    “Have you come to escort me down?” Elly asked, scooting to the edge of her chair.
    Both sisters moved closer to assist her, Patience on her left and Lilly on her right.
    Elly slowly stood then steadied herself before taking the cane Patience held out to her. With an uneven gait, she walked across the room. Her limp was pronounced and forced her hip to swing to the left. Her left arm had a tendency to move outward, making her appear clumsy.
    She hated how her body shifted unnaturally with each step, how even her shoulder dipped, but at least most of those present at the party were familiar with her awkwardness. Her inelegance wouldn’t be too uncomfortable for them to be around. At least for one night.
    She stepped out the door and hobbled down