Chapter 11

Chapter 11

In the days leading up to Jocelyn's coming-out ball, excitement began to build, both at Swanbourne, and Maybury Crescent, the London townhouse of Lord and Lady Leighton. Although Jocelyn's ball would take place at Maybury Crescent, Uncle Harold had proven unusually generous in allowing his household to flow between establishments.

"Uncle has a soft spot for you, Marianne," said Olivia. "Don't you think so Jocelyn?"

"Well, he always agrees to anything you suggest. There's been no difficulties with any of the gowns or bonnets you recommended, yet whenever Olivia asks for gowns for me, he is always very reluctant."

"Well, if you say so," Marianne said, ticking something else off her list. "Mr. Parker is delighted to have the support of your very experienced household staff." She twirled around the room. "We're going to make this ball a society event of the season."

"And Uncle Harold told me he is considering attending my ball, and he hardly ever attends social events. In fact, I don't ever remember him attending a recital, let alone a ball, before.

"Now, Jocelyn, I need to go through some of the final arrangements with you," said Marianne. "I haven't put in a sit-down dinner as there are too many guests to do that comfortably, so there will be refreshments all evening, and a hot buffet as we approach midnight."

Marianne continued, almost without pause. "The orchestra is booked, the household and outdoor staff are organized. It's my first ball at the townhouse since I married Charles last summer, but his mother has hosted many balls and the staff are very experienced at what is needed," finished Marianne, having completed summarizing all the arrangements.

Olivia and Jocelyn could only stand there, bemused and in awe, as Marianne then moved on to the next thing on her list.

"So, my dears, we can discuss themes and decorations now, which are the nice parts of planning a ball. Do you both know what you are wearing?" she asked. "That might help with deciding on a color theme for the decorations. Jocelyn, have you decided which dress? I know you couldn't make up your mind."

Jocelyn looked a little quiet for a second or two before announcing her choice. "I think Mama would want me to look traditional and wear white for my first ball. So, I think that simple white muslin gown which Madame made for me.

The only thing I've asked Madame to do, which is individual, is to add a diaphanous overskirt, embroidered with silver thread, which will be open at the front. I shall wear Mama's sparkling diamonds in my hair, rather than plain ribbons, so in a way, she will sort of be there with me. I'll have something of Mama's to wear that day."

"I remember Aunt Mary's diamonds," said Olivia. "I think you will look beautiful in white with a silver threaded overskirt."

"Good, that's settled, and we can have silver themed decorations in the ball and support rooms. It's your ball Jocelyn, so I want it to be based around what you wear," pronounced Marianne.

"Could we have starlight as the theme? Papa used to tell me the names of the stars," asked Jocelyn.

"Astronomy was certainly one of Frederick's interests," agreed Olivia. "It is why you are called Jocelyn Andromeda Mary Sherwyn. He wanted you to have a name linked to the stars."

"Well then, we shall have a silver stars theme for your coming out ball. That's settled," said Marianne. "Now Olivia, what have you chosen to wear?"

"My honest answer, Marianne, is that I don't know. I think either my new coral colored silk or my green muslin dress with diaphanous sleeves and bodice. I can't decide."

"I am going to suggest the green, because you can borrow my emeralds to go in your hair and the pendant will look lovely with that dress," proposed Marianne.

"But Marianne I can't possibly borrow your emeralds."

"Why not? I shan't be wearing them. I shall be in blue for the ball. I think the sparkle will draw attention from your face and that self-consciousness."

Olivia lost herself in thoughts about a forest glade and a strange meeting with a mysterious stranger.

All the greens of the forest. It seems appropriate somehow.

***

The evening of the ball was warm and pleasant, so the terrace doors of Maybury Crescent had been thrown open to allow guests to use the terrace.

Jocelyn and Olivia were staying with Marianne, and Olivia was delighted at seeing her niece's excitement as the decorations went up, and the furniture began to be moved around.

"Marianne, I don't know how to thank you for what you have done to make this evening so special for Jocelyn. Truly, you are a special friend."

"You know I enjoy planning events and I love being Jocelyn's sponsor, though I'm not old enough to think of myself as one of those ‘tabbies of the ton, ' a chaperone of advanced years!"

Olivia began to laugh at the very idea.

They were interrupted by Mrs. Jennings, who was on loan from Swanbourne the day.

"Can I check that you both have all you need? And very importantly that you have eaten since breakfast time. I can easily bring you some bread, cheese and cold cuts."

"I'm fine," said Marianne "How about you Olivia?"

"I think I will eat about 4 o'clock, before I dress for the evening," said Olivia.

"I'll make sure you have a plate of food brought to you," Marianne said, "Everything seems to be in order for this evening."

***

The first guests began to arrive around 6 o'clock. Mrs. Jennings put them in the music room until they could be greeted by Jocelyn and family.

Olivia and Marianne waited at the bottom of the staircase with Viscount Leighton and Uncle Harold as Jocelyn descended the staircase.

Olivia's breath caught in her throat, and Marianne reached out to hold her arm, as they exchanged glances. Jocelyn was a vision of loveliness in her white gown with a silvery, floaty, sheer overskirt. Her Mama's diamonds sparkled in her hair, and a large pearl drop diamond, simple enough for a young lady to wear, nestled around her neck.

In the way things in life are often unexpected, Uncle Harold, Lord Sherwyn, rose to the occasion like a truly genteel aristocrat. He'd greeted Olivia with a kiss on her cheek and complimented her on her gown.

"You look very elegant, my dear," he told her. "I believe my brother, your father, would have been very proud of you." He rather spoiled it by adding, "I'm sure you will manage to find a husband if you try hard enough."

However, as it was Jocelyn's special evening, Olivia merely curtseyed and thanked him for his compliments.

It happened again as Jocelyn reached the bottom of the stairs. Uncle Harold stepped forward and offered her his arm.

"My dear great niece," he said with formality. "You look a vision of beauty. Let us go and greet your guests." And they set off to walk to the place where they would greet those attending the ball.

"What have you done to him Marianne?" asked Olivia in a whisper. "Are you an enchantress with a book of spells? He is almost likable this evening."

"Hush Olivia," said her friend, "just be thankful he isn't being a miser this evening."

As the orchestra played for the procession to the dance floor, Olivia felt the happiest she had felt since the night of the fire. It brought a tear to her eye to see Uncle Harold leading the procession out to the dance floor with Jocelyn. She followed on the arm of Lord Leighton, as Marianne had stepped back to allow the Sherwyn's their moment in the spotlight, at this ball for Jocelyn.

There was a slight break in tradition as Uncle Harold refused to dance the quadrille (which he called a new-fangled dance) and insisted the first dance was a traditional reel. Olivia stared open mouthed as he guided Jocelyn through the steps.

After the first dance, the floor filled with their guests and Olivia, Jocelyn, Charles and Harold re-joined their hostess Marianne, who had lemonade and madeira wine ready for them in a quiet corner of the room.

Charles beckoned Lord Ludlow and Lord Hatfield over to join them, introducing them to Uncle Harold.

"I'd consider it a favor, Hatfield, if you joined our party for the evening. Marianne and I have duties as host and hostess, and I don't want Lady Olivia and Lady Jocelyn to be left alone."

"I'd be honored," replied Marcus, nodding his assent.

"Now Lord Sherwyn," said Marianne. "I know you are not at your best on these social occasions, so I have arranged for the Viscount's study to be available for you to rest or take time out from the fray, should you desire it."

"That is most kind, dear Lady," said Uncle Harold, bowing to Marianne.

"Of course, you will have to return sometimes, and I warn you that I intend to claim that dance which you promised me," Marianne informed him.

Olivia felt the air stir beside her and knew immediately who was standing at her side. "I am in awe of Lady Leighton's abilities as hostess. This is one of the finest events I have attended," Lord Hatfield said.

"Marianne seems to be in her element arranging social events," she responded.

"I hope that you will do me the honor of dancing with me," he asked her.

Olivia's heart skipped a beat as she nodded an assent. "Gladly," she murmured, her voice stuck in her throat as she recognized the now familiar wash of warmth and excitement which flooded her body whenever she was close to Lord Hatfield.

He offered her his arm to lead her out to dance a cotillion, and as she placed her hand under his she stopped and stared at her niece.

An elegant Corinthian had engaged Jocelyn in conversation.

"She's clearly made a conquest there," Olivia said aloud, without thinking.

"He looks smitten," responded Lord Hatfield. "I know Lord Ludlow had planned to ask Lady Jocelyn for this dance, but he's been beaten to it by a rival for her affections."

"Who is it? she whispered.

"That is Ethan, Marquis of Hastings," he whispered back, and she could smell the scent of sandalwood on his skin, and she breathed in the heady masculine aroma.

"He seems to have caught my niece's attention. Where is Lord Ludlow?"

"There, he's been dancing with Lady Leighton, look they are returning to join us."

"It seems Lord Ludlow has been pipped at the post. There are plenty more dances, but it seems my niece has a serious suitor in the Marquis of Hastings."

As Olivia and Lord Hatfield whirled around the dance floor, she was conscious of two things. The first was that this connection, the physical reactivity of her body when she was close to the earl, was not fading over time. If anything, the connection grew stronger every time they met.

The second was that as she danced a cotillion, she closed her eyes and felt the warmth of his breath and that fragrance of sandalwood, making it difficult to focus on where to put her feet.

When she did open her eyes, she noticed Jocelyn with the Marquis of Hastings and the intense looks he gave her niece made it clear he admired her with a passion.

When the dance finished, and the earl led her back to their group, she looked out for Jocelyn. She didn't need to wait long. Jocelyn rushed up to her, face flushed, and grabbed her arm. Lord Hatfield nodded and moved to one side to give them privacy to talk.

That really is so considerate of him, Olivia thought, turning to her excited niece.

"It's him, Olivia, it's him," said Jocelyn excitedly.

"Slow down Jocelyn. I have no idea what you are talking about," Olivia replied.

"The flowers," Jocelyn persisted. "You remember the flowers arriving?"

Olivia nodded.

"Well it wasn't Colin who sent them. Ethan, Marquis of Hastings arranged for the flowers. He has a hot house in his garden in Sussex and he grows roses there."

"Truly?" Olivia answered.

"He's very charming. We're going to dance again and next time it will be the waltz. I've never met anyone as romantic as the marquis."

"And Lord Ludlow?" Olivia asked Jocelyn.

"Oh I care deeply for Lord Ludlow, but I don't know his intentions. I just know that the marquis will ask me to marry him. I rather like his style of courtship."

"He's certainly swept you off your feet," agreed Olivia.

She looked around the ballroom at the constellation of silvery stars hanging from the ceiling. The orchestra played another reel and to her stunned surprise, she saw Uncle Harold dancing with Marianne.

"I can see Lord Ludlow heading this way. Do you want to speak with him? I can divert him if you'd rather not."

"I'll speak with him and dance if he ever asks me," Jocelyn muttered, with a note of irritation.

Oh how complicated this quest for a husband can become . I should be out there, mixing and hoping I catch the eye of a man of good fortune and character. I have no desire to do that, but I suspect I will have to make that effort very soon.

She closed her eyes momentarily and wondered if she imagined the scent of sandalwood and cedar of Lebanon. She looked up into those honey brown eyes and saw a look of humor.

"My dear Lady Olivia, I am going to suggest that we defy convention and dance the next two dances together. What do you think?"

"I think it is a very good idea indeed," she responded, smiling brightly. "I care not for convention and," she paused briefly before making the decision to continue, "I find I rather enjoy dancing with you, My Lord."

"Then let us away to the dance floor and waltz," Marcus said, taking her hand.

As they walked together, he whispered in her ear. "You look stunning in that green dress. I keep looking at you and wondering if you are Lady Olivia Sherwyn, or a dryad or mysterious fae creature, who is wearing all the greens of the forest. Beautiful... Breathtaking..."

She held her breath. Had she imagined those words? Her body was alive with a thrill of excitement.

He thinks I look beautiful. She felt the pressure of his arm holding hers as they moved together.

Then a dose of cold reality. This can't last.

If only he knew my secret; knew the truth.

Olivia was aware that their conversation was different tonight. His style, the way he spoke to her had somehow changed. This new, lightly flirtatious tone brought a lightness into her life that she had thought lost. Could she dare to hope there was a future for her?

And then, stepping into the waltz, he held her close, her feet barely touching the floor, as the rhythm of the music grew stronger with every beat.

I could stay here forever, absorbed by the music and wrapped in a strong pair of arms.

***

As soon as she saw Marcus leading Olivia onto the dance floor and into a waltz, she felt anger and rage course through her veins.

All around her she could hear the complimentary comments about the couple.

"Don't they look like the perfect couple."

"He's been in the war, then away in Italy. Now he's found his bride."

"Such a brave young woman, saving her cousin in that fire."

"A perfect couple at a perfect ball."

"That green dress is so lovely. It suits her complexion."

Everywhere she turned she heard small talk about Lord Marcus Hatfield and Lady Olivia Sherwyn.

Cressida escaped to the terrace, away from the stifling air in the ballroom.

It's better outside, she thought. I couldn't breathe in there. Watching those two twirling about made me feel physically sick. What's happening? Are my powers waning?

This ends tonight. No more Marcus and Olivia. Let me think of the best way to drive them apart.

She called on the stars in the constellations above; Andromeda, Cassiopeia and the planet Venus to rise up and vanquish this trollop and her paramour.

She knew the familiar words, which she had learned at her grandmother's side as a child.

If only he had wanted me, then none of this would have been necessary. His mother wanted me to be the next duchess, then that milksop Lady Olivia Sherwyn appeared on the scene.

If I can't have Marcus, Then I will make sure that no one can.

As she closed her eyes, the pathway before her became clear in her mind's eye.

I swear to the ancient ones, the moon goddess, that by the time this ball is over Marcus will know the ugly truth. The absolute ugliness that is Olivia Sherwyn.

As she silently willed these words, deep within her mind, a group of indigo clouds appeared in the sky, obscuring the light from both moon and stars.

Cressida looked at the sky, feeling satisfaction that her decision had been made, her course was set. She had much to do, she wriggled her body, feeling power spreading through her veins and arteries.

I feel better. So much better

Now I need to get to work. I have much to accomplish this evening. By the time this ball ends I will have scattered drops of slanderous poison, which will ruin Lady Olivia Sherwyn.