Chapter 16

Chapter 16

The anticipation of the evening loomed ahead as Vivianne and Aurelia found themselves in their carriage, heading toward the theater where they were to attend a play with Edward and Jonathon. Vivianne found herself surprisingly comforted by the idea of Edward’s presence.

It wasn’t just that he acted as a deterrent against Lord Kinsington; it was something more profound. Over time, their friendship had grown, and she realized she had come to rely on him in ways she hadn’t expected.

She glanced at Aurelia, who was looking out the window, a dreamy expression on her face. The sisters had always been close, but there were things Vivianne had kept to herself, such as the lingering thoughts of the kiss she and Edward had shared in the alleyway. It was a kiss that had set her heart racing, a memory she found herself replaying more often than she cared to admit.

Aurelia turned to her, breaking the silence. “Vivianne, can I tell you something?”

“Of course, dear sister. What is it?” Vivianne replied, curious about the gleam in Aurelia’s eyes.

Aurelia leaned closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a precious secret. “I think I might be smitten with Jonathon.”

Vivianne’s eyes widened in surprise and she resisted the urge to chuckle. She had long suspected this, but her sister’s confession came as a welcome distraction from the maelstrom of her own mind. “Truly? Do tell me more.”

Aurelia’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. “He’s so kind and attentive. The way he listens when I speak, and the way he looks at me... it makes me feel special. I know it’s silly, but I can’t help but feel this way.”

“It’s not silly at all,” Vivianne said, smiling warmly at her. “Jonathon seems like a wonderful man. I can easily see why you would be drawn to him.”

Aurelia’s expression turned thoughtful. “And what about you, Vivianne? How do you feel about Edward?”

Vivianne felt a blush creep up her neck. “Edward and I... we’ve become good friends. That is all.”

Aurelia, however, didn’t sound convinced. “It certainly doesn’t seem that you share just a friendly bond.”

Vivianne sighed. She didn’t want to admit to her sister that it had all started because of her, because Vivianne wanted to help her get close to Jonathon, and the plan was working. The plan hadn’t included Vivianne’s own emotions getting in the way. She felt as if she were entangled, and she couldn’t make heads or tails of it all.

“He is a nice man, but that is all.”

The thought of Edward brought a warmth to her chest, a feeling of safety and affection she hadn’t experienced in a long time. But it was dangerous to even consider something like that. She had been hurt before. She’d had her heart broken once, and that was more than enough for her to learn her lesson.

The carriage suddenly rolled to a stop, and Vivianne was grateful for the change of conversation. “I do believe we have arrived.” She smiled.

The door opened unexpectedly to reveal Edward and Jonathon waiting for them, their expressions lighting up at the sight of the sisters. Edward extended his hand to help Vivianne down, his touch sending a familiar thrill through her. Every time he touched her, her body reacted. She couldn’t stay still around him. Her mind constantly conjured up images of their kiss in the alley, the way he kept her close, the way he smelled, the way he tasted…

“Viv?” She heard Aurelia’s voice, felt her gentle hand on her elbow. “Are you all right?”

“Me? Oh, yes, sorry.” Vivianne smiled, feeling herself blushing. “I was merely wondering if Mother and Father had arrived already.” She gave a hasty glance around to fortify that statement, although it was as far from the truth as it could be. She was looking at the man who had occupied her every waking thought, and there was no way of escaping him, not even in her dreams.

“You look absolutely radiant this evening,” Edward told her as he offered her his arm, his eyes holding hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

“Thank you, Edward,” she replied, feeling her cheeks warm under his gaze. “You look quite dashing yourself.”

Jonathon, standing beside Aurelia, offered his hand with a charming smile. “And you, Aurelia, are a vision of grace and beauty. The theater will surely be enchanted by your presence tonight.”

Aurelia’s cheeks colored a delicate pink as she accepted his hand. “You’re too kind, Jonathon. I’m looking forward to the play.”

Jonathon’s smile widened, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. “The pleasure is all mine. I’m delighted to be spending the evening with such delightful company.”

The four of them made their way into the theater, the anticipation of the evening adding a sense of excitement to their steps. Jonathon and Aurelia immediately took the lead, lost in their own conversation, while Vivianne and Edward followed closely behind. The gentlemen escorted the ladies to their seats, ensuring they were comfortable before taking their own places beside them.

As they settled in, Edward leaned closer to Vivianne, his voice low and filled with warmth. “I’m glad we could share this evening together. It’s been a long time since I’ve looked forward to something as much as I have tonight.”

“I didn’t know you liked Sheridan’s The Rivals that much,” she replied, teasing him.

He immediately followed in the same path. “Well, it’s a comedy of manners, filled with wit, romance, and misunderstanding. I’d say it perfectly mirrors what the four of us have here.”

He caught her off guard by his comment, making her giggle sweetly.

“So, who symbolizes which of those traits?” she asked mischievously.

“I think it is obvious who is the wit,” he said, smirking at her proudly.

“Oh really?” she pressed, amused. “I would have thought you were the misunderstanding.”

“No, that’s you,” he jested, then leaned over to her to whisper so others wouldn’t hear him. “Romance is, of course, Jonathon.”

“Does that make Aurelia manners?” Vivianne inquired with a lifted eyebrow.

“Yes,” he confirmed. “See? It all works out.”

“I wouldn’t agree,” she replied with a shake of her head. “We still haven’t decided on the wit and the misunderstanding.”

“It is obvious, you just don’t want to admit it,” he pointed out, much to her amused chagrin.

***

The lights started to dim and the curtain rose to reveal the bustling streets of Bath, the setting for Sheridan’s The Rivals . Edward couldn’t help but notice how Vivianne’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her attention wholly captured by the vibrant energy of the performance.

Throughout the play, he found himself glancing at her, taking in her reactions. She laughed at the witty dialogue, eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. Edward felt a warmth spread through him every time she leaned closer, her perfume washing over him like a shroud, his every sense titillated by her presence, her voice, her laughter.

Aurelia, seated next to Jonathon, seemed equally captivated. Jonathon’s whispered commentary had her stifling giggles, her enjoyment of the performance evident. Edward felt a pang of satisfaction, pleased that his friend could bring such happiness to Vivianne’s sister.

The play continued with its charming plot of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and clever repartee. Edward enjoyed watching the characters of Lydia Languish, Captain Jack Absolute, and Mrs. Malaprop, but his attention was often drawn back to Vivianne. Her presence seemed to enhance the entire experience.

When the final curtain fell and applause echoed through the theater, Edward turned to Vivianne, his eyes searching hers. “What did you think of the play?”

“It was delightful,” she replied, her smile bright and infectious. “The humor, the misunderstandings, it was all so wonderfully executed. I particularly enjoyed Mrs. Malaprop’s hilarious misuse of words.”

As they exited the theater, the warm evening air embraced them. Edward felt a thrill of anticipation as they stepped outside. Jonathon and Aurelia followed closely, their own conversation animated and filled with laughter. However, before they could get too far away, he heard someone call out to him.

“Edward!”

He frowned, wondering who could be shouting his name in such a familiar manner, but when he turned around, he realized it was William.

***

Vivianne could immediately sense the tightening of Edward’s entire body as she rested onto his arm. That same unease was in his eyes and around the corners of his lips, preventing him from smiling as he usually did.

“William,” Edward greeted his cousin.

“What a pleasant surprise to see you all here.” William spoke affectionately, but there was something deceptively warm about his mannerisms. “Miss Vivianne, if I remember correctly.”

“Yes.” Vivianne smiled in greeting. “This is my sister, Aurelia.”

William turned to her, bowing courteously. “A beauty like your sister. I truly would not be able to say with certainty which one of you is lovelier.”

“You are most kind.” Aurelia blushed ever so slightly, and Vivianne could immediately tell that it didn’t sit well with Jonathon.

“I trust you enjoyed the play?” William asked, turning to Vivianne again.

“Yes, very much,” she replied politely, although she couldn’t shake the unsettled feeling his presence gave her. It was nothing he had said or done, it was simply the manner in which carried himself, the tone of voice he used when addressing others, and how he looked at her, as well as Aurelia.

“I have as well.” William grinned. “Although I doubt it will be even half the drama that usually unfolds at my uncle’s dinner parties.”

Edward frowned. “I didn’t know you were attending.”

“I was invited, Eddie.” William snickered.

Just one glance at Edward assured Vivianne that he hated when someone called him Eddie. It didn’t suit him at all. But that fact only seemed to make it more fun for William.

“Of course.” Edward nodded. “I suppose I shall see you there.”

“Only you?” William asked, his words lingering in the air around them. Vivianne wondered what he was referring to.

“Well, there will be other people there, Will.” Edward shrugged, obviously trying to brush off his cousin’s comment.

“Yes, there will be.” William smiled in an odd way, bowing only once before them all. “It was lovely to see you all. I bid you good night.”

As he disappeared in the distance, Vivianne turned to Edward. “Why are you always so tense around him?”

Edward’s eyes followed the silhouette of his cousin until it completely disappeared from view. Only then did he answer.

“William should have likely been the heir, if my uncle hadn’t decided to raise me as his own. I’ve always felt some unspoken tension there, coming from William. He has never said anything, not in those words, but…”

“I can sense it as well,” she agreed, shuddering.

He smiled, waving his hand dismissively. “But don’t worry about him. He’s only in town for a few days, and then he’ll go back to serving in the Navy. I suppose I just have to endure his presence during the dinner… speaking of which, how would you and your family like to attend this silly dinner party my uncle is hosting?”

Her lips parted in an effort to reply, but she was caught off guard by the question itself. “Don’t you think it would be too forward?”

“Forward?” he asked, tilting his head. “It’s just a dinner party, not an engagement party, Viv.”

Viv. He used that endearing version of her name, and she loved it. The sound immediately made her blush. She swallowed heavily, trying to focus on the conversation at hand.

“Yes, but I mean… won’t it make people think that we are serious about courting?” she inquired. She couldn’t care less what the ton thought about her or her courtship with Edward. What she did care about was her family and her sister’s reputation. She was doing it all because of them.

He gave a half-shrug. “You said people will think and say whatever they want in either case. So, bottom line, it is up to you.”

She had to admit that he was right. “You know what? I’ll tell my parents and we shall attend.”

He smiled. “That’s what I like to hear.”

He patted the hand that still lingered on his arm, and slowly led her to the carriage, where Jonathon and Aurelia were already waiting, engaged in their own conversation. As the carriage drove them home, Vivianne tried to tell herself that she was honoring her side of the bargain. But a small part of her wondered if she was starting to have feelings for Edward, feelings she had vowed to resist.