Chapter 20

Chapter 20

It was a ball unlike any other, and it had nothing to do with Lady Bittens’ birthday. Lady Bittens had had many birthdays before, and hopefully, she would have many more to come. But Vivianne felt as if she were going to a ball for the first time in her life, celebrating the awakening of her own heart.

As soon as she entered the grand ballroom of Bittens Manor, she was blinded by the opulent decorations. Crystal chandeliers hung above their heads, casting a subtle glow over the elegantly clad guests, and the strains of a string quartet filled the pauses between their chatter with a melodious backdrop.

“My word,” Vivianne’s mother exclaimed, pressing her bejeweled hand to her chest in a state of shock. “I don’t know how she does it, but Lady Bittens somehow manages to outdo herself every year.”

“You mean, the older she is, the more glittery and lavish her birthday celebrations are?” Her husband nudged her softly as he spoke, much to his wife’s amusement. “When one can’t shine oneself, they have to have crystal all around.”

“Anthony!” She chuckled sweetly, turning to him with an endearingly scolding glance. “That isn’t very nice of you. Lady Bittens isn’t so old.”

“I would say she is ancient,” Vivianne’s father continued with humor, although everyone in his family knew he was merely jesting. “She has been an old friend of ours, Mary-Anna. Get it?”

His comment made both his daughters chuckle, but his wife was adamant to put a stop to that avalanche of amusement. “All right, all right. Get it all out before she approaches us. I don’t want to be the only one here with the rude husband.”

“Me? Rude?” her husband asked in mock shock. He leaned closer to her and kissed her on the cheek. “That is why you still love me, admit it.”

His wife exhaled deeply, with much exasperation, then rolled her eyes playfully. “I honestly have no idea why I love you, Anthony. Lord knows you are a nuisance.”

“A dear nuisance?” he asked, and once again, his daughters exchanged an amused glance.

Tuning out her parents’ chatter any longer, Vivianne turned to the crowd with nervous anticipation. She hadn’t seen Edward since that evening when… the very thought of what he had done to her made her blush, and she hastily tried to banish the image from her mind. Only, that was easier said than done.

“Viv,” Aurelia elbowed her softly as she stood by her side, looking in the opposite direction, “isn’t that Edward?”

Vivianne hastily turned around. And indeed, Edward was making his way toward them with a purposeful stride. His appearance was as polished and impeccable as ever. She never knew how he managed to do that, to look more handsome every time she saw him. Or perhaps it was her own heart painting a new picture of him every time, with colors that emerged from cold blues only to reach fiery reds?

Tonight, there was something special about the way he moved. He didn’t only wear what looked to be his best suit but also an air of graceful courtesy that seemed almost out of character. Although his gaze was locked with hers, he had to interrupt it several times as hands pulled him from his path, wanting his attention. Finally, he was there, standing before her.

“Viv,” he said, and it felt like an eruption of melody inside of her mind. No one knew how to say her name like that… no one dared to. “I was wondering when you’d arrive.”

“Am I late for something?” she asked with a titillating note in her voice as she drank in the sight of him. What made her even more bold was the fact that she knew all the other ladies were feasting their eyes on the same man—and yet, he was there, with her.

“In fact, yes, you are,” he replied playfully.

“Oh?” She raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“For a dance with me,” he clarified, offering her his hand.

She laughed as a lady was never taught to laugh, freely and without restraint, instead of hiding her smile and teeth behind a gloved hand. With him, she didn’t want to hide anything, least of all how he made her feel. Everything was different, and although she was still fearful as to what the future might bring, she was also hopeful that it might bring something beautiful if only she stopped being afraid.

She accepted his hand, but he didn’t lead her away immediately. Instead, he politely greeted the rest of her family, who nodded back in return.

“Always a pleasure to see you, Earl,” Vivianne’s father said courteously.

“I do hope I am not being rude by taking your daughter away from you so soon.” Edward grinned.

“Yes, perhaps I wanted some refreshments first,” Vivianne pointed out, mostly to see what he would say.

“Dancing first, then refreshments,” he corrected her, only to nod again at her parents, swirling her in the direction of the other dancing couples.

Although there was still more than just an inkling of his mischievous nature in his demeanor, there was also a gentleness she had never seen before. As the waltz began, he led her with a graceful sweep, their movements in unison, effortlessly following the rhythm of the music. All the noise around them seemed to fade into oblivion until Vivianne could only hear the music and Edward’s voice, almost as if the music had created a safe space for the two of them.

With each turn and sway, Edward’s touch was both gentle and firm, guiding Vivianne through the steps with a practiced ease. His eyes, sparkling with amusement, met hers with a playful glint.

“So, how is my windmill?” he asked, and she almost chuckled, but instead she shook her head at him in the manner of a displeased governess.

“Must you go on with that?” she asked, pretending to be exasperated.

“With what?” he asked, feigning innocence, as the waltz demanded of her to let go of him and swirl, only to return to his arms. Every time her eyes met his, a shiver took over her, as if an invisible hand was trailing a line down her spine.

“You know very well with what,” she replied, pouting.

His eyes shot down in a straight line. “Do you know how much I love your lips?”

Her own eyes widened at his admission, but she knew her cheeks revealed how she truly felt about his words. Heat burned inside of her, and a gentle flutter of nerves seized her heart.

“Do not try to sweet talk your way out of this,” she told him, although it was becoming increasingly more difficult not to smile the entire time she was talking.

“I am merely stating facts, my dear.” He grinned. “Like, for instance, the fact that you love this waltz.”

“I… do.” She raised a surprised eyebrow. “But how did you know that?”

He laughed while they were very close, dangerously so. His warm breath spilled all over her lips, and for a moment, all she wished for was for him to close the distance and kiss her. Those were dangerous wishes she knew she shouldn’t be harboring, and yet, it was impossible not to think about it while he was so close, touching her so gently, leaning in a little too close for comfort as they spoke.

“I had two chances of being correct,” he admitted with a mischievous grin. “It was either you really liking this dance or pretending that you did.”

“I see.” She couldn’t help but laugh that time. “Well, if it means anything, I am quite genuine in my enjoyment.”

“Is that so?” he asked, swirling her around. “I also must confess, I am rather enjoying the way you keep me on my toes.”

Vivianne felt her cheeks flushed even more as she responded, “Oh, I see. Is that a hint that you find my dancing lacking?”

“Not at all,” Edward replied, his voice low and teasing. “In fact, I’m quite impressed. Though I must say, your steps are rather unpredictable. I could almost think you’re trying to outwit me.”

Vivianne grinned. “Well, perhaps I am. It’s only fair to keep my partner on his toes, wouldn’t you agree?”

Edward chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on her with a mixture of admiration and amusement. “Fair enough. But I do hope you’re not planning to make me work too hard tonight.”

“Perhaps just enough to keep things interesting,” Vivianne teased back, her voice light and full of warmth. “After all, what’s a dance without a little challenge?”

She could see how much he liked her banter. His eyes were sparkling, and that smile never left his lips, not even for a single second.

“You know,” Edward said, leaning in slightly as they glided across the floor, “I must admit, I’ve never met someone who could make a waltz feel like a game of strategy.”

Vivianne laughed, her heart fluttering at his words. “Well, it’s all part of the fun. And if I’ve managed to keep you guessing, I consider that a victory.”

Edward held her a little closer, his tone more sincere. “You’ve certainly made this evening unforgettable, and it has only begun.”

“I have?” she almost whispered, her insides clenching with yearning at his very presence and proximity.

“But don’t worry,” he added. “I plan on raising the bar, my dear.”

Just as she was about to ask him to divulge what he meant, the music came to a slow end, and they stopped dancing.

“How about those refreshments now?” he suggested, and she accepted.

“Gladly.” She smiled.

However, before they could reach the table with refreshments, a butler approached them with a discreet but urgent air, holding a folded note.

“Your Grace, I do beg your pardon,” he spoke courteously as he addressed Edward, “but there is an urgent note for you.”

Edward’s gaze immediately shifted to one of concern. He took the note from the butler with a nod of gratitude, hastily skimming its contents. Vivianne could not see what it said, nor did she have any intention of invading his privacy in such a rude manner.

She waited for him to finish, after which he promptly folded the note, hiding its contents. The gravity of the message, however, was evident in the way his brow still remained furrowed.

“Vivianne, I am afraid those refreshments will have to wait,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. “I have something urgent to attend to.”

Vivianne’s smile faltered slightly as her heart filled with disappointment. “Of course, Edward. I do hope that everything is alright?” She didn’t want to pry into his business, although her curiosity was immeasurable.

He looked back at her, his eyes softening with genuine regret. “I’m not sure yet, but it appears to be quite pressing. I assure you, I would rather be here with you.”

In a tender gesture, Edward took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. The contact was warm and lingering, a silent and unexpected promise of his affection, which she wasn’t expecting.

“Please forgive me for having to leave you so suddenly,” he said. “I hope I won’t be long. Hold on to your dance card for me, will you?”

She blushed at his request. Did that mean that he wanted her to himself for the entire evening? Her heart fluttered at the thought, but she tried not to let it show.

“I will try,” she said pretending to be nonchalant, although that simple pretense required all of her conscious effort. Furthermore, she had every intention of hiding away from everyone else attending the ball, until his return. “You have to hurry back, though.”

“I promise.” He smiled, giving her one last affectionate squeeze of the hand before stepping away.

She watched him leave, elbowing nervously through the crowd of guests who watched him as well with a murmur of curiosity. As he disappeared, she had every intention of keeping her promise. Her dance card would remain open for him.

With that in mind, she searched the ballroom for her sister, but then felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Thinking that it was perhaps Edward, having returned to tease her some more, she turned around with a smile.

“Back so soon?” she wondered aloud, but the moment her eyes locked with another pair, her smile disappeared.

“You know that not even an entire army could keep me away from you, Viv.”