Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Julian was nervous.

Really nervous. He did not often think about his scar anymore, not when Cordelia was around, but tonight, he was about to go out into society, and he could not stop panicking about it.

Cordelia never looked at him with pity or disgust; she saw beyond the scar to the man he was. But society was not as kind. Julian could already hear the whispers and see the sideways glances. He had avoided most social gatherings since the injury, preferring the quiet, accepting solace of their home.

Yet tonight was different. Cordelia had been recovering steadily, her strength returning daily, and she had expressed a desire to rejoin the world.

He had promised her that he would make her life better, even if it involved doing things that scared him.

Even if it meant going to the Wexhall Ball.

As he adjusted his cravat in the mirror, Julian's hands trembled. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm within.

Just then, he heard a soft rustle behind him. He turned, and his nerves floated away the moment he saw Cordelia.

She stood in the doorway, wearing the gown he had purchased for her. It was a masterpiece of emerald silk, adorned with delicate lace and tiny, shimmering pearls. The colour brought out the richness of her eyes and complemented her radiant complexion. She looked ethereal, like a vision from his dreams.

Julian's breath caught in his throat. "Cordelia," he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "You look ... breathtaking."

Cordelia's smile was gentle, her eyes full of warmth and love. "I could not have done it without you, Julian. This gown is perfect. I do not think that I have ever felt so beautiful in my life."

Julian moved towards her, his earlier anxiety melting away in the glow of her presence.

"You make it perfect," he said softly, taking her hands in his. "Seeing you like this, it's as if all my fears just vanished."

Julian remembered the moment he had told Cordelia they would attend the ball together. She had been sitting by the window, sunlight casting a halo around her. He had taken a deep breath, his heart pounding, and said, "Cordelia, I think we should go to the Wexhall Ball."

Her reaction had been immediate and overwhelming. Her eyes had lit up with a joy he had not seen in months, and she had thrown her arms around him, exclaiming, "Oh, Julian, truly? I have missed those evenings so much! Thank you!"

That moment, her shining happiness, made everything worth it. He would endure any number of whispered comments and sideways glances just to see her smile like that again.

Julian felt a sudden impulse. "Cordelia," he began, a hint of excitement in his voice, "before we go, there's something I would like to do."

She looked at him curiously. "What is it, Julian?"

"I have written a new song for you," he confessed. "I thought I could play it for you before we leave. Tonight seems like the right time to unveil it to you finally."

Cordelia's eyes widened with delight. "A new song? Oh, Julian, I would love to hear it!"

Julian led her to the sitting room where the pianoforte stood, polished and ready.

He gestured for her to sit beside him on the bench, his fingers hovering over the keys.

"This piece," he said softly, "is inspired by you. By your strength, your beauty, and the love we share."

Cordelia placed a hand on his arm, her touch encouraging. "I cannot wait to hear it."

Julian began to play, his fingers moving gracefully over the keys. The melody started softly, a tender, lilting tune that captured the essence of Cordelia's gentle strength. As the song progressed, it swelled with emotion, echoing the trials and triumphs they had faced together.

Cordelia listened, enraptured by the music. The notes seemed to weave around them, creating a cocoon of intimacy and love. Julian poured his heart into the performance, each chord and arpeggio a testament to his devotion.

As the final notes faded into the air, Julian turned to Cordelia, his eyes searching hers for her reaction. She was silent for a moment, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Julian," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion, "it is beautiful. You have captured everything so perfectly. Thank you."

Julian smiled, feeling a profound sense of satisfaction. "I am glad you like it. I wanted to give you something special that shows how much you mean to me."

Cordelia leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, a gesture full of love and gratitude. "You always know how to make me feel cherished. This song ... it is the most precious gift. I just wish we could spend all night dancing to your music instead …"

Julian felt a sudden surge of affection and inspiration. He stood and extended his hand to her, his eyes twinkling with a playful light.

"Who says we cannot?" he said with a grin.

Cordelia looked at him, puzzled but intrigued. "What do you mean?"

He took her hand gently, pulling her up from the bench.

"Dance with me, Cordelia. Right here, right now. We do not need an orchestra or a grand ballroom. We have our love and the music we have created together. We can dance right here in the house you have helped bring back to life once more."

Cordelia's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I would love that."

Julian held her close, one hand on her waist, the other clasping her hand. They began to sway to the music that still lingered in the air, the melody from the song he had just played. It was as if they could both hear it between them, the notes a bridge connecting their hearts.

They moved gracefully around the room, their steps in perfect harmony. The world outside ceased to exist; there was only this moment, this dance. Julian felt his earlier nerves dissolve entirely, replaced by a profound peace and joy.

"You know," he murmured, his lips close to her ear, "I think this might be the best dance we have ever had."

Cordelia looked up at him, her eyes shining. "It is perfect, Julian. Just like you."

He chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I think you might be a little biased."

"Perhaps," she replied with a laugh, "but I stand by my opinion."

They continued to dance, lost in their own world. Julian felt as if he were floating, the weight of his fears and insecurities lifted by the strength of their love. He knew that no matter what they faced at the Wexhall Ball, they would face it together, and that made all the difference.

As the imaginary music played on, Julian marvelled at Cordelia's transformation into his life. She had given him hope, strength, and a love that transcended all boundaries. In her arms, he found the courage to be himself, scars and all.

Eventually, the dance slowed, and they came to a gentle stop. Cordelia rested her head against his chest, and Julian held her close, savouring the warmth and comfort of their embrace.

"Thank you, Julian," she whispered. "For this dance, for the song, for everything."

"No," he replied softly, "thank you, Cordelia. You have given me more than I could ever repay. Tonight, and every night, I am grateful for you."

Julian and Cordelia stood in their embrace, the room still echoing with the tender intimacy of their dance. Their moment was serene, a sanctuary before the bustling excitement of the Wexhall Ball.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Matthew entered the room. He paused momentarily, taking in the sight of Julian and Cordelia wrapped in each other's arms. Julian glanced up, a welcoming smile spreading across his face despite the interruption.

"Matthew," Julian said, his voice warm. "I did not realize you were here."

Matthew offered a hesitant smile, stepping further into the room. "I knocked, but no one answered. I did not mean to intrude on you both."

Cordelia pulled away slightly, though her hand remained in Julian's. "It is quite alright, Matthew. We were just having a private moment before heading to the ball."

Matthew nodded, his expression softening. "I can see that. You both look ... radiant."

"Thank you," Cordelia said, her smile gracious. "Julian just played a beautiful song for me. It set the perfect tone for the evening."

Julian felt a swell of pride at her words. "I was hoping it might calm our nerves before we step out tonight."

Matthew's gaze softened, and he took a step closer. "You both have come so far. It is inspiring to see your strength and love for each other. If anyone deserves a night of joy, it is you two."

Julian felt a renewed sense of determination. With Cordelia by his side and Matthew's support, he knew they could face any challenge society threw at them.

"Thank you, Matthew," he said earnestly. "We will make the most of tonight."

The carriage awaited them at the front entrance, its polished black exterior gleaming under the soft light of the lanterns. A footman stood by, ready to assist them.

"Shall we?" Matthew gestured towards the carriage with a gracious smile.

Julian nodded, helping Cordelia into the carriage first, then following her. Matthew took his seat across from them. As the door closed and the carriage began to move, Julian felt excitement and trepidation. But with Cordelia's hand in his and Matthew's supportive presence, he knew they were ready to face whatever the evening held.

The journey to the Wexhall Ball was brief but felt like an eternity to Julian. He stared out the window, watching the city pass by in a blur of lights and shadows, his heart pounding. Cordelia squeezed his hand gently, her touch a grounding force amid the whirlpool of his thoughts.

"Everything will be fine," she whispered, her voice steady and reassuring.

Julian turned to look at her, drawing strength from her calm demeanour. She seemed so at ease, so confident, and he wished he could borrow just a fraction of her poise.

The carriage rolled to a stop, and the footman opened the door, revealing the grand entrance of the Wexhall estate. The mansion was ablaze with light, laughter and music drifting through the open doors. Julian took a deep breath and stepped out, helping Cordelia down and then following Matthew inside.

It was time for him to face what he had feared the most, and truth be told, Julian was not sure if he was more consumed with excitement or terror. He certainly did not feel as wholly scared as he had done before.

Especially as Cordelia held his hand to lead him inside.

At least he could be certain he would never be alone, which was the most important thing of all.