Chapter 10

"You must make the most of every opportunity to be seen by the Duke of Fladbury."

Chloe's father's words haunted her as the carriage wheels crunched over the gravel drive way at the Fairfax residence. It was time for yet another ball, this time held at the home of Seraphina's mother, but even that did not make Chloe feel any more comfortable about this evening. Chloe's heart pounded with anticipation and a touch of anxiety. Despite the ache in her muscles from her accident, she still had to be here. Her father would not let her stay home, not when she was so close to making the right connection with the duke.

The grand entrance hall was a flurry of activity, with liveried foot men hurrying to assist the arriving guests. The strains of music floated through the air, promising an evening of enchantment and intrigue. Chloe stepped gracefully from the carriage, careful not to let her nerves show. Her gown of shimmering ivory silk, the one her mother had painstakingly chosen, caught the light, making her feel almost like a princess. Her golden hair, arranged in an elegant coiffure, added to the illusion. She might have looked her best, but she certainly did not feel it.

Her father offered his arm, and Chloe took it, needing all the strength that she could grasp to help her inside, even if it came from the one person who made her feel more anxious than she thought possible. As they made their way up the stone steps, Chloe caught a glimpse of a sight that made her heart race even faster, Anthony helping his mother alight from their own carriage. Their eyes met across the distance, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away. Chloe felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach, her heart racing at the sight of him. She watched as Anthony's gaze lingered on her, a mixture of longing and sadness in his eyes.

What did that mean?

What did he want to say to her?

She could almost feel him trying to talk, but something was holding him back. Just as it was her… but much as she wanted to stay exactly where she was, her father needed her to continue.

As they entered the hall, Chloe could not help but marvel at the opulence. Stunning crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the guests. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, and the floor was a mosaic of polished marble that seemed to dance under the candle light. Seraphina's mother had to be proud of what she had achieved. This truly might turn out to be the event of the Season… unless the host that followed went even further, of course.

"Remember, Chloe," her father whispered, his tone firm but not unkind as he reminded her yet again, "tonight is important. The Duke will be here. You must seize every opportunity to impress him."

But of course, it was not the duke that she wanted to see tonight. It was him . As they made their way further in to the hall, Chloe's family converged with Anthony's, almost as if fate had brought them in to one another's paths. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw her father give Anthony a cutting look before any words could even be spoken. Anthony's expression fell, his face momentarily contorted with pain before he quickly masked it with a polite smile. Chloe felt a pang of guilt and frustration. What on earth was going on?

"Good evening, Lady James, Lord James," Chloe's father said, his tone courteous but distant. "It is good to see you this evening."

"Good evening, Lord Swift," Lady James replied with a strained smile. "We are delighted to be here."

Chloe could feel the tension in the air, thick and palpable. Her father's animosity toward Anthony was as clear as the crystal chandeliers above them.

Anthony's mother, Lady James, maintained her composure, her smile never faltering despite the evident discomfort. "Lady Chloe, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Your gown is exquisite."

Chloe forced a smile, grateful for Lady James's kind words. "Thank you, Lady James. It is lovely to see you."

Anthony stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Chloe's. "Lady Chloe," he said softly, inclining his head in a respectful bow.

"Lord Anthony," Chloe replied, her voice catching slightly.

She wanted to say more, to ask him about the sadness she had seen in his eyes earlier, but her father's presence loomed over her like a shadow. Their brief, charged moment was abruptly interrupted by a booming voice. "Lord Swift! There you are, old friend!"

Lord Beamont, an old companion of Chloe's father, approached with a broad smile and a firm handshake. His presence was as commanding as his voice, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

"Beamont," Chloe's father replied, his demeanor shifting to one of practiced cordiality. "It has been too long."

Chloe's eyes flickered toward Anthony again, who was now engaged in a polite but superficial conversation with another guest, his face a mask of composed indifference. It seemed like their conversation was already over and done with. She scanned her eyes around the crowd, needing an escape. Just then, she spotted Seraphina, who was engaged in lively conversation with a group of young ladies near the refreshment table, being ever the graceful hostess. Excusing herself from her father, Chloe made her way toward her friend, hoping for a moment of respite.

"Chloe, darling!" Seraphina exclaimed, her face lighting up with genuine delight. "I am so glad you could make it. How are you feeling after your accident?"

Chloe forced a smile, though she appreciated the concern in Seraphina's eyes. "I am managing, thank you. The doctor says I just need to avoid too much exertion for a while."

"So, should you be here?"

Chloe's eyes darkened. "My father would not allow me a night of reprieve."

The two grabbed a lemonade before turning to survey the glittering crowd. The room was a sea of colorful gowns and dashing gentlemen, the air thick with the scent of perfume and the hum of conversation. Chloe tried to lose herself in the moment, to forget the weight of her troubles and simply enjoy the festivities, but her mind kept wandering back to Anthony and the unspoken feelings that hung between them like a delicate veil.

"What will tonight bring?" Seraphina asked her friend excitedly. "I can not wait to find out."

As if he heard her, a pair of young eager lords approached them as the orchestra began to play. Their requests for a dance were accepted, albeit not eagerly. Chloe went through the motions of the dance, her feet moving in time to the music, but her heart was not in it. Her gaze kept drifting to Anthony, who was dancing with his mother on the other side of the room. She could feel the heat of his gaze upon her, the intensity of his emotions barely concealed beneath the veneer of polite society.

"Lady Swift," Lord Pembroke said, his voice breaking through her reverie. "You seem a bit distracted this evening. I hope I am not too dull a companion?"

"Oh, not at all, Lord Pembroke," Chloe replied quickly, forcing a brighter smile as she snapped her attention back to her dancing partner. "I am merely preoccupied with a few family matters, but I assure you, I am enjoying our dance."

"It is not because of your injuries?"

Chloe heated up all over. Of course he knew about her accident with the runaway horse. Everyone did.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Pembroke," Chloe said, her voice steadying as she forced another smile. "I am quite all right, just a little tired."

Lord Pembroke nodded, his eyes lingering on her with a hint of sympathy. "I understand. If you need a moment to rest, please do not hesitate to tell me."

"I appreciate your kindness," Chloe replied, her gaze involuntarily drifting back to Anthony.

He was still with his mother, but his eyes were fixed on Chloe, filled with an emotion that made her heart ache.

The dance came to an end, and Lord Pembroke bowed to her, his manner courteous and respectful. Chloe curtsied in return, grateful for his understanding. As she straightened, she noticed the Duke of Fladbury approaching, his gaze predatory and intent. Her blood ran ice cold. Must she face this already?

"Lady Swift, may I have the honor of this next dance?" Lord Frampton's voice was smooth, almost hypnotic, as he extended his hand.

Yes, it seemed like she really did have to face this already. She supposed that the only benefit was dancing with him now meant she would not be expected to again. Chloe's heart sank, but she knew she could not refuse.

"Of course, Your Grace," she replied, taking his hand with as much grace as she could muster.

As they moved to the center of the floor, Lord Frampton's hand rested possessively on her waist. Chloe fought the urge to recoil from his touch. She knew that she must play her part, that she must smile and laugh and pretend to be enraptured by his every word, but the task felt increasingly impossible with each passing moment. The dance began, and Lord Frampton led her around the floor with a practiced sense of ease.

"You are looking particularly lovely this evening, Lady Swift," he said, his voice low and intimate.

"Thank you, Your Grace," Chloe replied, forcing a smile. "You are very kind."

"I know that you had a bit of an accident recently. I do hope you are fully recovered," Lord Frampton continued, his eyes glittering with a strange intensity.

"Yes, I am quite well now, thank you," Chloe said, trying to keep her tone light. "It was a minor mishap, nothing more. Nothing to worry about."

"I am pleased to hear that," he said, his hand tightening slightly on her waist. "I would hate for anything to mar your beauty."

Chloe's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "You are too kind, Your Grace."

Again, he was complimenting her about the way that she looked, but of course he had still not asked a question about her. As Lord Frampton twirled her around, she found herself in Anthony's direct eye line once more. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with concern and something else she could not quite decipher. Was it jealousy? Anguish? Whatever it was, it made her heart ache even more.

But then Lord Frampton's voice brought her back to the present. "I must say, Lady Swift, you are a vision tonight. I have no doubt you will make a most desirable match this Season."

Chloe's heart sank at his words. She knew he was referring to himself, and the thought filled her with dread. "You flatter me, Your Grace."

"It is not flattery, my dear. It is simply the truth," he said, his smile widening. "I look forward to spending more time together."

His grip on her hand was firm, and as he led her around the room, he continued to speak, his words filling the air with a stream of self importance once more. It was as if he could simply not talk about anyone other than himself.

"…you see, Lady Swift, the tenants there are quite loyal to me, of course. They know they have a fair and generous landlord…"

Much as he did not know anything about her, she was starting to realize that she did not know anything about him, either. All he did was brag.

"…and of course, there is the matter of my stables. I dare say I have the finest horses in all of England. My prize stallion, Apollo, has won numerous races. You should come see him sometime, Lady Swift. I am certain you would be impressed…"

Chloe nodded again, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on her. She was aware that he was trying to impress her, to make himself seem larger than life, but all it did was make her feel smaller, trapped in a conversation she had no interest in. She could not even follow the conversation, much less contribute to it. The dance finally came to an end, and Chloe felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Lord Frampton bowed deeply, his eyes never leaving hers. "Lady Swift, it has been an absolute pleasure."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Chloe said, curtsying. "The pleasure was mine."

It was not long until it was time for the guests to make their way to the dining room for supper. The seating plan had been arranged specifically to place people next to the opposite gender, ensuring a lively conversation throughout the meal. Chloe, to her dismay, found herself seated next to Lord Frampton. On her other side was Lord Pembroke, while across the table sat Anthony and Seraphina. This was a strange nightmare, and again, she could not escape it.

The long table was set with the finest china and crystal, the candles casting a soft glow over the assembled company. The atmosphere was one of elegance and sophistication, yet Chloe felt trapped, the walls closing in around her. Lord Frampton, beside her, continued his monologue about himself. Anthony sat across from her, his gaze upon her, his eyes boring into her very soul. It was as if he could see through the fa?ade she was forced to maintain, as if he knew the turmoil that raged within her. She tried to focus on the conversation around her, to feign interest in Lord Frampton's endless stories of his hunting expeditions and estate affairs, but her heart was not in it. Every word felt hollow, every smile a strain.

"Are you enjoying the evening, Lady Swift?" Lord Frampton asked, his voice dripping with condescension.

"Of course, Your Grace," Chloe replied, forcing a smile. "It is a most delightful gathering."

Anthony's eyes never left her, and she could see the pain and frustration in his expression. He knew she was lying, that she was merely playing the part expected of her. The unspoken words between them felt like a tangible presence, a delicate veil that could tear at any moment. As the meal progressed, Chloe could feel the weight of Lord Frampton's gaze and the persistent emptiness of their conversation bearing down on her. The food tasted like sawdust, and the laughter around her seemed distant and hollow. The meal seemed to last a lifetime, Chloe could not have been more relieved when it came to an end, and it was time for the gentlemen to retire to the billiards room while the ladies withdrew to the drawing room.

The room buzzed with chatter and laughter, but Chloe still felt suffocated by the evening. She could not engage with anyone with her thoughts so scattered. Lord Frampton's constant attention had been truly unpleasant tonight, maybe even worse than ever before. The weight of her father's expectations and the future that loomed ahead pressed down on her, and she knew she needed to escape, if only for a moment.

Seizing the opportunity, she slipped away to the terrace, seeking a moment of solitude. The night air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside. Chloe leaned against the stone balustrade, closing her eyes as she took a deep, steadying breath. The scent of jasmine filled the air, and the gentle rustling of the leaves helped to calm her a little.

But her moment of peace was short lived. The sound of footsteps behind her caused her heart to leap into her throat.

Who was following her now?

She turned, her breath catching as she saw Anthony . He smiled at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and longing. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of their shared history hanging heavily in the air between them.