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Chapter 14

As the evening unfolded, Chloe found herself gliding through the intricate dance steps with various gentlemen, as was expected of her as daughter of the hosts. She even just about managed to hold conversations with everyone, just as she knew her parents would expect her to do. The ballroom buzzed with music and conversation, the atmosphere alive with the elegance of the event, and Chloe was right at the center of all of it, just as she was expected to be.

Yet despite her outward composure, Chloe could not help but be acutely aware of Anthony's presence lingering on the edge of the room. She could feel his eyes upon her, sense his nerves at all times, she could almost feel the anxiety coursing through his veins, which of course spiked it within her as well. This was a lot harder than she had thought it was going to be, and she was sure that he had to feel the same way. Soon, he was going to have to ask her to dance, to get the fake courtship in motion, and he was obviously nervous about it. Chloe wondered how he would feel if he knew that she was thoroughly excited too. She could not push that emotion down because a part of her felt like she was really getting what she wanted at long last.

For Lord Anthony James to belong to her .

It was the start of all her childhood dreams becoming reality.

As the dance ended, Chloe excused herself politely from Lord Howard and made her way to the refreshment table where she could have just a moment of respite. She took a moment to compose herself, stealing glances across the room at Anthony, who was engaged in conversation with his mother. Their eyes met briefly, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. It was time. He was finally working up the courage to claim her as his own.

Chloe's heart fluttered with a mix of apprehension and enthusiasm as she watched Anthony start to move. This was it. The moment they had both been anticipating. Just as Chloe was contemplating their next move and how it was going to feel, a familiar figure approached with a bow. It was Lord Frampton, his arrogance barely concealed behind a charming smile as he reached out his hand to her.

"I believe the next dance set belongs to us."

Chloe's polite smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, accepting his offer with a nod. She could not refuse, not if she wanted to keep enjoying the evening. If she did not want her father breathing down her neck all night long. Unfortunately, she and Anthony were going to have to wait a little while longer. She hoped that he was not too upset about this.

"Of course, Your Grace."

As Chloe placed her hand in Lord Frampton's, she could not help but steal another glance at Anthony. His face remained composed, but she could see the flicker of disappointment in his eyes. She hoped he understood that this was a necessary delay, a part of the intricate dance of societal expectations they both had to navigate. No one wanted to dance with the duke less than her, but right now she could not halt it.

They moved on to the dance floor, Lord Frampton guiding Chloe through the steps with an air of entitlement. As Chloe and Lord Frampton began to waltz, she steeled herself for the usual barrage of self aggrandizing stories. To her surprise, he seemed to take a different approach tonight.

"Did you see Lady Penelope's dress?" he began, his tone dripping with disdain. "Positively atrocious. One would think with her family's wealth, she could afford something more becoming."

Chloe's smile tightened, but she remained silent, allowing him to continue. She was intrigued to see where this might go…

"And Lord Howard," Lord Frampton went on, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Did you know his estate is nearly bankrupt? It is a wonder he still shows his face at these events."

Chloe's heart sank. Lord Frampton's tactic tonight was no less distasteful than his usual boasting. Instead of elevating himself, he was tearing others down, and it only served to put her off even more. She glanced at Anthony, who was now in conversation with a group of guests, his eyes occasionally flicking over to her with concern.

"Your Grace," Chloe interjected, her voice cool and measured, "I am sure everyone here has their own struggles and challenges. It is not our place to judge."

Lord Frampton raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by her response.

"Perhaps," he conceded, though his tone suggested he did not agree. "But one must maintain standards, do you not think?"

Chloe did not dignify that with a response, focusing instead on the steps of the dance. She counted the beats in her head, willing the song to end quickly so she could escape this unpleasant conversation.

"I hear Lord Anthony James has returned from abroad," Lord Frampton continued, his voice now tinged with curiosity. "Interesting fellow, I have heard. Though I wonder what he has been doing all this time. Some say he has been hiding from some scandal."

Chloe's grip on Lord Frampton's hand tightened involuntarily. It was bad enough that he had been horrible about other people, but this was a step too far.

"Lord Anthony is a good man," she said firmly, her eyes flashing. "And a dear friend. I would appreciate it if you refrained from spreading baseless rumors about him."

Lord Frampton looked momentarily chastened, but his smirk quickly returned. "Of course, Lady Chloe. I meant no offense."

"That is quite alright," Chloe replied, her tone carefully neutral. She fought to keep her irritation in check, but his arrogance was becoming increasingly difficult to tolerate.

He was difficult to tolerate.

Yet, amidst her annoyance, a mischievous thought crossed her mind, causing a small smile to tug at her lips. She recalled Sir Winston jumping on Lord Frampton's breeches when he approached her and Seraphina at Hyde Park. The image of Lord Frampton's discomfort and the memory of Sir Winston's antics provided a brief moment of amusement in an otherwise tense situation. But it did not help her get out of this situation. She was stuck here, at least for a little while longer.

Now all she needed to do was try not to laugh out loud, especially as Lord Frampton continued to act like he was truly the most desirable man in the room…

***

Julian smiled smugly to himself.

She was smiling. Chloe was finally coming around to his charms. He just had to make sure he did not say anything more about her so called friend , Anthony. Not that she would be friends with him for much longer, if he had anything to do with it. Perhaps it was for the best that he stopped talking about other people. It was actually a lot easier when he spoke about himself. He was a fascinating subject, so why not?

"Have I ever told you about the time I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro?" he asked, his voice brimming with excitement. He did not wait for her to respond before launching in to the tale. "It was grueling, but I made it to the top in record time. The view was breath taking, of course. Not everyone can handle that kind of challenge, but I thrive on it. I have always thrived upon a challenge, which is why I have the reputation that I do. As someone brave and strong."

As he spoke, his eyes flicked around the room, assessing the reactions of others. He took note of the admiring glances from some of the younger ladies, the envious looks from the gentlemen. This was his realm, his stage, and he relished every moment of it. He needed to continue, to try and draw more eyes his way. He wanted everyone to look at her.

"You should have seen the sun rise from the summit," he said, his voice filled with self satisfaction. "It was a sight unlike any other, a testament to the rewards of perseverance and bravery. I have never met anyone else who has achieved the same things that I have."

He barely noticed Chloe's disinterest, nor did he care. He had her under his spell now, the chasing part was done. Anyway, his stories were for his own enjoyment as much as anyone else's. He thrived on the sound of his own voice, the admiration of others, and the knowledge that he was, without doubt, the most fascinating person in the room.

When Chloe responded with a light, conversational tone, "It sounds like quite an adventure, Your Grace. You must have felt a great sense of accomplishment," he puffed up even more.

Her words, even if insincere, were enough to feed his ego.

"Absolutely, Lady Chloe," he responded, his chest swelling with pride. "Few people understand the true meaning of accomplishment. It is not just about reaching the summit, but about the journey itself, the obstacles overcome, and the sheer will power required. It is a metaphor for life, really."

As the dance continued, now that his ego had been fed, Julian found himself increasingly fixated on Chloe once more. She was different from the other women he had courted, more challenging, more elusive. Her initial resistance only made her more desirable in his eyes. Even now that she was under his spell, he knew that he had to keep grabbing her attention or it might wander. That was something he had never experienced before. He began to envision a future where she was his, a future where he could show her off as his prize.

What had started off as a bit of a game for himself had now become something he desperately needed. She really was the one he wanted by his side always.

Julian's mind raced with the possibilities of a future with Chloe. The thrill of the chase was evolving into something deeper, something more urgent. The idea of possessing her, of having her look at him with admiration and maybe even love, drove him to new heights of determination. He watched her carefully, noting the subtle shifts in her expression, the way her eyes flicked around the room as if seeking escape. He could not allow that. She needed to see him as the only option, the only man worthy of her time and attention.

He was determined to solidify his hold on Chloe's attention, to ensure she saw him as the most captivating presence in her life. He decided that their next outing would have to be something truly exceptional, something that would leave a lasting impression. An idea struck him, and he couldn't help but smile to himself.

"Lady Chloe," he began, his voice smooth and confident, "are you looking forward to our trip to the opera?"

Chloe glanced up at him, her expression momentarily guarded before she offered him a polite smile. "Yes, Your Grace. I am quite looking forward to it."

Julian's smile widened, his confidence bolstered by her response. "Excellent. It will be an evening to remember, I assure you. The opera is one of my greatest passions. There is something profoundly moving about the combination of music and drama. I do not have much time for pastimes, because of my terribly busy lifestyle, but I will always make time for the opera."

"I can imagine," Chloe replied, her tone measured. "I have heard much about its beauty."

He seized the opportunity to delve into another tale. "I remember the first time I attended an opera. It was in Vienna, Italy, the heart of music…"

The dance was drawing to a close, and Julian led Chloe to the edge of the dance floor. As the final notes of the music played, he bowed gracefully, and she curtsied in return.

"Thank you for the dance, Your Grace," Chloe said, her voice soft and polite.

"The pleasure was all mine," he replied, his eyes lingering on her. "I look forward to our evening at the opera."

As they walked, Lord Frampton felt a swell of pride. She was perfect. Her grace, her beauty, her poise… all would be excellent additions to his status.

He was grateful that he had found her. This Season was most certainly going to be the most exciting one he had experienced. Maybe it would the one where everything came together in his life at long last…

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