Chapter 19

The morning dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for a garden tea party. Chloe stood in front of her mirror, her maid adjusting the final bow on her gown. The dress was a soft lavender, delicate lace trimming the hem and sleeves. Despite the beauty of her attire, Chloe's thoughts were far from the fashion of the day. They were consumed with memories of Anthony and the magical moment they had shared in Richmond Park the previous day… the moment that she had almost learned the truth about everything at long last.

"Chloe, are you ready?" her mother called from downstairs.

Chloe took a deep breath, trying to push her emotions to the side. "Yes, Mother. I am coming."

It was not just her mother waiting for her though. Her father was there too, with all the pressures that he had to press down on her. Chloe held her breath, hoping desperately that the rants did not start right away. Luckily, or unluckily, Chloe was not quite sure how to view it, the journey was a surprisingly silent one.

As they arrived at the Wilton estate, Chloe's senses were overwhelmed by the grandeur of the event. The sprawling gardens were a sea of vibrant colors, with tables adorned with delicate china and vases overflowing with fragrant blooms. Lady Wilton, a prominent member of the ton, had outdone herself, creating an elegant affair that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. If Chloe was not so tense, she might have been able to really enjoy this.

Chloe and her parents stepped in to the garden, immediately surrounded by the buzz of polite conversation and the clinking of tea cups. Her gaze swept over the guests, searching for familiar faces. But instead of the comfort of friends, her eyes fell upon Lord Frampton. He stood tall and imposing among the other guests, his presence commanding attention as always. And that was when it happened.

Her father leaned in close, his voice low and stern. "Chloe, remember to be on your best behavior. The duke will be watching you."

Chloe nodded, a knot forming in her stomach. "Of course, Father."

Why would Lord Frampton be watching her? Had he not had enough of her by now? Was she really going to have to endure him again?

They made their way through the garden, exchanging pleasantries with other guests. Chloe tried to maintain a polite smile, but her mind kept wandering as she thought about the only person that she did want to see once more. She longed to see Anthony, to feel the warmth of his presence and the comfort of his touch. He would make this day feel so much better.

"Lady Swift, it is a pleasure to see you again," Lord Frampton's voice interrupted her thoughts, almost as if he could sense that she was thinking about the man she really wanted to talk to.

She turned to find him standing before her, his eyes cold and calculating despite the charming smile he wore.

"Your Grace," she replied, curtsying. "It is a pleasure to see you also."

As he straightened, her father stepped forward, his expression one of approval. "Your Grace. My daughter has been looking forward to this event."

Chloe forced a smile, nodding in agreement. "Yes, it is a beautiful gathering."

She did not know what she was supposed to say to this man. She never knew what to say to him because he caused knots of anxiety to swirl through her, especially with her father's eyes resting judgmentally upon her.

"Ah, I can see a business associate of mine," Lord Frampton declared, much to Chloe's relief. She was not sure why he was not sticking around for longer, but she was truly grateful for it. "I must go and speak with him about something. I hope you will excuse me."

"Of course, Your Grace," Chloe replied, curtsying again. "Please, do not let us keep you."

Lord Frampton nodded and walked away, leaving Chloe feeling a mix of relief and frustration. Her father's gaze lingered on her, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Remember, Chloe," he said in a low voice, "this is an important opportunity. Do not waste it."

"I understand, Father," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As her father turned to engage in conversation with another guest, Chloe seized the chance to escape. Spotting Seraphina by the refreshment table, she made her way over, grateful for a momentary reprieve from the pressures of the event.

"Seraphina," Chloe greeted warmly, "thank goodness you are here."

Seraphina turned, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "Chloe! I have been looking forward to seeing you as well. I have to say, I love that color on you."

"Thank you," Chloe replied, feeling a bit more at ease. "You look lovely as well."

They chatted about trivial matters for a little while, Chloe's tension gradually easing with each passing minute. The laughter and easy conversation with her friend provided a much needed distraction from the weight of her father's expectations and the looming presence of Lord Frampton.

At least that was how she felt until he appeared. Anthony. With his mother. They were here at last. Their presence sent a flutter of excitement through her body, and she could not help but steal glances in their direction. Anthony's eyes found hers across the garden, and in that moment, everything else seemed to just fade away. The intensity of their shared gaze spoke volumes, conveying unspoken words and emotions that stirred Chloe's heart.

Just as she felt a rush of warmth and anticipation, Lord Frampton approached her once more, his presence disrupting the fragile moment between her and Anthony. He greeted Chloe with a courteous smile, offering his arm.

"Lady Swift, may I escort you to the garden tea table?" Lord Frampton asked with a sly smile. It was almost as if he knew that this was the worst possible moment to come for her.

Lord Frampton's smile widened as Chloe hesitated, her eyes flickering between him and Anthony. She felt Seraphina's concerned gaze upon her, but Chloe could not bring herself to meet her friend's eye. What other choice did she have? Lord Frampton was a powerful man, and her father had made it clear that this interaction was crucial.

"Of course, Your Grace," Chloe finally replied, her voice betraying a hint of resignation. "Thank you very much, how kind of you."

She placed her hand on Lord Frampton's proffered arm, a gesture that felt forced compared to the easy warmth she shared with Anthony. Lord Frampton guided her through the garden, speaking about…

Well. Chloe was not sure. His business, she assumed, but it seemed to be yet another conversation that she did not need to be a part of. As they walked, Chloe's thoughts were miles away, back to Richmond Park and the moments she had spent with Anthony, where she would much rather be. The connection they had felt was undeniable, yet here she was, arm in arm with the Duke of Fladbury, a man whose presence filled her with dread rather than delight. But Lord Frampton continued to talk regardless of her increasingly darkening mood.

"…the Wilton estate is known for its beauty, much like its hostess. Speaking of beauty, I must say, you look exceptionally lovely today."

Lord Frampton's words felt hollow, but Chloe forced a polite smile. "Thank you, Your Grace. The estate is indeed beautiful." So they were talking about the party. She had caught up at last.

As they reached the garden tea table, Chloe noticed the seating arrangements. Lady Wilton had meticulously planned the seating, and Chloe found herself positioned directly across from Anthony. The proximity was both thrilling and torturous, a constant reminder of what her heart truly desired. Especially because Lord Frampton was to take the seat beside her.

As the other guests took their seats, Chloe felt the heat of Anthony's gaze on her, and she dared to steal a glance at him. The intensity in his striking blue eyes sent a shiver down her spine, but she quickly looked away, aware of Lord Frampton's scrutinizing presence beside her. If the duke was talking to her father, then she did not want to give him anything to report back.

Lord Frampton talked. He talked endlessly. Chloe made agreeable noises every so often, but that was all she needed to give thank goodness. This was all hard enough. She did not even have the strength to drink her tea… just as the discomfort was really starting to get to Chloe, Lady Wilton's voice cut through the low hum of chatter.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a delightful suggestion. Why not partake in a game of Battledore and Shuttlecock? Or perhaps a stroll in the rose garden for those who prefer a more leisurely activity?"

Chloe's heart quickened. She dreaded the idea of spending any more time near Lord Frampton. She certainly did not want to play any more games with him. Not when she knew that he was obsessed with games…

She glanced around the garden, seeking a means of escape. Her eyes found Anthony across the table, his striking blue eyes already fixed on her. He seemed to sense her unease, and in an instant, he was moving towards her.

"Chloe," he said, his voice gentle yet firm, "would you care to join me for a turn in the rose garden?"

Chloe's heart skipped a beat. She looked up at him, seeing not just the boy she had once known but a man who was always going to be there for her, no matter what.

"I would be delighted, Anthony," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Thank you."

As she rose, she could feel the eyes of the others upon them. Most notably, she felt the intense, disapproving gaze of her father. She avoided his eyes, not wanting to see the anger and disappointment she knew would be there. She took Anthony's offered arm, and they made their way to the rose garden where they could finally have a moment to breathe. The scent of roses greeted them as they walked down the gravel path. The garden was a symphony of color and fragrance, the blooms in full display.

Chloe's pulse was racing, each step feeling like a small rebellion against the constraints that had bound her for so long. Anthony glanced at her, his expression softening.

"You seemed rather trapped at the tea table," he said quietly. "Like you were not enjoying yourself at all."

Chloe sighed, the tension easing slightly as they put distance between themselves and everyone else. "Thank you for rescuing me. Lord Frampton's attentions are becoming unbearable."

Anthony's jaw tightened at the mention of the duke. "Yes, I have noticed that."

As they strolled through the fragrant blooms, chaperoned by the ever-watchful Rose, Chloe longed to ask Anthony about his abrupt departure years ago once more, but something in his demeanor held her back. She sensed that this was not the time to bring up things from that difficult time in their lives. She could only hope that the time would come when they could talk about it all. Instead, she steered the conversation towards a cherished childhood memory, one that never failed to bring a smile to her face.

"Do you remember," she began, a hint of mischief in her voice, "the time we snuck into the kitchen at your family's estate, drawn by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked biscuits?"

Anthony's expression softened, a nostalgic smile playing at the corners of his lips. "How could I forget? We waited until the cook's back was turned, then quickly snatched a handful of the warm, buttery treats and giggled as we made our escape."

Chloe laughed, the memory vivid and sweet. "I can still taste those biscuits. They were the best I have ever had. We thought we were so clever, but we left a trail of crumbs all the way to the stables. Your mother knew exactly what we had done."

Anthony chuckled, the sound rich and comforting. "Yes, she did. But instead of scolding us, she simply smiled and told us to be more careful next time. She always had a soft spot for you."

The rose garden was a beautiful, serene escape from the pressures of the party, and Chloe felt her spirits lift as they wandered deeper into its heart. Anthony's laughter rang out, the sound warm and genuine as he recalled the fun that they had once shared. For a brief instant, the years melted away, and they were those care free children once more, bound by a bond that had seemed unbreakable.

Eventually, they automatically made their way back to the party because they knew that they could not be missing for too long, the noise and bustle of the gathering gradually enveloping them once more.

Anthony paused, turning to face her. "I was wondering, Lady Chloe, if you would do me the honor of accompanying me to the promenade hour tomorrow."

Chloe's breath caught, her heart skipping a beat. Was this the fake courtship or did he really want to spend time with her? Either way, her answer was going to be the same.

"I would be delighted," she said, unable to keep the smile from her face.

Anthony's eyes sparkled with relief and joy. "Wonderful. I shall call for you at three o'clock."

"I shall be ready," Chloe promised.

Her heart fluttered at the idea of spending more time with Anthony. As they rejoined the other guests, Chloe and Anthony were greeted by the sight of Lord Swift and Lord Frampton engaged in hushed conversation, their heads bent together conspiratorially. Chloe's heart sank, knowing her father's machinations were likely at play. Lord Frampton's cold gaze briefly flicked to her and Anthony before he returned his attention to her father. Chloe exchanged a worried glance with Anthony, who gave her a reassuring smile. Not that it did anything to make her feel any better…

All of a sudden, she spotted Lord Frampton walking determinedly towards her. She was not going to escape this, however much she wanted to.

"Anthony…"

"Lady Swift," Lord Frampton interrupted, his tone smooth and commanding. "Would you do me the honor of joining me for a game of battledore and shuttlecock? I have yet to find a partner worthy of the challenge."

Before Chloe could respond, Lord Frampton took her arm, whisking her away from Anthony. She cast a helpless glance back at Anthony, who stood there, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. Lord Frampton's smug grin as he glanced back at Anthony only deepened Chloe's unease.

"Your Grace, I am not very good at…" Chloe started, but Lord Frampton cut her off.

"Nonsense, Lady Chloe. I am certain you will enjoy this diversion. It is a delightful game, and I am confident we will make an excellent team."

Chloe forced a smile, her mind racing. She had no choice but to play along, knowing her father's eyes were likely on her, watching her every move. As they began the game, Lord Frampton's competitive nature became evident. He played aggressively, his smirk never leaving his face. Chloe did her best to keep up, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Anthony and the promise of their meeting tomorrow. That was the only thing getting her through this nightmare.

During a brief pause in the game, Lord Frampton leaned in, his voice low. "I must say, Lady Chloe, you have quite the talent. It is no wonder your father speaks so highly of you."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Chloe replied, her tone polite but distant. She wished she could be anywhere else, preferably back with Anthony. If she were playing a game with him, she was sure that she would be enjoying herself.

The game continued, and Chloe tried to focus, but her heart was not in it. Lord Frampton's presence was overbearing, his intentions clear. She felt trapped, a pawn in her father's and Lord Frampton's plans. She was scared that it was already too late for her to change the course of her future.