CHAPTER 4

"Yes, I think the dinner was wonderful last night," Victoria exclaimed over the breakfast table. "Lady Arabella had a lovely time and I think she made a great impression."

Wesley somehow resisted the urge to contort his face in utter horror. Did everyone else not see what she did last night? Were the rest of his family blind to how Lady Arabella had behaved? He'd had an awful tine with her, and truly did not wish to see her again.

He tried to catch Harriet's eyes, but she seemed to be pointedly avoiding his gaze. It seemed that she saw how little fun Wesley had had over the dinner table, even if his mother did not see it. That was something at least.

"Her parents were very interested in you as well, Wesley, which I am sure is good to hear," Victoria continued as if she did not sense the sizzling tension in the room at all. "I am confident that we shall soon be able to commence our endeavours forthwith. I am excited to see what the future holds for the two of you."

Wesley forced a polite smile, his mind racing to find a way to articulate his discontent without causing a scene. "Yes, Mother, it was certainly an... eventful evening," he replied carefully, hoping to convey his displeasure without outright saying it. "A lot happened, I would say."

Victoria, however, seemed oblivious to his hesitation. "Eventful indeed! Lady Arabella has such charm and poise. She will make a splendid match for you, and the way that she looks at you, Wesley, I can see that she likes you too!"

Wesley's stomach churned at the thought. He had found Lady Arabella to be pretentious and insufferable, her laughter grating and her conversation hollow. The idea of spending any more time with her, let alone considering her as a future partner, was unbearable.

He glanced again at Harriet, who was now stirring her tea with unusual vigor. Their eyes finally met, and he saw a flicker of understanding and sympathy. Harriet could no longer ignore what Welsey was going through. She clucked her tongue and finally spoke up for him.

"Mother," Harriet interjected gently, setting her tea cup down. "Perhaps Wesley should have a say in this matter. It is important that he feels comfortable with whoever he spends his time with. They have not had enough time to get to know one another yet."

Victoria looked mildly surprised at Harriet's suggestion but quickly brushed it off. "Nonsense, Harriet. Wesley is perfectly capable of making his own decisions, and I am sure he understands the importance of this alliance."

He gritted his teeth together angrily. "Yes, alliance… I understand that."

For his social and business interests, this was probably the best thing that he could do… but that did not stop his heart from remaining discouraged and disengaged. There was never going to be a way that he could find it in his heart to want to marry someone just because it was the right thing to do.

Victoria was not going to let it go easily though. She was certainly stuck on the idea that Lady Arabella was the woman for him. It was endlessly frustrating, but he simply did not know what he could do to make her understand his point of view. She was even more thrilled that a ball in the evening would give them more time together…

It was actually a relief when breakfast came to an end, and Wesley could leave the pressure behind for a little while. He already had plans to go fencing with Edward, which would hopefully get his mind off the idea of an unpleasant marriage anchored solely in societal benefits, which left him feeling confined. He wanted more for his life, he wanted to stretch away from these inherited obligations.

As Wesley strode towards the stables, the crisp morning air filled his lungs, bringing a sense of temporary freedom. The thought of fencing with Edward was the only bright spot in his day. Edward had been his best friend since childhood, a steady confidant who never judged but always listened and that was exactly what he needed right now.

Wesley found Edward already waiting, his fencing gear meticulously arranged on a wooden bench. The sight of his friend's familiar, easy smile brought Wesley some comfort. "Morning, Wesley," Edward greeted, clapping him on the back. "You look like you've had a run in with a particularly unpleasant ghost."

Wesley chuckled, though it was devoid of humor. "You might say that. Lady Arabella is not quite the spirit I want haunting my future."

Edward raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? I see. The dinner did not go well then, I take it? What was it about her?"

Wesley sighed, beginning to suit up. "It is not just her. It's the whole charade. My mother is convinced she is the perfect match, but I can not stand the thought of spending another evening with her, let alone a lifetime."

"So, you are still thinking about looking for love then?" Edward asked. "And you have not yet tried to tell your mother that?"

"Oh, I have tried, but she will not listen." He rolled his eyes. "She does not want to hear anything that I have to say."

The two men took their positions, the clash of their swords ringing out in the still morning air. With each strike and parry, Wesley felt his tension slowly dissipate, his thoughts becoming clearer. He knew Edward was right. He would have to confront his mother eventually, but for now, the rhythmic dance of fencing was a welcome distraction. He could not let his mother get too far with her plans, or he would never be able to escape the life that lay before him, the one with Lady Arabella.

If only he could meet someone who immediately captured his heart. Someone who his mother might find just as suitable. Then all of his problems would be solved.

***

Wesley stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his cravat for what felt like the hundredth time. His hands were unsteady, betraying the nerves that had been building up inside him all day, ever since he had finished fencing with Edward. Tonight's ball was no ordinary social event; it was another opportunity for his mother to parade Lady Arabella in front of him, hoping to solidify what she perceived as a perfect match.

The candle light flickered, casting shadows on the polished surface of the mahogany dresser. Wesley straightened his jacket, the deep navy blue fabric feeling constricting and heavy. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm the anxiety gnawing at him. This evening would be a test of his resolve.

A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Wesley, are you ready?" It was Harriet, her voice gentle yet insistent.

"Yes, I am coming," he replied, giving his reflection one last scrutinizing glance. He opened the door to find Harriet looking elegant in her evening gown, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and encouragement.

"You look dashing, brother," she said with a small smile. "You shall be the envy of many tonight."

Wesley chuckled lightly, though his heart wasn't in it. "If only I felt as confident as I look."

Harriet placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Remember, you are not alone in this endeavour. Simply be true to yourself, and all shall fall into place. You will win the affections of the lady of your dreams."

***

Her words gave him a small measure of comfort as they made their way downstairs. The grand staircase seemed more imposing than usual, each step echoing with the weight of his apprehension. At the bottom, their mother waited for them, radiating with intense excitement.

"Ah, there you are, Wesley," Victoria exclaimed, her eyes bright with anticipation. "You look splendid! Lady Arabella will be delighted."

Wesley forced a smile. "Thank you, Mother. I am sure it will be another interesting night ahead."

They stepped outside, the cool evening air providing a brief respite from the tension. The carriage awaited, its polished exterior gleaming under the light of the candle lamps. The horses stamped their hooves impatiently, their breath visible in the chill.

As they settled in to the carriage, Wesley found himself wedged between Harriet and his mother, the latter immediately launching in to a monologue about the importance of the evening. He tuned out most of her words, his mind preoccupied with how he would navigate the social mine field that awaited him.

"Well, Mother, as you know," Harriet interjected with a much too bright tone, worrying Wesley that she was about to start some trouble. "I am looking for a love match. I have been thinking about the man I wish to marry throughout my whole life, and I hope to meet him at an event just like this one. Who knows what will happen."

Victoria frowned. "Do not forget the importance of wealth and status. In our circles, they mean everything."

The contrast between Harriet's romanticism and their mother's practicality left Wesley feeling conflicted. He sympathized with Harriet's romantic ideals, yet understood the realities of their societal duties. He just was not sure where his true desires lay. He had no idea what he would end up doing.

The journey to the ball felt both interminably long and yet too short. Before he knew it, they were pulling up to the grand estate, its windows ablaze with light and the sound of music and laughter spilling out into the night. Footmen stood ready to assist them, their livery immaculate. The anxiety that had been coursing through him before now threatened to overwhelm his senses; this affair promised to be far from enjoyable. Not if he were to be thrust into the company of Lady Arabella for the entirety of the evening.

"Lady Grace Talbot has put on quite the fine evening, do you not think?" his mother asked as they made their way inside to a very opulent ballroom. "Tonight will be truly thrilling."

There were a lot of people already in attendance, all in their finest gowns, talking and gossiping excitedly among themselves. It was an interesting sight that Wesley might have stepped back and enjoyed if he were not so worried about the moment he spotted Lady Arabella.

"Wesley," his mother snapped, drawing his attention back to the present moment. "Please, greet our host."

Wesley immediately plastered on the smile he used while in public, and dealing with the ton, and bowed gracefully to Lady Grace. "Thank you very much for inviting us to this wonderful ball, Lady Grace Talbot. It is an honour to be here."

She smiled and blushed graciously, inclining her head. "The honour is mine, Lord Wesley. I trust you will enjoy the evening."

Wesley nodded, offering a polite smile, but his thoughts were already drifting. The room was a swirl of colors and sounds, the laughter and chatter of the elite merging into a cacophony that both overwhelmed and entranced him. He caught glimpses of familiar faces, friends from childhood, distant relatives, and, of course, the ever watchful eyes of potential suitors and their chaperones.

This was a lot, for everyone, and the thought that it was only the start of the Season truly worried him. How on earth was he going to survive all of this? How on earth would he get through?

"Come on," his mother hissed once they were done greeting the host. "Let us mingle. We must try to find Lady Arabella to make sure you are the first name on her dance card. We would not want anyone else to get in there first."

Wesley somehow managed to resist the urge to roll his eyes. He would have to find a way to dance with Lady Arabella, because it would be expected of him, but that was all he would do. No one would be able to make him do more.