Chapter 10

"Esther, wear this." Harriet rushed into her room with a wooden box in her hand. "We are hosting a ball after quite some time."

Esther watched her in the mirror. "Another necklace, I presume?"

Harriet nodded and pulled out a beautiful pearl necklace out of the box. "But not just any necklace. I wore this on the night your brother proposed to me."

Esther looked up at her. "Are you certain you want to hand it to me?"

Harriet smiled softly as if relishing the memory. "Perhaps if His Grace sees you tonight in this necklace, he might just change his mind about your arrangement."

Esther couldn't help but roll her eyes, but she smiled, nonetheless. "The world does not work like the stories we read."

"Peculiar." Harriet tilted her head to the side, frowning a little. "That does not sound like something you'd say."

"Yes," Esther looked back in the mirror with a sigh. "In a perfect world, I wouldn't have."

There was a brief silence which Harriet broke with a whisper. She stood behind Esther and clasped the pearl necklace around her neck.

"I do not know what's always on your mind, but the Esther I know is bold and unafraid. A little quick to anger, but she has a heart as large as the ocean. This world might not be perfect, but Esther makes the most of it."

Esther laughed gently. "I sometimes wish that night had not happened, Harriet."

Harriet's arms wrapped around her from behind.

"When will you girls come out of there? The guests will arrive soon. Come," Lavinia interrupted, poking her head around the door.

"All right. We'll be there." Harriet let go of her sister-in-law. "Come on, Esther."

Esther descended the grand staircase as graciously as she could, but she felt nervous. Her gown, a creation of delicate ivory silk, hugged her figure in all the right places, falling in layers of ethereal fabric that trailed behind her with every step. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace, its patterns shimmering in the soft glow of the chandeliers, while smooth pearls and crystals sparkled like stars against the smooth expanse of fabric.

Her hair, swept up into an elaborate coiffure, was a work of art in itself. Tendrils of blonde curls framed her face, softening the angular lines of her features and accentuating the delicate curve of her neck. A few strategically placed jewels glimmered amidst the waves of her hair, catching the light and casting a subtle glow on her radiant complexion.

As she made her way into the ballroom, she was accompanied by her mother and her sister-in-law. She held onto them firmly for her own sake, realizing just how many eyes glanced her way.

As Esther observed the elegant soirée unfolding before her, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation stirring within her chest. It was a sensation she was unaccustomed to, particularly when it came to attending balls, yet tonight there was an undeniable excitement coursing through her veins, a sense of anticipation that she couldn't quite explain.

As if on cue, the grand doors of the ballroom swung open, and in strode William, accompanied by his friend Duncan. Esther's heart skipped a beat as she watched them approach, her pulse quickening with each measured step they took. William passed his greetings to the family as he approached her.

She couldn't help but feel a surge of defiance rising within her. Tonight, she had resolved to cast aside the constraints of propriety and societal expectations, to embrace the freedom of indulging in her desires without fear of judgment or consequence.

"Greetings. I see that you manage to look more radiant every single event." William gave a small smile.

For a fleeting moment, Esther considered brushing off his compliment with a dismissive remark but decided against it. "Why, thank you, William," she replied. "You don't look half bad yourself. Did you trim your hair?"

A hint of amusement danced in his eyes. It was a rare moment of camaraderie between them, a fleeting glimpse of the genuine connection that lay beneath the surface of their carefully constructed facade.

"A dance, My Lady?" William offered her his hand.

"I would be most delighted." Esther took his hand.

William stared at her and raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"You responded to me straightforwardly without any insults again. What a miracle." He guided her to the middle of the ballroom.

"Shall I revert to old habits?" Esther put a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't mind either way. Just curiosity." William put his hand on her waist.

"Let me be one less burden to you tonight, Your Grace."

He looked like he wanted to protest, but the orchestra began to play, and the other dancers started moving.

As the music began to swell and envelop them in its melodic embrace, Esther felt herself being swept away by the rhythm and tempo of the waltz. At that moment, there was nothing else in the world but the two of them, moving in perfect harmony across the polished dance floor.

As he twirled her around with effortless grace, Esther couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration coursing through her veins. This was what she had been longing for, what she had been yearning to experience. It was fleeting, and it would be over, but she would take this.

But when he pulled her back, he held her so close against his chest that she could feel his heart beating under her palm. His large hand, warm and protective, rested on the small of her back as his thumb slowly stroked her spine. It sent shivers up her spine, the way he touched her, and she looked up to find his gaze on her face. His eyes searched hers intently as the slightest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lip.

Emily's mouth went dry as her heart jumped. It almost felt like he was in love with her, and she strengthened her resolve to not crumble with shyness.

"You know, I almost forgot how charming you are when you're not being insufferable," she said to dispel the tension.

"Ah, there it is," he quipped. "I must admit, it's a welcome change from your usual scathing remarks."

Esther rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please, don't flatter yourself. I reserve my most scathing remarks for special occasions."

William raised an eyebrow in mock indignation. "And here I was thinking I was the only one who got to witness your sharp tongue."

"Well, consider yourself lucky," she teased. "You're a rare exception to my rule of being ruthlessly honest."

William flashed her a charming smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment. After all, it's not every day I get to be the exception to your rule."

Silence ensued as they continued to dance, and William's gaze felt heavy on her once more. The air between them felt charged, and Esther felt so irresistibly pulled to him that her lips ached. She tried to keep her eyes off his mouth, but the urge to kiss him grew with each twirl that had his hand sliding across her waist.

Every time he pulled her in, she had to remind herself that they were in company and that she couldn't lose herself in the moment and kiss him.

"I must say, you're not as terrible a dancer as I initially thought," she said suddenly to push those thoughts out of her mind.

William chuckled. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment," he replied with a smirk. "Though I must say, you're not exactly an easy partner to keep up with."

Esther rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please," she retorted. "I'm sure it's not any easier being the Duke of Harcourt, but I suppose someone has to do it."

He nodded in agreement, but then Esther said something that not only surprised her but him as well.

"I'm glad it's you, though," she murmured. "I'm glad it's you who I'm dancing with."

* * *

William was taken aback by her words, for they sounded so sincere. Though it wouldn't be the first time he'd been appreciated, it was the first time it was for who he was as a person. Not because he was a good son or brother, but simply because he was him.

Esther's playful demeanor faltered as soon as she'd said it, her gaze darting away from his face to land on something in the distance. William's brow furrowed in concern as he followed her gaze, but whatever had caught her attention remained a mystery to him.

"Is everything all right?" he asked softly, his voice laced with genuine concern.

But Esther remained silent, her expression unreadable as she continued to stare off into the distance.

As they continued their dance, William couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that lingered in the air. Esther's once lively demeanor had dulled, her steps growing increasingly mechanical as they moved across the dance floor. Though he longed to inquire about the sudden change in her mood, he knew better than to push her further.

Instead, he silently guided her off the dance floor and back to where her family was seated, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. But as they drew closer, William couldn't help but notice the way the color drained from her cheeks, leaving her pale and withdrawn.

Concerned, he offered her a supportive smile, his grip on her waist tightening ever so slightly. "Are you feeling all right, Esther? You seem a bit… distracted."

Esther forced a weak smile in response. "I'm fine, William. Just… a bit tired, that's all."

But William wasn't convinced. He had known Esther long enough to recognize when something was amiss, and the haunted look in her eyes told him that there was more to her fatigue than met the eye.

As he greeted the approaching guests, his eyes kept straying back to her, unable to shake the concern that gnawed at his insides. He noticed the furrow in her brow, the way her gaze darted around the room apprehensively, as if she'd be attacked at any moment.

Though he was engaged in polite conversation with a visiting gentleman, William's focus remained entirely on Esther. Every instinct screamed at him to go to her, to offer whatever comfort and reassurance she needed. But he knew he had to tread carefully, mindful of the delicate balance of their relationship.

Then, just as he was about to excuse himself from the conversation, William noticed her whispering something to her sister-in-law before slipping away into the crowd. His heart clenched as he watched her go, a sense of urgency propelling him into action.

After apologizing hastily to the gentleman, he discreetly slipped away in the direction Esther had gone. He navigated the throng of guests with practiced ease, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of her.

With stealth, William ensured that no prying eyes followed him as he discreetly escaped into a hallway and made his way upstairs, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floors. His heart raced with a mix of apprehension and determination.

As he reached the top of the staircase, his eyes scanned the dimly lit hallway, searching for any sign of Esther. And then, just as he was about to lose hope, he spotted her silhouette in the distance by a door, her figure bathed in the soft glow of candlelight.

Without hesitation, he quickened his pace, his footsteps growing more resolute with each passing moment. He reached her side just as she disappeared into one of the adjoining chambers, the door closing behind her with a soft click.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, William raised his hand to knock on the door, his heart pounding in his chest. He hesitated for a moment, uncertainty gnawing at his resolve, before finally gathering the courage to announce his presence.

"Esther?" he called softly as he rapped gently on the door. "It's me, William. May I come in?"

There was a moment of tense silence during which his heart hammered in his chest. And then, to his relief, he heard movement from within the room, followed by the sound of the lock turning.

With a sense of trepidation, William pushed open the door and stepped inside, his eyes immediately seeking out Esther's form in the dimly lit chamber. She stood by the window, her back turned to him as she gazed out at the moonlit landscape beyond.

As he closed the door behind him, the soft click echoing in the quiet chamber, he found himself standing before Esther's bed, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. He watched her closely, taking in the exhaustion etched on her face, the weariness that seemed to weigh heavily on her shoulders.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence between them stretching taut with uncertainty. And then, with a sigh, Esther finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with exhaustion as she spoke.

"Why did you follow me, William?" she asked softly, her eyes searching for answers. She looked furious, but she looked too tired to sound like it. "Does the Duke not know not to follow ladies to their chambers?"

He frowned, offended by her tone. "What wears on your mind?"

"With all due respect, that is none of your business. This is my room, so no one will hear you here." She hugged her knees as she leaned against the headboard.

"I am only here to ask about you. And yet you keep this nonsense attitude of yours." William walked closer to her.

"I request to be left alone."

"And I refuse."

Esther looked up at him, but there was no strength or fire in her eyes. He couldn't find it in himself to chide her, but if that was what it took for her to listen…

"Esther." He sat down next to her. "Tell me what happened. I can help."

"Why?" she asked curtly.

He remained silent.

She sighed, and the more he looked at her, the smaller she looked. Her eyes were glossy, and her breathing was ragged. She looked scared.

"I want you to tell me why you left the ballroom." William took her hand in his.

"I… I am fine." She pulled her hand away. "I…"

"I implore you to share," he pressed, his voice low.

She looked at him for a moment. "I cannot… Not today, Your Grace."

"I don't understand you," he spoke firmly.

What was this dismissive demeanor? It struck a nerve with him.

"One moment you laugh with me, and the next you try to slip away." His voice rose, and it shouldn't have, but good Lord was she testing him. He held her shoulders while he stared right into her eyes. "Why is it that you don't want to let me get to know you?"

"Why do you care to get to know me, Your Grace?" She held his gaze, and it irked him more. "Soon, this will be over, and you will go back to being the Duke, and I…"

"And you?" He pulled her towards him.

She didn't respond. Slowly, she tilted her head, and her gaze fell to his lips. William realized that this was probably too far. He should let go and leave this chamber, this ball, this engagement, this woman…

"I'll be nothing at all," she huffed softly.

And he should have put his head down and thought rationally. But something inside him broke. He would not let himself be disregarded…

He cursed under his breath before he leaned in and captured her lips. He did not know what went on in his head, but he did not give her a second to react. He pushed his tongue into her mouth and tasted her. His hand went to her waist, pulling her closer as she reciprocated, their tongues dancing in tandem.

She smelled exquisite, she tasted exquisite. He couldn't understand why he was so addicted to her.

Esther pulled him closer by the lapels of his coat, taking it off in the process, and he took it as a signal to go further. He put his hand under her jaw and tilted her head to the side. The moment he planted a kiss on her neck, he felt her shiver.

He licked her throat and reveled in her soft gasps.

"God… you make me lose all my logic."

He pushed her back onto the bed, crawling on top of her as she took deep breaths. Her cheeks were flushed, making her look delectable.

"Your… Grace—" she panted.

"William," he growled.

The moment his hand trailed over her neck, her eyes fluttered shut. "William, I… please…"

"Please what, little bird?" He smirked down at her.

"Touch me," she begged.

"As you wish."

His hand traveled from her throat down to her chest, undoing her corset as his hands felt the warmth of her body through her dress. He nuzzled her neck, tasting her flesh as he moved up, taking her earlobe between his teeth.

"God…" she moaned.

His hands felt up her body, from her thighs to her stomach. Her body arched under his fingertips instinctively, followed by a soft sigh that pulled at his heartstrings.

"This body has yet to know me, Esther."

He pulled her to him, his hand already finding its way to her soft thighs as he stroked them above the fabric. He glided his finger up, pleasuring her gently. He could feel her grip tighten on his shoulders.

"William…"

His name sounded like a hymn on her tongue. It got to him. Her voice, her body… he pulled her dress up just to feel her soft skin as his fingers trailed up her thighs, making her gasp.

Her eyes rested on him with something akin to awe and wonder, and it filled him with satisfaction to know that she enjoyed it so much. She moaned and writhed under him, and he wanted to devour her.

"I-I… mhm…" She arched her back as his fingers stroked her, her eyelids fluttering shut as her chest rose and fell faster. "William!" she gasped breathlessly.

He was taking in every single detail of her expression as he drove her to the edge, feeling the heat and arousal coursing through his body just by watching her. Though he wanted to do more with her, he knew there was still a limit he couldn't yet cross with her.

"You're doing so well for me," he whispered teasingly, slowing down his strokes to longer and softer circles.

Esther cried out and threw an arm around his neck, her fingers delving into the hair at the back of his head. Every time his fingertips slid over a particular spot, she'd tug at his scalp with a shuddering moan.

He watched in awe as her hips began to roll against his hand, searching for release amidst his efforts to pleasure her. She felt wonderful to the touch, her warm arousal collecting on his fingertips as he watched her skin turn pink from the heat. Her body writhed and bucked against his hand faster, and he found himself pinning her down to rub soft circles against her core, kissing her to swallow her screams, which were beginning to grow louder with each stroke.

"Please," she begged against his lips. "William, please."

"I know," he murmured reassuringly. "You're getting there. Just breathe."

Another wanton moan left her, with which he took the chance to explore her mouth with his tongue, and he relished the way her fingers fisted into his hair with such ardent desperation that she might as well rip his scalp off his skull.

And there it was, a gasp, a shudder, and her body growing tense until it froze and twitched under him.

"Stop…" she whispered, and so he did, feeling a gush of warmth gathering on his fingers as her thighs continued to spasm.

Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she tried to breathe, her face the epitome of pleasure and beauty as she did so.

William had not seen a more enticing sight in his entire life.