Chapter 17

"Are the lights properly aligned?" George's voice echoed off the walls of the cavernous hall. "And the flowers, have they been arranged to perfection?"

Before anyone could respond, George absently collided with William mid-walk. With a startled huff, he stumbled back and nearly lost his balance as he struggled to regain his composure.

"Oh! Pardon me, Your Grace," he exclaimed. He flushed as he hastily smoothed his rumpled attire. "I didn't see you there. Are you all right?"

As he glanced up, his eyes widened in panic.

"George." William looked down at the stout boy.

"Y-Yes, Your Grace?" George lifted his clipboard to cover half of his face.

"Has my coat been delivered?"

"Yes, Your Grace!"

William raised an eyebrow. "You can handle this, right?"

"Oh, yes, Your Grace." George straightened up.

"Send in the tailors within an hour." William paused. "And, George?"

"Yes?" George blinked, giving him a confused look.

"We don't want anyone breaking their bones on these floors, hm?"

His ears turned red in embarrassment as he nodded and scurried away.

As the evening of the engagement party unfolded, the grand ballroom of Harcourt Manor slowly filled with a colorful array of guests, their laughter and chatter mingling with the soft strains of music drifting through the air. The room shimmered with an air of anticipation, each detail meticulously arranged to create an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

William's sisters gracefully greeted their friends and acquaintances, their animated conversations adding to the lively ambiance of the room. They moved with effortless grace, their smiles bright and welcoming as they mingled with the assembled guests.

Meanwhile, Dorothea, regal and composed, held court near the entrance of the ballroom, her presence commanding the attention of all who passed by. With a warm smile and a gracious nod, she extended her greetings to each arriving guest, her impeccable manners a testament to her esteemed position in Society.

As the ballroom filled with the chatter of excited guests and the gentle melodies of the orchestra, the anticipation for the evening's festivities reached its peak, setting the stage for a celebration that promised to be nothing short of spectacular.

William made his way to the entrance of the ballroom, his steps confident and his demeanor composed. He approached the Arnold family with a polite smile on his lips.

Lord Seymour stood tall and dignified, extending his hand in greeting as William drew near.

"Your Grace, a fine afternoon," he said warmly, his voice carrying a note of genuine affection as he clasped William's hand in a firm handshake.

"Oh, we're all quite joyous for such a momentous day!" Lady Seymour gushed, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she offered her congratulations to William.

Adam and Harriet followed closely behind.

Harriet, her arm linked with Adam's, smiled brightly at William, her eyes alight with anticipation for the evening ahead. "We're so happy for you, Your Grace!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness.

Adam nodded in agreement, a proud and supportive expression on his face as he stood beside his wife. "I hope you will take good care of my sister, Your Grace."

"It shall be my duty, Lord Linfield." William gave him a nod.

As Esther entered the ballroom, William's eyes naturally gravitated towards her, his smile widening at the sight of her. She looked radiant, brightening the room with her charm and grace.

"You look absolutely stunning, Esther," he said, his voice soft and genuine as he admired her appearance.

Esther chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she teasingly remarked, "And here I thought you were supposed to be the epitome of sophistication, Your Grace. You're looking a bit stiff tonight."

A playful glint danced in William's eyes as he responded, "Ah, but perhaps I'm just saving the best of my charm for you, my dear."

Her cheeks flushed at his flirtatious words, and she couldn't help but smile in response. As William extended his hand towards her, she hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his, feeling a rush of warmth at his touch.

With a gentle yet gallant gesture, William brought her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her delicate skin. Their eyes met in a tender gaze, a silent exchange of affection amidst the bustling atmosphere of the engagement party.

William had promised her the other night that their engagement would continue, but this time he was ready to hand over his heart to her.

As he led her further into the ballroom, their fingers entwined, they moved gracefully amidst the lively crowd.

Marina's warm greeting enveloped Esther like a comforting embrace, and she returned the kindness with a grateful smile.

"You both look absolutely splendid together," Marina remarked, her eyes shimmering with genuine happiness for them.

"Thank you, Marina. You're too kind," Esther replied sincerely.

"Indeed, Brother, you appear much more amiable without that permanent scowl of yours," Juliet teased, sharing a conspiratorial glance with Sarah.

"Yes, he looks so much better." Sarah chuckled.

William raised an eyebrow, a hint of fondness in his eyes as he playfully scolded them. "Ah, but don't let appearances deceive you, dear sisters. I assure you, the scowl makes a guest appearance from time to time."

Esther couldn't help but laugh at their antics, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging in their lighthearted exchange. At that moment, surrounded by the camaraderie of family and friends, she realized just how fortunate she was to have found her place beside William.

Dorothea's presence interrupted their conversation, and William turned his attention to his mother, a soft smile gracing his lips.

She gave him a gentle smile, her expression softening as she spoke, "William, my dear, despite everything, I want you to know that I am genuinely happy for you."

Her words, though simple, carried a depth of emotion that wasn't lost on him. The sincerity in them touched his heart.

"Thank you, Mother," William responded warmly, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes.

Dorothea nodded, turning to Esther. "Esther, my dear, I understand now that my judgment was hasty and unwarranted. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

"Of course, Your Grace. Water under the bridge," Esther replied graciously, flashing her a hearty smile.

"William looks quite at peace in your presence. He looks happier—I am his mother, after all. You have brought about a change that even I could not, and for that… I am grateful." Dorothea nodded.

William looked at Esther. Despite her tough exterior, he could tell she was glad of his mother's acceptance. Duncan had worked quite hard in dispelling the rumors about her, telling people how those rumors were maliciously intended to break their engagement—which, after all, was not a very uncommon tactic.

Dorothea took Esther's hand in her own. "I congratulate you both. My only wish now is that you two live your life with ease and joy… Duchess."

William felt taken aback for a second. Even Esther looked shocked.

Before either of them could respond, Lady Seymour joined them.

"Well, well, what have we here?" she exclaimed with a playful grin, glancing between Dorothea and Esther. "Seems like the tension has thawed a bit, hasn't it?"

Dorothea chuckled, a hint of amusement softening her features as she regarded the Countess. "Indeed, Lavinia. It appears that even the iciest of hearts can be warmed by the spirit of celebration," she quipped, her tone light and jovial.

Esther couldn't help but smile at the playful exchange between the two women, relieved to see the once-stiff atmosphere dissipating into something more lighthearted.

"It's a pleasant change, isn't it?" she remarked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Lady Seymour nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, absolutely," she replied, a playful glint in her eyes. "Though I must say, watching you two dance around each other like skittish kittens was quite entertaining."

Dorothea raised an eyebrow, a hint of mock indignation crossing her features. "Skittish kittens, you say?" She snorted. "Lavinia, ever since your debut, you've at least maintained your interesting vocabulary."

Lady Seymour chuckled, her laughter ringing out melodiously in the air. "Oh, of course, Your Grace. How could I forget the presence of the Duchess herself."

"I never quite hated that about you. It was amusing, at least." Dorothea hid her reddening face behind her fan.

Both Lavinia and Esther exchanged glances.

"Well, we could have been friends had you not had that arrogant attitude." Lavinia crossed her arms playfully.

"But you never talked to me," Dorothea spoke a little quietly.

Lavinia shook her head. "You never talked much yourself."

Marina cleared her throat, and Esther's attention turned to her. All three of his sisters were standing behind them, and they were all giving him pleading looks.

"Since you're engaged, Brother, does this mean we don't have to marry right away?"

"Yeah, that's right." Juliet nodded hopefully.

Sarah batted her eyelashes. "Right, William?"

William frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "And who, pray tell, said anything about that? You're all getting married the second I find you suitable matches."

They groaned.

"Not fair," Juliet whined.

"We thought he'd change his mind," Sarah huffed.

Marina sighed. "That's William all right."

"What is it with these girls and their aversion to marriage?" William shook his head.

As Duncan approached, William greeted him warmly, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Duncan, it's good to see you," he said, extending his hand in greeting.

Duncan returned the gesture, his own smile widening. "Likewise, William. Congratulations on your engagement," he said, his eyes flicking briefly to Esther before returning to his friend.

"Thank you," William replied, gratitude evident in his voice. "And thank you for your help with… everything."

Duncan nodded knowingly. "Of course, anytime. Just glad everything worked out. I might have another piece of news that may make your day better."

William watched him in confusion. "Yes?"

"Richard has left London. I made sure that it wasn't just rumors."

A sense of relief washed over William at Duncan's words. He let out a sigh, tension he hadn't realized he'd been holding draining from his shoulders.

"Duncan, I can't thank you enough," he said earnestly. "I owe you one."

"No need for thanks, my friend. Just happy to see you looking happier," Duncan teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

William chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through him. "Well, things are certainly looking up," he admitted, his gaze drifting to Esther, who was deep in conversation with his sisters.

Duncan clapped him on the back, a knowing smile on his face. "I can see that. Enjoy the evening, William," he said, before turning to join the other guests.

William turned back to Esther with a playful look as he held out his hand, a charming smile on his lips. "Would you do me the honor of sharing this dance with me, Lady Esther?"

Esther feigned a thoughtful expression, pretending to consider his request. "Hmm, let me think about it," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement.

But before she could finish her playful jab, William sighed dramatically and pulled her closer by the hand.

"You're taking me too lightly now," he said with a mock frown, though the look in his eyes betrayed his mirth. "I'm afraid I'll have to insist."

Esther couldn't help but giggle at his playful insistence, her heart fluttering at his charming demeanor. "Well, in that case, how could I refuse?" she quipped, her smile bright and infectious as she placed her hand in his. "Lead the way, Your Grace."