Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

S everal days had passed idyllically. Ciara could not even imagine that her life could take such a magical turn, and that in Jonathan, she would find everything she had ever wanted. It all seemed like a dream with her afraid that she might wake up.

That morning, Ciara and Jonathan found themselves in the drawing room as the soft morning light cast a golden glow on the elegant furniture and intricate patterns on the carpet. Ciara sat at the writing desk by the window, her heart light as she opened the first of two letters that had just been delivered. Jonathan sat in an armchair nearby, a book in hand though his attention often drifted to her.

As Ciara read the first letter, her eyes widened, and a smile spread across her face.

Good news.

Relief washed over her, mingling with a sense of triumph. She looked up at Jonathan, whose expression softened with pride.

"Good news?" he asked, setting his book aside.

"It's from Lord Kirdale," Ciara replied, her voice brimming with excitement. "The King is going to intervene at St. Catherine's."

"That's wonderful, Ciara. You've done a great thing," Jonathan said, his tone warm and encouraging.

"I just hope it helps those poor girls," Ciara murmured, the weight of her concern still present.

Jonathan nodded. "It will. You've given them a chance at a better life."

"This is only the beginning," she replied. "I hope it all goes well."

"Of course, it will," Jonathan nodded. "Although it might not seem that way, good does triumph over evil when good people like you take action."

She smiled, her heartwarming at his words. "It is not only me," she reminded him. "Your cousin and her husband are such wonderful people. I wouldn't have started all of this without them and their support and yours, of course."

"Yes, we are here to support you," he confirmed. "But you are the one who had to endure all of that. You are the one who truly knows how all those other girls feel, those are still stuck in that horrible place."

She nodded. It was difficult not to think about all those other girls she had spent years with, crying, trembling, fearing the worst punishment that the nuns could come up with. But now, she could see the light at the end of that long tunnel which she thought she would never see the end of. Life was improving, and she would be the positive action in helping those girls as well. She promised herself she would, regardless of all the doubts and fears she might still harbor.

Buoyed by the good news, Ciara turned her attention to the second letter. She carefully broke the seal and unfolded the paper, her surprise growing as she read.

"It's an invitation to a ball," she announced, holding up the letter for Jonathan to see. "Lord and Lady Taversham are hosting it."

She didn't know who they were. In fact, that didn't matter at all. What mattered were her reactions to the invitation itself. She expected a surge of stress and nerves to wash over her, but instead, she felt nothing. She was calm and composed, rereading the lovely invitation and welcoming tone of it.

"We don't have to go," he suddenly said as his voice brought her back to the present moment. "I know you don't really like balls and such social events."

She thought about it then she smiled. "You know what? I think I am all right."

"You are?" he asked, sounding surprised. "I thought you would jump at the idea of not having to go."

She got up and walked over to him, taking a seat freely in his lap. For some reason, she wanted to be close to him, to smell him, to touch him. His proximity provided her with all the courage she could ever need. With him by her side, she could stand against the entire world and be confident in her victory.

"For the first time, I'm not panic-stricken," Ciara admitted, her smile steady and without faltering. "I actually feel… excited to go."

He frowned, slightly pulling away from her as he took a deep, long, introspective look. "Are you certain that you are my wife and not an imposter?"

Ciara chuckled. "Perhaps. How does that make you feel?"

He lifted his arms in surrender. "I'm not allowed to touch any other woman but my wife. Be gone, imposter and tell my wife to come back. She still doesn't have to go to this ball if she doesn't want to."

She laughed again, leaning closer to him and kissing him on the cheek. "I want to wear the most beautiful gown and make you proud."

He gazed at her in a way he rarely did, as if he was trying to understand something, to come to terms with something. Then, he grinned, back to his mischievous self.

"You know I like you best naked," he teased.

"I cannot very well go to a ball naked!" She laughed, and he had to join in.

"Yes, that would not be proper at all," he mused through his chuckles. "People will talk. There might be a terrible scandal. No, we cannot risk that. It is best for you to remain naked in our home and only there."

"I agree," she purred into his neck, kissing him. "Wholeheartedly."

"Oh, I was certain would, you little minx," he murmured back, gripping her by the waist, but before they could do anything about it, a knock on the door interrupted them.

He frowned. "Go away!" he shouted playfully while she laughed.

"No, no, come in!" she shouted over him as they both lost themselves in laughter.

The door opened, and Mrs. Dawson excused herself, stating that Ciara was needed to decide on the newest carpets and drapes.

"Can't you do that later?" Jonathan whispered as she stood up from his lap.

"No," she giggled, kissing him on the cheek. "But I promise to make it up to you tonight," she whispered back, rushing over to Mrs. Dawson, feeling her cheeks blushing with affection and tenderness.

She could barely focus on the carpets and drapes as the man showed her the fabrics. She smiled at the thought of being in Jonathan's arms again, counting the seconds until that evening when she would remain true to her promise.

The night of the ball had arrived swiftly. Arm in arm, Ciara and Jonathan entered the ballroom together, and she knew that all eyes were on them, even though the place was alive with laughter, music, and the rustle of elegant gowns.

She felt her heart beating inside her throat. She hated being the center of attention, but with Jonathan by her side, she knew she would be. However, as they walked through the crowd, she felt him squeeze her hand tight, trying to reassure her. When they stopped a bit further away from the hustle and bustle, he leaned closer to her, his breath warm against her ear.

"You look magnificent," he whispered, his gaze earnest. "I wish I could keep you all to myself tonight. I have a few things in mind we could do that would be far more entertaining than this."

Ciara felt a blush creep up her cheeks, and she bit her lip, torn between the thrill of his words and the awareness of the eyes watching them. The electric energy of the moment made her heart race. She turned slightly, catching his gaze, and saw the playful glint in his eyes.

"Well, you'll just have to share me," she replied teasingly, a smile dancing on her lips. Then, she added with a seductive glance that only he could see, "For now."

Jonathan chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. "A challenge, then. But I have no intention of letting anyone else claim your attention tonight."

With a sense of exhilaration, Ciara stepped further into the ballroom, her confidence buoyed by Jonathan's compliment.

As they greeted the hosts, she felt a newfound sense of confidence, a stark contrast to the timid girl she once was. After a few words of pleasantries, she turned around, spotting familiar faces. She and Jonathan excused themselves, walking in the direction of Adeline.

"Look who it is!" Adeline exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she rushed over.

Right behind her, Penelope followed closely, beaming with delight. It seemed that her two best friends were there, waiting for her.

The girls exchanged warm embraces, and then Ciara noticed James, Penelope's husband, approaching with her uncle. She beamed at the sight of Uncle Brendan, greeting them both.

Now, surrounded by her dearest people, she felt even more at ease.

"You look so lovely, Ciara," Penelope said, her enthusiasm infectious. Her eyebrows furrowed as her eyes traversed Ciara's face in search of something. "There is a liveliness about you that is simply radiant."

"Yes, what have you been doing, my dear?" Adeline teased, and everyone chuckled at Ciara's blushing cheeks.

"I suppose that is what happens when you lead a good life," Ciara said softly, stealing a glance at Jonathan, only to return her gaze to the huddled group. "It is so wonderful to see you all here," she added, her smile genuine.

Her uncle had a proud look on his face as he spoke. "I must say, I never thought I would see you smiling in such a relaxed manner at a ball. You've truly come a long way, my dear. It is remarkable to witness."

Ciara felt a rush of gratitude for their support and friendship. They continued to chat for a while longer when Jonathan's friend, Lord Islington, strode over. He greeted Jonathan with a clap on the shoulder before turning to Ciara.

"Ah, the lovely Duchess, how are you this fine evening?" he asked, kissing her hand reverently.

He then noticed the group and proceeded to greet everyone present.

Soon enough, the conversation flowed freely.

Jonathan glanced at Ciara, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He took her by the hand, bringing it to his lips. "But I want to dance with my wife."

"Of course," she smiled back, accepting the offer.

Ciara followed Jonathan toward where the dancing was taking place.

The music spread all around them, and the couples began to twirl and glide across the polished floor. Penelope and James joined them, laughing and chatting as they stepped into the rhythm of the dance. The atmosphere was electric, filled with joy and the promise of a memorable evening.

As Ciara and Jonathan began to dance, the world around them faded into a blur. With each turn and step, she felt the excitement of the night enveloping her, their movements in perfect harmony.

Jonathan's presence was steadying, and she found herself lost in that perfect moment.