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“You were magnificent.” Silva smiled at me.
I parted my lips to speak but found myself winded. I must have danced more than I thought. “Mama, I think I shall go into the garden.”
“But the ball—”
I had already started walking. It was rude of me, but I could not be denied. All of a sudden, I felt an arm take mine. When I looked, I saw it was Silva.
She smiled gently at me. “It is improper for you to be without a chaperone.”
“We are the same age,” I replied.
“I am wed,” she reminded me.
Ah, of course. Briefly, I had forgotten what separated us. I nodded, allowing her to join me as we stepped into the cool evening air. Closing my eyes, I breathed it in, wishing the breeze to carry me away as well.
“It is beautiful,” she spoke, drawing my attention.
I opened my eyes to see the garden lit with strange lights. With not a soul among the grass, nor near the water where the swans rested, it was a sight.
“I much prefer it out here.”
“You do not like the ball?” I asked.
She sighed as we walked. “I…I am enjoying the ball, but not so much the talk within it.”
“Ah.” I nodded. “Yes, the ball is the epicenter of gossip. Was anything of note said?”
“Is that the point of such conversation or is it merely to ridicule one another?” she snapped, lifting her dress as we walked upon the grass, her face in a deep frown. She must have noticed her tone and my silence, for she looked to me. “I apologize. I meant—”
“You are right. Many take much joy in the ridicule of another. I wish to say I am better than they are, but I have done the same in my mind.”
“Truly? You seem impervious to it all.”
That again. “So I have been told. I do not know if it is a blessing or a curse that my face portrays nothing. I assure you, if you knew my thoughts, you would wish to escape me as well.”
Silva giggled. “Never. I’ve come to like your company. Though I must admit, it is intimidating to be beside you for long.”
“So I have also been told, numerous times,” I replied, lifting my skirt to avoid some muddy water. “What was the talk that made you wish to escape?”
“Nothing that has not already been said…of me.” She frowned. “They all think me…ill-suited to your brother.”
I rolled my eyes. “Anyone but their own daughters is ill-suited to a lord of wealth and prominence. No matter what my brother may be like, I think you are excellent.”
“Truly?” She looked at me, surprised.
“Yes. Why are you astonished? Did my face give you another impression?” It was my face, yet it seemed I had little control over it.
“No.” She shook her head. “Well, I am unsure. I just assumed everyone was anticipating greater for him.”
In all honesty, my mother was glad any woman with sense and a half-decent background had subdued him before he got himself entrenched in trouble like Ev— the duke.
“My parents are very honest people, which is where Abena gets it from. If they did not like or approve of you, there would be no need to assume. You are great enough for my brother, maybe even greater, for you are more level-headed,” I replied, and she donned a large smile.
“Thank you— Ah!” She gasped as she stepped on the edge of her hem in the mud. “Oh no!”
“Remain calm. It is not so bad. My mother is always prepared for such matters. There should be something in the carriage. Come,” I said, already taking her hand to lead.
“I see the carriage,” she said as she let go of my hand. “Go back inside. I’ll be right there.”
