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“So, when are we all eloping?” Lord Rockgonie said with excitement in his voice, causing them all to laugh.
“Eloping? Not at all. I just thought of something more grand,” Rose said as a mischievous look spread on her face.
Father will never forgive me for this.
* * *
Kenneth arrived on the day of the ball ready to carry out the plan they had formulated all week long.
If everything went well, it was a plan that was going to secure their freedom from society and the liberty to follow their hearts and dreams of settling down with who they’d chosen already.
Everything had been factored into their plan, including their time of arrival and the places they would stand, down to the words they were each going to say and the people that would be there.
He stepped down from the carriage and walked into the ballroom as his name was announced by the Master of Ceremonies.
A few glances his way told him that the happenings of only a week ago were still fresh in the minds of everyone, causing a mixed reaction to be directed at him.
Some hated his guts, while others viewed him in awe. Whatever the reaction, they were all a variation of the two.
And here he was, fresh off the heel of one scandal and about to get involved in another.
He chuckled as the thought crossed his mind.
Glancing over the room, he saw that Lady Anna had arrived before him and was standing at one corner of the room, as planned. Lord Rockgonie was going to be the next entrant, followed closely by Rose. To ensure this happened, Lord Rockgonie was going to head first to the Somerholm manor and come along with her entourage.
They were then to walk to another corner of the room to ensure that Rose wasn’t standing anywhere near her father or mother.
Checking that everything was fine, he went and settled in and began mixing as planned. He was beside his friend, Lord Calbrook, when the remaining two finally walked in.
A simple nod in all directions was enough communication to know that everything was still going according to plan.
If he had any doubts on what they were about to do, the sight of Rose in her green ball gown had him melting with love and overflowing with confidence. He continued his conversation with his companion, waiting for the moment he already knew was coming.
The ball carried on seamlessly into the night without any mishaps. Guests were happy and in high spirits, a common characteristic of Lady Martha’s balls.
His own father and the Earl of Somerholm had huddled up with a number of their friends as usual, and the laughter flowing from that group could be heard above the din all across the room.
Lord Somerholm has probably already told them by now about his pending announcement. Father is going to have a fit when he witnesses what I’m going to do in response.
He continued to enjoy the festivities, with a periodic assessment of the room well into the night until the time for the announcement arrived.
The whole attention of the room was diverted to where his father, the Duke, stood as the Earl of Somerholm began hitting his champagne flute repeatedly with a fork. The music stopped as the crowd began to converge on the location of the clinking flute, signal of an impending announcement.
“I would like to thank our host, the lovely Lady Martha, for throwing yet another wonderful ball, as always” Lord Somerholm said as a round of applause went up in appreciation of the hostess.
“Not to take away from the festivities, but I would also like to make an announcement.” He paused for effect and to build anticipation. “Lady Somerholm and I are pleased to announce the engagement of our daughter, Lady Rose Vaughan to Lord Noah Rockgonie, son of the Marquess and the late Marchioness of Wisham,” he announced proudly.
The gasps, applause and congratulations poured in from all corners of the room as the attention of everyone turned to face the engaged couple, who weren’t even standing together, as planned. Lord Rockgonie was standing closer to Lady Anna while Rose was standing closer to Lord Walsrock.
Time to get to work.
He picked up his champagne flute and began clinking it in the manner that Lord Somerholm had done earlier. In a matter of moments, he had all the attention in the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the announcement from Lord Somerholm is cheerful and calls for a celebration,” he announced as he walked toward Rose.
“Unfortunately!” he exclaimed, and paused for effect before continuing.
“This engagement cannot happen as Lady Rose is already engaged to another,” he said, as he arrived in front of her, smiled and took her hand. “She is already engaged to me.” He bent over to kiss the engagement ring which she proudly displayed on her finger as the gasps and shock ricocheted all across the room.
