AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 38
“You look ravishing, Lady Eloise,” an unfamiliar voice said.
Eloise turned around, her hands against her sides. It was one of James’ friends, tall and handsome, just like the rest of the friend group. Despite their looks and their kindness, she held a certain hesitance when around them, afraid that they would display the same cruelty as James toward her. Of course, it was unfair, but it was a sensible judgment. After all, birds of a feather flock together.
When she would be forced to marry James, they’d probably pay regular visits to the both of them…Would she have to tolerate abuse from them too? She shuddered at the thought. But she quickly forced a smile to her face.
“Thank you, Lord Kafton.”
He extended his hand toward her, offering her to take it. That was the last thing she needed right now; an unwanted invitation for a dance. Maybe she should pretend to faint, that’d surely do the trick.
“Lady Eloise!” Another voice called out behind her. She quickly turned, pretending she didn’t see Lord Kafton’s attempt to invite her. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here, everyone has been talking about you.”
Eloise tilted her head to the side with a sheepish smile, trying to understand where the sudden interest was coming from. The woman in front of her was Lady Justina, Kate’s friend, who never had any interest in talking with her before, even when Eloise attempted conversation. It felt awkward and unfamiliar, and with her racing thoughts, she’d rather retreat to a quiet corner instead.
“I’m so glad you’re here too,” Eloise said with fake enthusiasm upon noticing Lord Kafton still standing there to her side.
The woman wrapped her hand around Eloise’s forearm and pulled her ahead to a group of women, all harboring colorful gowns and what seemed like envious smiles. They looked intimidating. And they were staring right at Eloise. At least Kate was there, holding a glass of punch in her gloved hands. Beside her was Felicity, not even trying to feign kindness as she looked down at her fingernails.
“Everyone has been dying to speak to you,” the lady who was holding her said. “We’ve all heard the rumors, of course!”
“Oh, yes, you need to tell us if they’re true,” another woman joined in. “Is it true you’re going to marry Lord James hastily? Kate here told us, but we couldn’t believe it ourselves—he is quite a charming gentleman.”
“He is, indeed. But Lady Eloise knows someone even better,” Kate spoke, smiling at Eloise, “She’s well acquainted with the Duke of Richmond.”
The ladies stared with wide eyes, and Eloise had to fight to stop herself from groaning aloud. They looked at James, back at the drinking table, accompanied by his friend, and then back at Eloise with a glimmer of curiosity and what seemed like scandalous intentions. It was almost as if they doubted a Lady could be merely acquainted with Simon.
“Truly, Your Lady?” Justina asked.
“Oh, isn’t it inappropriate to discuss some other man when Eloise is to be betrothed to Lord James? Let us not be ridiculous,” Felicity interrupted with a chuckle of disbelief, almost as if she didn’t enjoy the sudden attention Eloise was receiving.
“As if anyone would know. We’ll have all the time in the world to find out about Lord James—for now, we’d rather know about the Duke of Richmond. And I think I speak for all of us,” Justina replied.
“I agree,” Kate added.
Eloise raised her hands in the air, motioning for them to stop. “I promise I don’t know anything you already don’t. Kate and Felicity were with me at the dinner, so they can certainly concur.”
There was a small pause as Justina blinked. “Oh, that’s most disappointing. All right then. Lord James can be the topic of our conversation.”
Eloise closed her eyes and sighed in relief. Kate wasn’t doing this out of malice, but she knew how much Eloise dreaded speaking about James, especially when it came to the betrothal. It was her way of helping. Ironically enough, Felicity helped more in this instance, as she actively tried—out of jealousy—to change the topic away from anything related to Simon or her betrothal. She was glad they didn’t dwell on it for much longer as memories of Simon had already surfaced and caused her chest to tighten.
“There isn’t that much to say, I’m afraid…” Eloise paused. “He’s well-mannered and polite and—”
“You’ve described every man in this room, My Lady. I’m presuming it isn’t a love match then?” Justina was bold and swift, enough to make most people uncomfortable.
“We, uh—”
“Give us a moment, please. I really need a…a drink! Yes,” Kate said quickly. “Eloise, why don’t you join me?” She dragged Eloise by the arm, guiding her as far away from the women as possible and into a quiet corner where they could converse in privacy.
Eloise assumed that Kate could sense her uneasiness, as her chest raised, her fists clenched, and her face paled. Perhaps the ladies could too. Having to pretend for a few minutes was quite exhausting, so the thought of having to pretend for the rest of her life was horrifying and disturbing… In a fit of emotion, she imagined that Simon was here. By her side. But even he couldn’t save her now.
“I’m sorry,” Kate said quietly. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“It’s all right.”
“No, really, Eloise. I thought…Well, I didn’t, in fact. But your face pales everytime you even as much as look at James, so I tried to change the subject. Why are you agreeing to this?”
Eloise took a deep breath, not knowing what to answer. “I don’t know.”
