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I leaned forward in my chair, my heart quickening as I waited. In the back of my mind, I wondered if Emilie had even shown up. If I was stood up at the opening ball, I wasn’t sure I would ever recover. My family would be humiliated. I would be mortified. I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to show my face again.
With every name called, my eyes fixed on the descending figures, hidden behind exquisite masks. The room was filled with hushed whispers and eager glances, and I couldn’t help but share in the collective anticipation. Men took their spots at the bottom of the stairs and waited to collect the woman they were matched with. I adjusted my bowtie. My turn was coming. I hoped anyway. It felt like I’d watched a hundred women descend the stairs already. Surely, her name should have been called by then.
After what felt like an eternity of anticipation, the moment I had been waiting for finally arrived. Emilie Hansen was announced with a flourish, and she made her elegant entrance at the top of the grand staircase. My pulse pounded, and I couldn’t help but rise from my seat in awe of her presence.
I got to my feet and walked to the staircase to take my place on the X. I looked up at the woman that had been chosen to be my wife. My first impression was very positive. I couldn’t really see her face behind her ornate mask, but I could see full lips with a sheer gloss. Very kissable lips.
As she made her way down the staircase with poise and grace, I couldn’t help but admire her curves and the way her dress hugged her body in all the right places. All eyes were on her. I was certain she was the most beautiful woman at the ball.
When she finally reached the bottom, I extended my arm to take hers, feeling a jolt of electricity as our skin made contact.
“Good evening,” I greeted, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Good evening,” she replied, her voice sweet and melodic.
Her mask concealed most of her face, leaving only her eyes and lips visible. But in that fleeting moment, I could discern two undeniable things—she was smiling, and she was incredibly beautiful.
The introductions made, we stood there for a moment, caught in the enchantment of the masquerade. I found myself captivated by her crystal blue eyes, which held a depth of mystery and intrigue. I longed to see the entirety of her smile and the secrets hidden beneath the mask.
“Our table is over here,” I said and led her into the dining area of the room.
I pulled out the chair for her, then sat across from her and told myself not to stare. It was impolite, but it was hard to meet someone for the first time and not be able to see their face. I couldn’t read her expression. She wasn’t smiling, but she wasn’t frowning. I couldn’t tell what it meant. I imagined she was having the same concerns about me. She couldn’t see my expression. We had to communicate via our eyes.
Fortunately, we weren’t expected to talk just yet. A few more ladies still had to be introduced. We were supposed to be quiet and give the women their moment to shine.
As I watched the other women being introduced, I felt her gaze on me. I turned to her and our eyes locked. It was as if we were the only two people in the room. I felt a spark of electricity between us, and my heart began to race. I wanted to know more about her, to see beneath the mask, to discover the secrets she was hiding.
Finally, the introductions were over, and we were left alone. I took a deep breath and prepared to speak, but before I could say anything, she looked away. I got the feeling she didn’t want to talk.
Maybe she was nervous. This whole situation was awkward. I didn’t blame her for wanting to avoid talking for as long as possible.
I had to make the first move. “I’m sure you know, but I’m Theodore Ashford. Theo is what I go by.”
Her eyes met mine again. “And you know I’m Emilie Hansen. No nickname except Em on occasion.”
It wasn’t exactly the kind of response that gave me the warm and fuzzies, but it was a start.
8
EMILIE
The moment Theo introduced himself, I was struck by the sheer handsomeness of the man before me, even with his mask on. He stood tall and imposing, with a frame that radiated strength and presence. His dark hair was impeccably styled, framing a face that boasted a strong jawline and striking green eyes, which seemed to hold a depth of intelligence and charm.
I was still trying to find my footing in this whole silly game. I was usually much better at conversation. I was reading him, sizing him up. Theo was undoubtedly a gentleman in every sense of the word. From the polite greeting, to kissing the back of my hand and pulling the chair out for me, he was a gentleman. But beneath the surface, beneath the elegant façade, I couldn’t shake the sense of resentment that had brought me to this moment.
I sipped the champagne Theo retrieved from a passing waiter. I had to be careful. I wasn’t going to drink enough to get me buzzed. I needed to keep my wits about me. I knew everyone was watching. They were waiting to see if I screwed up. Could I fill my big sister’s shoes? I had never asked for this. I had never asked for an arranged marriage, for a future dictated by societal expectations and familial duty.
I gazed into Theo’s captivating green eyes, and a wave of frustration washed over me. It wasn’t his fault that we had been thrust into this situation, but it was a situation I had never wanted. I had always believed in charting my own path, making my own choices. And now, my destiny had been decided by others. Was he a man that would hold me back? Was he going to keep me from doing the things I loved?
The orchestra faded and the pianist took over. It allowed for conversation. I supposed I was going to have to talk to him if I hoped to learn what he expected of me. I needed to learn who he was. If he was an asshole, I would have to think about following in Nora’s footsteps.
Theo looked at me, his eyes sparkling. “You look very beautiful,” he said with a warm smile.
Unable to resist a sassy response, I arched an eyebrow beneath my mask. “How would you know I’m beautiful? You can’t see my face.”
Theo chuckled, his deep voice resonating through the air. “I can just tell,” he replied, a hint of confidence in his tone.
“I don’t know if that’s true,” I said with a sigh. “But thanks.”
