Chapter 23: Ligeti’s evening dance party I

It was 10 in the evening when automobiles started lining up the expansive manicured lawn inside the gates of the Ligeti's mansion. Meanwhile, the members of the ducal family were already inside their ballroom, dressed in their best suits and gowns.

In the order of each's arrival, guests were announced through the French double doors that leads to the opulently designed ballroom. The walls have been draped with brand new fabric in paisley gold, the chandeliers projected bright yellow lights. Footmen in full livery were carrying trays of champagne and white wine circulated the room while a full orchestra was playing music at the background.

On occasions like this, noblemen of higher position usually arrive at the latter part of the party unless they were the host. However, much to the surprise of the guests, Charlton was already present even at the very beginning. It must not have come as a surprise for he was known to be courting Lady Larissa Ligeti and in fact, everyone perceived them as lovers. Still, him being there with her family spoke volumes.

In any case, as soon as everyone witnessed Charlton's presence by the side of his lady, most already assumed that wedding bells would be resounding soon. Meanwhile, the gossips were already whispering amongst themselves, eager to know how everything would unfurl once everyone got wind of tonight's news. It was no secret that lady Annalys Cross, once rumored to be Charlton's soon-to-be betrothed, was hell bent on breaking up the couple to reunite with her one true love.

Really, it was the talk of the town and the biggest source of entertainment to the ton at the moment.

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At 11 in the evening, late, but still fashionably late, Christopher finally stepped foot inside duke Ligeti's mansion. He was escorting his younger sister, Annalys, much to his chagrin, but given that she would most likely disperse from his sight upon after entering the ballroom, he let her be. Upon reaching the French double doors, the butler announced his and Annalys' arrival.

All the guests hearing the name were quick to snap their necks towards the entrance. It was expected that Annalys would not be invited in this event because of her untoward behavior towards Lady Larissa. But there she was, escorted by her brother.

Did that mean that the Cross ducal family was still not giving up the idea of Annalys and Charlton's union?

Lady Larissa's father, Lawrence Ligeti, count and heir of Ligeti's ducal family, could only wince. He turned to look at his wife in askance.

Countess Lilia, understanding what her husband meant with the look, can only mutter in response. "I could not possibly NOT invite the minister of Justice. However, I did not expect that he would bring his sister, nor that she would have the face to attend our party."

Count Lawrence sighed. Never mind that. He just hopes that nothing outrageous would happen tonight. It was rare for his father to join festivities nowadays with his reduced mobility given his ripe age of 85.

Come to think of it, it was even rarer that he was standing right there to welcome guests himself. By the way, that also got him thinking, what could be running his father's mind to do so himself? Usually, it's just him and his wife welcoming everyone. Was he waiting for someone he invited himself? Before he could further delve on his thought, the minister of justice was already standing before them.

Duke Ligeti was not aware of the skirmish between his granddaughter and Annalys, not only because he has not seen nor heard of it himself, but also because no one in the family told him about it. Well, no one wanted to upset the old man and it's not like he can do anything about it. Anyhow, given that, he gave a hearty smile to his newly arrived guests.

"Ah, Duke Cross' grandson. You grew up so well. I heard that you have been appointed Minister of Justice a few months back. How is it? Also, how's your father? Are they not coming?" The duke said after giving Christopher a handshake.

Christopher politely smiled. "My father is doing well, your grace. As for myself, swarmed with work, I'm afraid to say. My parents sends their apologies for not being able to come, but they send their regards."

Duke Ligeti nodded still in a good mood, then he turned to face Annalys who gave him a curtsy. "Ah, and you, young lady had truly grown beautifully. I'm sure you have a lot of suitors lining up your home. I do you hope you would enjoy tonight's festivities."

Annalys was not sure if the old man was being sarcastic, but it's not good to antagonize him on his own event. So, she just chose to ignore his words.

Christopher wanted to frown at Annalys' dismissive attitude but did not comment.

In any case, duke Ligeti did not mind and only told them that he hoped that they have a pleasant evening. 

Afterwards, Christopher also greeted the count and countess, few pleasantries were exchanged since they did not have much to talk about as they moved on different circles.

On the other hand, Annalys, not wanting to exchange words with the couple who spawned the vile creature that was their daughter in this planet, excused herself to join her 'friends'.

Annalys already spotted Charlton and Larissa since entering the ballroom and wanted nothing more than to tear the two apart, preferably by pulling Larissa's hair. However, she did not want to much more shatter her decorum as a lady in Charlton's eyes than she already has. Besides, it's not like she could physically harm Larissa in her own home, that was, unless she wanted to be dragged out.

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TBC