Chapter 24 - Social Function Etiquettes

"What a cold elder brother," Lady Burton complained as soon as the Marquess was out of sight. But then she grasped both of Maggie's hands and shook them excitedly.

"Welcome, welcome!" She exclaimed. "I am so happy to finally meet you again!"

"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Burton," Maggie smiled. "I am glad that little William is fine now."

"Oh, yes."

Lady Burton patted William, who was clutching the ends of his mother's gown while shooting Maggie a bunch of curious looks.

"It was so unexpected. The nursery maid was sick that day, and I had to take care of William the entire time on my own. I didn't expect little boys to be so rambunctious!"

Both ladies broke into a melodious laughter.

"My husband was so worried. Oh, here he comes..."

Within a single ball, Maggie found herself introduced to a multitude of prominent figures. First, she met the Duke of Winchester, followed by Lady Burton and Lord Burton. It continued with introductions to several other esteemed ladies and gentlemen who held important positions within England.

A sudden realization struck Maggie. People craved conversation with those who offered more than marital desperation. Heroic deeds or fame were, among which, the currency that bought engagement.

Becoming a Countess, she understood, wasn't a license to languish at Huntington Hall, producing heirs. Power came hand-in-hand with responsibility.

She had to translate knowledge into action. While it remained a daunting task, she couldn't wait to tackle every challenge one by one and rise to the position.

After some more introduction, it was time for her dance with Marquess of Canterbury.

"Did you have fun?" The Marquess inquired.

Maggie, twirling gracefully with the music, offered a radiant smile. "Yes," she replied, a hint of breathlessness in her voice, "I believe I've managed to redeem myself a little."

The Marquess's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. His movements on the dance floor remained unhurried, yet perfectly in sync with hers, drawing them closer with each step.

"This is a social function," he said when they danced past each other. "There is no need to focus on impressing the others so much. Enjoy others' company as they enjoy yours."

A single, unified clap resonated through the hall as the dancers briefly parted, before swirling back into each other's arms.

"I hope they do," Maggie said in a low voice. "Because I do enjoy theirs."

Unfortunately, the content of the pamphlet haunted her like a recurring nightmare.

She grappled with the sheer cruelty of it all. How could the Cunninghams stoop so low, their hearts so filled with malice to destroy her reputation in such a vicious way?

"I am hoping to get a chance to speak to the Duke alone," Maggie quickly added. "I just want to defend myself against the rumors."

"No need."

The Marquess spun Maggie in a graceful pirouette, then swept her into a flowing dip.

"The Duke has no desire for a throng of claimants hounding him for recognition."

"Oh... But..."

That was exactly what she tried to do before the Duke drifted off for a drink!

"I know, no worries. Those who are not accustomed to meeting officials often make the mistake. For example..."

The Marquess spun Maggie around, his warmth a tangible presence against her ear as he spoke softly.

"...The two gentlemen over there."

A gasp escaped Maggie's lips as her gaze collided with a pair of faces she knew all too well. They had somehow managed to corner the Duke and were now bombarding him with an animated conversation.

"Uncle Lloyd and Nicholas," she blurted out, momentarily forgetting her vow to banish the word "Uncle" when referring to Lloyd Cunningham.

"Why are they even here?" she asked.

She could not picture Lloyd or Nicholas saving a child from a drowning incident. Brutally employing Bullmastiffs to overpower a defenseless woman, however, fit their image perfectly.

The Marquess watched the trio with keen interest as he revealed, "They bought their way in with a hefty sum to a penniless Viscount."

"While you recovered from your illness, your rivals haven't been idle. They've been busy cultivating powerful connections."

All to support their claim on the Earldom of Huntington.

"What should I do?" Maggie asked, panic lacing her voice. "Tell me what I should do!"

"Nothing."

The Marquess gripped Maggie's hands, his touch firm and grounding. In one swift motion, he spun her around, their gazes locking onto each other.

"Pretend you don't see them, and enjoy the ball."

"..."

It was certainly easier said than done.

The dance concluded with a curtsy and a bow. As the Marquess departed, a flurry of emotions left Maggie flustered. In this state, attempting a witty conversation with anyone, let alone leaving a lasting impression, felt impossible.

Craving a respite, she decided to step outside. Maybe the cool night air could work its magic, calming the tempestuous emotions swirling within her.

She was barely ten minutes outside when she heard the soft giggles of a lady approaching her position.

"Oh, Nicholas, you are such a charming man."

"Not at all, my Lady. It is you that charmed me with your wits and beauty."

How many Nicholases attended this ball? And even if there were several of them, how many of them spoke like the Nicholas she knew?

A wave of nausea surged through Maggie, rising like a bitter tide in her throat. Her fingers instinctively clutched at the fabric of her gown, a silent plea for escape. But before she could bolt, a curious voice, laced with a hint of surprise, shattered the sudden stillness.

"Oh, wait, is that not Lady Blanchard?"

Maggie was forced to turn around and face the source of the voice.

Sure enough, it was the lady who was taking a walk with Nicholas in the castle's ground. She happened to be one of the ladies who accompanied Lady Burton when little William drowned.

"I was right, it was Lady Blanchard!" the lady squealed happily. Nicholas, on the other hand, looked like he had just swallowed an entire rock.

"Hello, hello, nice to make your acquaintance. I am Joanna Bennett, I am a friend of Isabella's."

"Lady Bennett, nice to meet you," Maggie curtsied slightly before her eyes flew in Nicholas' direction.

Sensing Maggie's line of sight, Lady Bennett quickly introduced Nicholas to her.

"And this is my future husband, Mr. Nicholas Cunningham of Huntington."