Chapter 24: Ligeti’s evening dance party II
Larissa was having the night of her life. From the beginning of the party, Charlton has already been standing by her side to welcome guests. It was as if he was already staking claim of her! Then, when she was handed her dance card, he asked for it, and told her he would take care of it himself. Wasn't he the sweetest?
When he came back and handed her back her already filled up dance card, she was more surprised to see that he has chosen to dance 3 songs with her! He never danced more than twice with her in any event they attended, and even then, it was rare. Usually, they only dance once. Now it was three and yes, it was definitely scandalous, but she was more than happy about it.
Anyhow, just about when the party was about to really begin, Annalys Cross was announced. She could not believe her ears and felt some unease. She knew that Annalys can't do much to her in her own home and with Charlton there, but that did not mean that her presence was welcomed.
In truth, there were times when she does derive some sadistic pleasure out of Annalys' jealousy, however, she still rather be at peace and just hope that Annalys would let them move on with their lives.
Perhaps Charlton noticed, because he stroked her gloved hand which was placed at the crook of his elbow with his right hand. It was not anything much, but the thought that he did that... it was like he was telling her that he was there for her.
The thought made her heart flutter and made her forget about her worries. What can Annalys even do? Yes, her family was much more influential than hers, but Charlton was on her side. In the end, the most Annalys can do was talk behind her back.
In any case, before the dance was to commence, Charlton escorted her to the ladies' side before heading back to the men's side. However, he would look at her from time to time, which made her heart melt.
Many the other ladies began surrounding her. They praised her with flattering words, some said that she would soon be the grand duchess of Suffox and congratulations were in order, and though she knew that they were only saying those because of some personal agenda, it still made her feel good.
Soon, the dances commenced.
--
Christopher was not exactly thrilled to be there. If not because of Emily telling him that Serena would be attending, he would not even be there. Yes, the Ligeti's were still a respected ducal family, but they were not exactly thriving. Well, save for when Charlton marries that young lady who to him was not anything but passable.
As he stood there with some gentlemen who were trying to gain some connection with him, his mind could only drift. Honestly, in every party he would be swarmed as everyone wanted to form some sort of friendship with him. It was not surprising given his current position and it's not like he doesn't understand since, once upon a time he was also the same. Besides, forming friendships was not bad as it goes both ways.
However, it did not mean that he was inclined to socialize with the people who attended this party. Mostly, as he could already identify, they were from the neutral faction or some lower nobility who had nothing much to their name. In other words, many of the people present there didn't have much merit and he could only guess that they were only invited because of their same interests, Music. Which he honestly has no interest in.
The dancing has commenced about an hour back, but he hasn't danced with any of the young ladies present yet. There were some brave souls who asked him to fill in their sister's or daughter's dance card, but he only politely declined them. After that, no one asked him perhaps thinking he was not up for dancing that night but just had the purpose of escorting his sister.
Anyhow, talking about his sister, she has been eyeing the Larissa girl since she arrived. He noticed that she would whisper something to the girl beside her, part of her posse, he could only assume, then they would laugh.
It was annoying seeing her act that way but then, there was no use talking her out of it. Being 6 years his junior, Annalys has been spoiled by their parents since young. Thus, nothing he ever says goes through that thick head of hers.
In any case, Annalys was their parents' liability. So, as long as she doesn't cause him trouble, he'll let her do what she wants. That aside, he could somewhat understand why she could not accept Charlton picking the young lady over her.
Bored with nothing much better to do, he observed the young lady who was currently dancing with Charlton himself. Pale blond hair and sky-blue eyes. Really, those were her only redeeming qualities to her otherwise common features. Even without considering familial ties, which her family despite being a ducal family did not really have, she was nothing much.
Did Charlton like her because she has some similarities with his ex-lover? But then, she doesn't even hold a candle to Serena. Perhaps the same interest in music? Or was it that she was the opposite of Serena?
Well, at the very least, that Larissa looked like an innocent lamb ready for slaughtering. If it were a few years back, perhaps she would have caught his interest. Well, not really. Don't know what Charlton saw in her.
Anyhow, he checked the time. It was already 12:30am, about an hour and a half since his arrival. Three songs more and it would be the intermission. Really, he has been waiting that long, but he has not seen even a shadow of Serena. Was she even coming? Did she change her mind? or did Emily lie to him?
Christopher was annoyed. He just wasted his time being there tonight. In any case, he could always get back at Emily. It was not like she had anywhere to run.
The song ended and the introductory notes to the next started playing, Christopher made up his mind. He was about to excuse himself to leave. However, suddenly the music stopped playing. There was a pause which made everyone feel confused.
Then the French doors which have been closed since the dancing commenced were opened, and he heard the butler announce.
"Her ladyship, Serena Maxwell."
--
TBC