Chapter 22: Prelude to the evening dance IV

As Charlton looked at Larissa again that very moment with his heart feeling full, he could not help but lament that he didn't have a ring. If he did, he would have already asked for her hand. The timing seemed right, but he was ill prepared.

In any case, he found a tendril of her hair falling to her eyes. As he has already made up his mind, this time, he was no longer reluctant. He raised his right hand, and gently, he tucked her hair behind her ear.

Larissa opened her large doe like eyes with the feeling of Charlton's hand on her skin. She was surprised with the contact since Charlton has never initiated any except for when he was escorting or dancing with her. Still, the action made her heartstrings sing. She didn't know what to say or do so she could only bite her lips and blush.

Charlton chuckled seeing her reaction. Was he too forward? He pulled his hand away.

"No need to thank me, Larissa. Your family is good company and besides, with you here, I am very much obliged to do so."

Larissa was usually articulate, but at that moment, she did not know how to respond. She knew that he was flirting with her, and in the past her actions have also been forward as can be seen by her sending the first letter. However, letters and real life was vastly different, and she never had anything like this happen to her before. So, she didn't know what to do. All she knew was that her was swelling with joy.

Charlton just smiled seeing her bashful appearance. He wanted to tease her, but if he does, he's afraid that she might combust. Anyhow, he stretched his hand as if asking to escort her.

Larissa understanding his meaning, placed her hand in his. However, to her surprise, he wrapped their fingers together.

"Y-your grace!" she stuttered. Albeit they were wearing gloves, holding hands this way… it was almost scandalous. Not that she didn't like it. In fact, she liked it very much.

"You're still addressing me that? I believe our relationship so far warrants that you just call me by name." Charlton could not help but tease.

Larissa turned redder if that were even possible. "C-Charlton."

Charlton chuckled but did not say anything anymore. He guided her to step forward.

There was silence as they walked, but Charlton felt comfortable. In any case, they took one round in the garden before he escorted her back inside and told her that he would see her later.

Although the party was to be held inside the Ligeti's mansion, he understood that a lady still needed more time to prepare. 

--

Annalys Cross looked at the time for the nth time. Her brother was taking so long. If she had her own invite and was not coming as a tag-along, she would have left already. However, since she has been antagonizing Larissa Ligeti since day 1 of the Social Season, she has been cordially uninvited to the event hosted by her family by not receiving an invite.

That pretentious little bitch. She hates her so much. She doesn't know how she did it, but she got Charlton wrapped around her little finger. She could still remember how Charlton started not so politely ignoring her after he got wind of what she's doing. That tattletale!

What did that woman have anyway? Granted that when it came to peerage, Larissa was not that behind because her father was the first born and heir to Ligeti's dukedom, but still in comparison to her whose family was currently holding the reigns of the current regime… then again, Charlton did decline being the deputy prime minister.

But aside from family, what else did she have? Her talent as a musician? Her annoying innocence, stupidity, and naivety? Always acting pitiful like she's the girl of all girls? Gods! She's not even that beautiful!

One day and mind you that day would surely come, Charlton would get sick of that sickening girl and then he will realize who the real gem truly was.

Annalys was so engrossed with her thoughts that she did not notice her brother who has already come downstairs. When she did, he was already halfway the corridor going out of their residence.

Annalys knew she would not be able to catch him, so instead, she shouted, "Wait!"

Christopher stopped on his tracks to look behind him. Seeing his sister all dressed up, he raised his brow. "Where are you going?"

Annalys took that time to walk towards her brother. Then, she clutched his arm. "I'm going with you, brother."

"I did not know that I was supposed to escort you. Does father know?" Christopher asked. He was not inclined to bring his sister especially with his supposed reunion with Serena tonight. He was very curious how things would go later and did not really want his sister to get in the way. That aside, she was causing their family embarrassment by bullying lady Ligeti just because of a man. Regardless the man being Charlton. Talking about Charlton, he and Serena had a long history together. Perhaps having his sister there might probe to be useful.

Annalys' father has been very upset with her, and he even threatened her that if she causes him embarrassment again, she might as well stay at home the rest of her life, and if she disagrees with that, he will marry her off somewhere faraway.

Really, after all she did for their family, he just forgets about all her contributions and now was just focusing on her brother and how to be the next prime minister! She hates him so. From the beginning, it was he who instilled in her head that she would be able to marry Charlton. But now what? He gave up on the idea and even said that Charlton was a man who lacks ambition, so even if he wanted to marry her, he would disagree!

Anyhow, Annalys deigned not to answer Christopher's question and decided to change the topic. "You're looking good tonight. Who are you trying to impress?" well, it was true. Her brother did seem to have made the effort.

Christopher chuckled in a rare, good mood. Especially when with his sister. "Do I even have to try?" He asked a bit smugly.

Annalys did an eyeroll. Loathe was she to admit, her brother had a point. Nowadays, almost all the unwedded ladies were vying for his attention. It worked to her advantage though. Having one of the, if not the most eligible bachelor of the ton as her brother did have its perks.

Not that she would admit it to his face. In any case, not wanting to dampen her brother's mood lest he change his mind and leave her at home, she could only begrudgingly grumble.

--

TBC