CHAPTER FOUR- HER FIRST BALL
All ladies dressed rather ravishing as Hayven was the first lady to emerge through the staircase in a long silver chiffon gown plated with silver diamonds and a redingote of the same make and colour, with her curly long hair
nicely dropped down her back with small ringlets, she certainly looked as if it was her season even if she merely dressed to please her mama. Although near, the rest of her siblings were required to stay home as Rose was 16, Matilda was still 15, whilst the twins were 14.
"You look gorgeous darling"
Complimented her papa with a smile
"If you were not my sister I probably would have married you"
Teased Matilda
"Sister is that your way forward of complimenting me?"
She asked with a smile
"You look beautiful sister"
Said Rose as their mama came down with Emery by her side, with Emery on a satin lavender gown with silver diamonds on the edges and bodice of her gown, a redingote of the same make accompanied with milk colour
gloves, an elegant chignon swooping her hair on the sides creating a flowing symmetry that reminiscent the looped braids. Her mama on a long sleeved lace gown bedazzled with golden feather frocks which had a crossing in front depicting elegance and style, as they finally came down to the others
"Mama looking rather ravishing"
Complemented Sophia who always had her way with words
"Thank you Sophia I made sure your sister would be the pink of the ton"
"Indeed she is, I wish it were my season"
Replied Rose
"No need Rose in about two years you would be good to go"
Hayven assured
"Enough already, we have to leave if we are to catch up with the ball"
Said their papa as they all went into the chaise leaving behind the twins. The ball was upon arrival as the finest of women in their very best outfits were all gathered around and The Dowager Oakley was looking even breath taking. As soon as the Baron and Baroness walked in, they were immediately welcomed by the host, Lady Dalton's new partner in crime.
"Baron Dalton"
Greeted Lady Oakley who paid her respects by a slow bow to the Baron, as the girls also responded with a bow to the Dowager.
"Lady Oakley, I hope our ruse is set?"
Asked Lady Dalton
"Which is why I have been waiting for you and I must say Honourable Emery you look beautiful, the best so far at the ball"
Lady Oakley complimented as she responded with a smile
"Thank you Lady Oakley"
She replied as Lady Dalton took her by the hand
"Shall we?"
She asked as Lady Oakley gave a nod and they took their leave. Walking over to a beautiful woman, elegantly and confidently dressed.
"Lady Dalton this is The Dowager Countess Eleanor Knight, and Lady Eleanor meet the newest Baroness in London Lady Athena Dalton"
Introduced Lady Oakley as Lady Athena gave a bow
"I have heard a lot about you Lady Dalton"
She said with a smile
"So I wonder where this fine jewel of yours is?"
The Countess asked as the trio stood in accordance with a glass of wine in each their hands
"She's over there she's the damsel who looks rather ravishing at the corner"
Pointed out Lady Dalton to Emery
"She is a fine jewel indeed, both girls if I am not mistaking are your daughters?" Asked The Countess.
"Yes Lady Knight, they both are, might I ask where the Earl is?"
She replied
"He is in a revolt of this union, but I shall keep him in check and with my word of promise we shall be at your home" Lady Knight said
"Tying the knot is not always easy but it seems like this seasons beauty may not have much of a problem even whilst it is not her season. Do tell the Earl that this is the only way of quietly putting out his former fiancée"
Lady Oakley said as a young Lady of 17 walked up to the trio
"Mama will brother get here?"
She asked
"Oh goodness Bridget where are your manners young Lady?” Lady knight asked as the Lady Bridget then gave a bow to the other ladies
"Mind my manners Lady Oakley"
She said
"No problem child, anyway, Lady Bridget Knight this is The Baroness Athena Dalton"
Introduced Lady Oakley
"This is my daughter Lady Bridget"
The Countess Knight said
"You look beautiful Lady Knight"
Lady Dalton said with a smile as Lady Bridget took her leave. Moving forward to the more pressured Hayven whom way older men threw some dirty looks and advances at, Emery noticed her sister's plight but glaring will not solve much of a problem.
"Hayven glaring will not do much"
Emery said
"Easy for you to say, you are not the one getting the dirty looks of these old, hairy, weird men"
Hayven complained
"Really? currently I am trying to wear the best smile I have because I want to please our parents, I may end up marrying someone I may most likely never even meet, I am the one without a choice right now unlike you I can not simply declare not to marry"
Emery said, Hayven became short on words.
"I am sorry, I should not have said that..."
Hayven apologized
"It is...alright, I am just under a lot of pressure right now, this entire marriage is all new to me"
"I want to do something about it but the situation at hand is delicate. If we indeed try to thwart their plans they would only find a much worse companion for you".
"Mama seems like she has made quite the acquaintance with another prominent figure in society"
Lady Emery changed the subject
"With a Mama eager for class and a gambler for a papa nothing can go wrong"
Hayven said with all the sarcasm in the world
"Papa still gambles?"
Emery asked
"It is a story for another time dear"
She cut short as no longer than later the family had to retire for the night.
"Of course, He is The Earl of Malton Lord Carliel Knight and he will be coming over with his Mama The Dowager
Countess Lady Eleanor Knight and most likely his sister Lady Bridget Knight"
Her mama stated rather boldly
"I agreed to get married, at least let me choose whom I marry"
Emery said very weary
"We have gone past this Emery...tying the knot isn't always easy but once you get there, you'll get a hang of it I promise"
Her mama said
"This thing of class mama is going a bit out of hand"
Hayven said in her sister's defence
"Emery, trust me...I know what's best for you"
She said with a smile as Emery seemed adamant to her words, they had a quiet ride till they got home and eventually retired for the night.