Deviating from the original plot

Chapter thirteen

Later that evening, during dinner, Victoria descended the stairs and entered the dining room to find her father already seated at the table, sipping from a glass of wine.

"I take it the workload eased up today?" she asked as she took her seat.

"Not in the slightest," he replied with a grin. "But I heard something rather exciting."

"Oh?"

"You attended a social gathering today," he said, clearly pleased. 

Victoria narrowed her eyes slightly. "You left work early over that?"

"What do you mean?" he said with a chuckle. "You were invited by the young lady of the Leclairs, weren't you? The same girl Anne mentioned—the one you met at the dressmaker's."

Victoria sighed, slightly annoyed. Of course her maid would pass along that detail.

"She seems like a lovely young lady," her father added.

"She is," Victoria admitted, albeit a bit reluctantly.

Her father's eyes lit up. "Then you should invite her over for tea sometime. I'd love to meet her."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Father, I'm afraid I can't do that, for fear that you'll embarrass me."

He let out a hearty laugh, completely unoffended. "What nonsense! I would never embarrass my own daughter."

Victoria gave him a look, unconvinced. "Not on purpose, maybe. But it will happen."

He grinned, clearly enjoying the exchange. "So? When will you invite her over, then? Tea? Dinner?"

"I'll think about it," she said, picking up her fork.

"At least that's a start," he said with a grin, turning his attention back to his meal. "So, how are your succession lessons with Damien coming along?"

"They've been going well so far," Victoria replied. "Damien is a capable aide."

"Good to hear," he said, pleased. "But I'm sure you'll grasp everything in no time."

Victoria gave a small nod in response.

After that, they ate in a companionable silence, enjoying their meal together.

✦ ✦

The night of the charity ball arrived more quickly than Victoria had expected. Now she stood near the entrance, taking in the scene before her.

The ballroom was breathtaking—lavish decorations, golden chandeliers, guests moving around in elegant attire, their laughter and idle chatter blending with the soft music playing. A long banquet table near the far wall offered an impressive spread of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

It was all dazzling, yet something unsettled Victoria. She couldn't place what it was—just a strange feeling tugging at the back of her mind. Her father had left her alone, trusting she would be able to hold herself.

Immediately, Damien materialized at her side, dressed sharply in a dark suit with silver accents. "Did I startle you?"

Victoria gave him a sideways glance. "Hardly."

"Then why do you look like you've wandered into the wrong place?"

She hesitated. "I don't know. It just feels like... I'm forgetting something. Something important."

Damien studied her for a beat, then smiled. "Well, if you remember it, do let me know. In the meantime, let's go round the room."

He offered his arm with a grin, and Victoria accepted, allowing Damien to lead them through the crowd. As they moved, more than a few heads turned in their direction. Curious glances followed them with hushed whispers.