Deviating from the original plot

Chapter thirty-seven

"So, Miss Honey," Mason said smoothly, "do you often attend gatherings like this?"

Victoria gave a faint smile. "Only when the company is worth it."

Mason's lips curved into a grin. "Then I suppose I should count myself lucky tonight."

"And, as it happens," he added, leaning back slightly, "today's actually my birthday."

"Oh? Really?" Victoria's brows arched in surprise. "Well, happy birthday."

"Thanks," he replied, his tone softening as his eyes lingered on her. "Guess I'm lucky to be spending it in such... charming company."

"How nice..." Evelyn muttered, rolling her eyes.

The conversation drifted on, light and easy, until a small group of musicians stepped into the centre of the square, tuning their instruments as a crowd began to gather.

"Oh wow—the Famous Five is here!" Ezra exclaimed.

"The famous what?" Celeste asked, tilting her head.

"You know," Lila said eagerly, "the street performers who play during special occasions. They're really popular—everyone in the city loves them."

"It would be worrying if you didn't know them," Mason teased. "I'd have to ask where on earth you've been hiding."

"We only listen to refined classical music, not pea—" Celeste began, only to have Anne slap a hand over her mouth.

"We do know them," Anne said quickly, laughing nervously. "The drinks are just making us a little silly, that's all."

"Come on, let's go dance!" Ezra said, already pulling Lila toward the square.

Mason extended his hand toward Victoria with an inviting smile and a playful tilt of his head. "Shall we?"

"I don't really dance," she admitted with a light laugh.

"We can just watch and clap, then," he said warmly.

"I suppose that's fine," Victoria replied.

"I'm coming along too," Evelyn interjected, stepping closer. "We'll clap and watch together."

"Guess I'm tagging along as well," Celeste added casually.

And so, the group made their way to the square, joining the crowd to cheer for the street performers and watch the couples dance under the warm glow of lanterns.

After a while of enjoying the music, Freya leaned toward Evelyn, a sly smile playing on her lips. "You're so obvious," she murmured. "It's Honey, isn't it?"

Evelyn turned to her with a frown. "What?"

"The person you're interested in," Freya pressed.

"No... it's not," Evelyn said quickly.

"You're lying," Freya whispered knowingly. "I'm very good at reading people, and you're just a little too protective of her."

Evelyn opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the crowd erupted into cheers as the Famous Five transitioned into another song—Mason leaning closer to Victoria with a comment Evelyn couldn't quite hear, which only made her jaw tighten.

Lila and Ezra danced together. Anne clapped along enthusiastically, while Celeste sipped from her drink, pretending not to care but clearly watching the performers.

Mason leaned closer to Victoria, his voice just loud enough to carry over the music.

"They're good, aren't they? Makes you want to dance, even if you said you don't."

Victoria laughed softly. "It's tempting... but I think I'll just enjoy the view."

Evelyn stepped in smoothly, positioning herself between them with casual ease. "Honestly, the view's much better from here," she remarked. "Too many people blocking me where I was before."

Victoria blinked at the sudden intrusion, then offered Evelyn a faint smile, though there was a question in her eyes. Mason, on the other hand, looked momentarily thrown off before regaining his composure, his smile tightening just slightly.

At last, the musicians brought their tune to a lively close, and the crowd erupted into warm applause. The leader of the group stepped forward with a wide grin.

"Thank you, everyone! For our final number, we have to end on a high note. You know what that means—it's time for the ring dance!"

"Ring dance?" Celeste asked, tilting her head.

"It's where everyone joins hands to form a big circle and dances around together," Anne explained brightly.

Celeste raised a brow. "Sounds... quaint."

"It's fun," Anne assured her with a grin. "Come on, you'll see."

Around them, people were already shuffling into place, laughter and chatter filling the square as strangers and friends alike joined hands. Anne quickly followed, waving at Celeste and Freya to join.

Mason glanced at Victoria again, offering his hand once more. "What do you say? We are just prancing about in a circle."

Victoria hesitated, but the sight of everyone grinning and moving to the beat was contagious. "...Alright."

Evelyn, without missing a beat, moved in on her other side. "And I'll be right here with you," she said.

"Sure, the more the merrier," Mason said with a smile.

Anne was already in position, grinning from ear to ear as she took Freya's hand and, with her other, reached for a cheerful stranger. Celeste joined the circle too.

The musicians struck up the final tune. The dancers moved clockwise, everyone twirling around in a merry circle, with the occasional whoop or laugh sounding from the crowd.

Mason laughed. "See? Not so bad."

Victoria smiled despite herself. "It's... actually fun."

The pace quickened, the music growing wilder. The leader shouted, "Time for the pairs!" The entire circle reversed direction, sending the dancers laughing and stumbling into new positions.

Victoria ended up paired with Anne, the two of them spinning in time with the music, their laughter mingling with the rest. As the song carried on, partners switched again and again until the final note rang out.

✦ ✦

"Bye!" Anne called, waving enthusiastically to her new acquaintances.

"I hope we meet again," Mason said with a warm smile toward Victoria.

"Goodbye," Victoria replied, returning the smile before the group turned away from the festival.

"That was... an unexpected experience," Celeste remarked as they walked. I didn't realise you peas—" she caught herself with a quick cough, "—town folk lived such lively, entertaining lives."

Freya chuckled. "It's not always like this, but festivals make for special occasions."

"Still... interesting," Celeste said thoughtfully.

Back at the tavern, they retrieved their dresses and soon managed to arrange carriages for the journey to the estate.

"Take care, ladies," Freya said with a friendly wave.

"Bye, Freya!" Anne called, leaning halfway out the carriage window.

"Goodbye!" the rest of the ladies chimed, waving as the carriages began to roll away down the road.