☆ Lady Danbury's Ball ☆
Lady Danbury's house was already filled the moment my family arrived. Chandeliers glistened in this bright white light, while the orchestra played melodies fitting for the event this evening. Everywhere are men with longing eyes and women with shy giggles.
"Thank you," I whispered to Stella while walking.
She looked at me, curiously. "For what sister?"
"For helping me prepare for this ball," I responded, careful at every step I take given that my focus was on the conversation and not the path I was walking on. "Today was tiresome, but at least I got to wear this magnificent gown for this expensive evening affair."
"Never bother, sister," she said, busy addressing the ladies and men who smiled at her. "That's what the Nightingale sisters do."
I uttered a soft laugh. "Undoubtedly."
Our stroll towards the dance floor was halted upon Lord Wetherby stopped us on our tracks.
He bowed before addressing us.
"Lady Stella," he said looking into my sister's eyes, then into mine. "Lady Calypso, may I have the honors of being your first dance this evening?"
He stretched his hands, palms open waiting for my response. I looked at Stella first for approval to which she responded with a nod. Instantly, I took his hand as he led me into the dancefloor.
As we glided through the crowd, I realized the lighting favored Lord Wetherby's soft features. His chiseled jawline lined with a groomed beard casted a small shadow on his adam's apple. On his neck, I noticed a dark bruise-like spot. But before I could ask him about it, he dragged me onto the dancefloor excitedly with his puppy eyes glinting upon hearing the orchestra shift to a more lively music.
When we arrived at the dancefloor, I placed my left hand on his shoulders, while holding his hand with the other one. His right hand was also placed on my back. We both waltzed into the music. I following his lead.
"Lord Wetherby," I said, trying to engage in a conversation with a person I've never talked to before. "I've never viewed you as the courting type."
He raised an eyebrow before curiously asking, "Oh, why must that be Lady Calypso?"
"I always thought a lucky lady has already won your heart over," I confessed, observing the way he behaved in a sea full of young available women.
"So," he paused, eyes still locked into mine. "If that's how you think, why did you think I asked you to dance with me?"
I thought hard about his question. After a couple of seconds struggling to catch the pace of the dance, I responded. "You tell me."
"You're a decent lady, Miss Calypso, I wouldn't want to see a jerk be your first dance," he answered, twirling me as part of the choreography.
"Well, that's so nice of you, Lord Wetherby," I paused, still curious about whether he really is unavailable. "So, did I figure you out?"
He let out a soft chuckle. "I do have someone who owns my heart."
I smiled at him. Momentarily, the music has stopped so did the dancers. I watched as their heads turn to the direction of the entrance, even Lord Wetherby was looking. I followed his gaze, and on the entrance came Henry Granville, a famous artist in London Society.
I had never thought people were that amused with him. Until I saw who came after him, Daphne Bridgerton chaperoned by Viscountess Bridgerton and the viscount. She was with Anthony Bridgerton.
Suddenly, everything made sense. The people weren't staring at Henry Granville, rather Miss Daphne. She was such a head turner.
"Lady Calypso," said Lord Wetherby. "I will treasure this memory dancing with you. But may I please be excused?"
I nodded. Together, we walked away the dance floor and separated ways. I went back into where Stella was standing while Lord Wetherby proceeded to the entrance.
Stella didn't notice me while I walked towards her way. She was busy chatting with Lady Amanda Wright, an acquaintance of her during her season. Without the desire of interrupting an apparently fun conversation, I decided to simply wait after it was over.
From where I was standing, I could see that Anthony was strictly chaperoning Daphne. His cold nature and harsh reactions drove Daphne's suitors away from him. The first recipient of the Viscount's disapproval was Lord Ambrose. He whispered something to Daphne that I can't seem to decipher.
I stole a few more glances their way until another bachelor blocked my view. He started talking but I didn't dare bother. I think his name was John. I don't know. He was blocking my Anthony view.
I think he asked me to dance and I might have lied along the ways of, "I'm already tired."
This remark made him leave me alone, offering me a clearer view of the viscount. They then decided to walk through the crowd, from their stares, I bet they were judging every bachelor out here.
I wish he wouldn't focus only on the guys that could court his sister. I wish he also focus on himself. He has yet to propose to a woman.
"Hey," called Stella from behind. I turned around and figured that her and Amanda's convo must have ended. "Why are you not out there dancing?"
"I'm just waiting for a decent person to ask me," I lied. In my mind, I had only one person to think about.
"Oh," she said, dragging out the pronunciation of the syllable. "Do you mean you're waiting for one person?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, defensively.
"He's coming here," Stella pointed to the direction with her eyes.
I turned around and saw Anthony Bridgerton. He was in fact walking our way. I looked back at Stella and mouthed, How did you know?
She just winked.
I rolled my eyes at her, and when I turned around, boom! I hit somebody with my right shoulders.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I apologized. "I didn't mean to—"
"It's you again," he said. It was Anthony Bridgerton. He smiled and pointed at me. "The lady from outside the Queen's palace."
I stuttered. At loss for words with the idea that he has remembered me. "You're Daphne's brother."
He nodded. "And apparently, the one you keep on bumping into. If I might add, I'm starting to think you're doing it on purpose."
My eyebrows furrowed at the notion. "How rude of you to think like that?"
"Oh," he paused, taken aback by my response. "I was just kidding, Miss..."
He trailed off. "I believe we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Anthony Bridgerton."
"Calypso Nightingale," I smiled.
He reached out for my hands, and kissed it.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Calypso!" He exclaimed, eyes twinkling along with his smile.
"You too, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton," I said, stomach full of wild butterflies.