THERE was so many people, just as I dreaded from the beginning. I was left astounded at how many connections my family had. Kitty fixed my hair into a bun, leaving some of my hair left to fall down my back.

She even snipped a white rose to stick in the side of the bun, to match my dress. My mother's dress. I made the decision to wear it after I thought over Uncle George's encouraging words.

He admired how brave she was. Not to mention, this dress was the only tangible thing I had in her memory. So tonight - I represented her with pride. No matter how many pairs of eyes would befall me. No matter how many looks of resentment Lady Stratford threw my way, or how frigid her tone was.

She and Uncle George were conversing with a lovely older couple. I stood in the middle of them, eyeing the chattering crowd.

I felt confident in my skin tonight, but I couldn't help feeling unworthy for this grand event. And Lady Stratford certainly did not hold back with applying pressure for me to find a suitor.

Tonight would be eventful. My very bones tingled from it.

Amongst scanning the innumerable well dressed guests, my lips parted when I caught sight of a certain gentleman across the room. None other than the dashing, Lord Arlington.

He saw me right away and came to an abrupt halt. He took in my appearance, but I was unable to read his expression.

Even though I wanted to rip my gaze off of him, I couldn't find the strength to. It was as if all the conversations from the bustling crowd around us, suddenly went mute.

I hoped that my eyes would convey to him how sorrowful I am from the way I ended our friendship. But to no avail, he averted his gaze and was on his way. I had to assume he was in search for Astrid.

A whisper of a sigh escaped my lips and I decided to give my attention to the conversation still being had.

"It was a pleasure making your acquaintance Ms. Andrews," the older woman smiled gingerly.

"The pleasure is all mine," I extended my arm to shake the both of their hands. After they wandered off, Lady Stratford leaned toward my ear.

"Do not think your absence of attention went unnoticed," She whispered lowly.

"Forgive me, my lady," I bowed my head, "I allowed myself to be distracted. I am not accustomed to such a crowd all for my honor."

"Well get used to it, child."

Uncle George looked at her and broke into a ginger smile, and gave me a wink before walking away. It was then that I remembered the very last time I saw my father, he had given me wink to calm my budding nerves.

I missed him a lot, and couldn't wait to write him.

"I hope I am not intruding?" A man with a crooked grin strolled over. His handsomeness certainly did not go unnoticed. His well styled hair was darker than a night's sky, with a pair of icy blue eyes.

"Oh Mr. Kingman!" Lady Stratford exclaimed with joy, "How delightful to see you after so long!"

"Likewise my lady. Age does not become of you at all," He beamed.

She waved her black gloved hand with a laugh I've never heard escape her mouth. I was a bit taken aback by her flirtatious behavior.

He focussed in on me, "But I have come to ask to steal your first dance, Ms. Andrews."

I opened my mouth to respond, however only Lady Stratford's enthused words were heard, "She would be honored! I shall commence the first dance."

She walked off, leaving the two of us. All I wished to do was find Alaina. Her amusing antics would put me at ease.

"I must say the way you look renders me speechless," Mr. Kingman charmed.

"Oh thank you," I answered breathily. Behind him, I could see the crowd of guests assemble into two lines.

The first dance was just about to begin. All of my dance lessons with Uncle George would be tested. He offered me his arm, and I looped mine around his with a small smile.

We took our places in line, and waited for the music to begin. As my eyes wandered amongst the long line of men across from me, I caught Lord Arlington's scornful stare.

I quickly switched my gaze to Mr. Kingman.

He flashed another one of his charming smiles, and I did my best to return it. Despite how much Lord Arlington's glare shook my core. Would he ever find it in his heart to forgive me?

I suppose not, since I could never divulge my true feelings.

Music resonated throughout the Assembly Hall, signaling the commence of the dance. All that I could think about was that this dance required a switch of partners. I would eventually have to face Lord Arlington's cold treatment up close, and I was not ready.

"Are you nervous dear?" Mr. Kingman read my troubled countenance that I desperately attempted to conceal.

"Y-yes. I am just a bit nervous. It is a miracle I have not stepped on your foot yet," I giggled.

"I give you complete permission to," He chuckled, "Just keep your eyes on me and I assure you everything will be alright,"

In truth, it was not an invitation I wanted to reject.

"Very well Mr. Kingman," His words of assurance seemed to have melted away some of my nerves.

I was surprised at my ability to have remembered the steps of this country dance. Uncle George had taught me an array of dances. From the simple Quadrille to the exhilarating Scotch Reel.

"May I ask how you know the Earl and Countess of Stratford?" I attempted to make conversation.

"I believe we connected through the Duke and Duchess of Brent."

So he does know Lord Arlington, was the thought that sparked my mind.

"Oh well they are a very pleasant family," I nodded.

"Yes. Ol' Chris and I are good companions," There was a hint of mischief in the way he grinned. Before I could even form a response, it was time to change partners.

From that point on, it seemed like seconds between each dance before another switch, bringing me closer to the scornful Lord Arlington. I attempted to make conversation with the gentlemen, but my eyes kept floating over to him.

And on occasion, his eyes would lock with mine.

"Pleasure dancing with you Ms. Andrews," my partner uttered.

"Likewise," I smiled. I was sure Lady Stratford was eyeing my every move, and wold have scolding words waiting for me. It was rude to be so distracted while dancing with a gentlemen.

Drat.

It was now my turn to dance with Lord Arlington.

"Are you well?" There was no sense of emotion on his face.

"Yes," My voice sank into an involuntary whisper, "A-are you?"

"I suppose."

A period of silence loomed over us, I attempted to avoid direct eye contact with him. It was different when he was across the room. I feared with his close presence, he would be able to practically see my secret swirled into my eyes.

Or hear the constant break of my aching heart.

"I-I do hope you can forgive me."

"I believe that is up to me and only me," He quipped, "You gave me no control when you told me we are no longer friends without explanation. So now I will have control of the situation, Ms. Andrews."

His cold words invoked tears to sting my eyes. But I held them back, in attempt to be strong. I gave a submissive nod.

The dance was over and the guests dispersed.

"Della!"

I whirled around and saw Alaina waving at me. I gasped and we united with in a tight embrace. She would surely distract my tears from rolling down my cheeks. I took both her hands into mine.

"You look great in the dress, and Mamma's look of disdain is even better," She smiled widely.

I laughed, "I am so grateful you showed it to me! But I know that Lady Stratford expects me to find a suitor or have the prospects of one tonight, and I know not if I can accomplish such a thing."

She sighed, "I abhor the immense pressure. It is that fact alone I wish I could stay sixteen."

"Oh Alaina," I giggled. I truly admired how different she was from Abigail and Astrid. She had her own dream.

"So what shall we do now?" I asked, looking around the room.

"Perhaps making me happy in having another dance with me, Ms. Andrews?" Mr. Kingman sauntered up to us from behind.

I placed a hand over my heart, as if I could tame the way it pounded from his sudden presence.

"Of course it is your choice," He said, "But I had a very pleasant time with you."

"I can say the very same. I would love to have another dance," I smiled. Perhaps this was the distraction I needed.

But was I ready for another cold glare from Lord Arlington?

Maybe not.

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A/N - Christopher cold as heck 💀💀. Can he turn things around ?

stay tuned to see how things are gonna go down next chapter!

Votes/Comments are much appreciated!

-kya v.h