Bab 23: Chapter 23 - Instigated by a Jealous Young woman

Everywhere Eloise went there were scotching eyes following her. She was hungry and frustrated standing in the middle of hundreds of strangers who were looking down on her. Silently, she left her mother's side, went over to the buffet area to find something to eat.

Seeing the wide array of savoury dishes she sighed, 'I want my dino nugget.' She took some salad in her bowl and started crunching loudly.

The room started to become lively soon, and the music changed into a perky tune. People started moving towards the centre in pairs and danced happily. They all danced together similar to the dance she was had once seen in old movies like 'pride and prejudice' and 'sense and sensibility'. To be honest, she as quiet enjoying the view.

Smirking, she slowly clapped to the tune.

"excuse me..." a shy voice whispered behind her.

Thinking that she was standing in the way, she moved to the side and gestured for the gentleman.

The young lad, who looked barely fifteen or so, blushed red. "I—I would like to know if lady is willing to dance?" he stuttered.

'That dance! No way, sorry, kid. If i danced that someone is probably is going to end up with a broke toe.' she shook her head and apologized. "I would have to apologize I am not well versed in these lively dances," she whispered, taking a bite out of the peppered cucumber.

The young lad's face fell slightly. He slightly glanced to the side where a group of young men were standing and gulped. "The dances are quiet similar. If you would want... I can teach you.... privately. There is a balcony in the side." he whispered, looking directly into her eyes.

Eloise refused it again. "You see, my body is too frail. It can't handle such vigorous movements." She glanced at reaction. 'Boy, you hella suspicious. Why are you calling a young unmarried lady all alone, in the guise of teaching dance? I'm pretty sure that group of young lasses are up to no good.'

The young man insistently stood with his hands outstretched.

Her eyes slightly narrowed. "Sire this....."

"My lady, did you wait too long? Here," the duke pushed past him and stood next to her. He handed her a goblet of wine with a loving smile. "I just left for second and some small fries are trying to steal you away from me." he glared at the man.

The young man paled immediately. He stuttered an apology and rushed away.

Eloise frowned at this.

"My dear Eloise, are you upset that I chased your suitor?" he leaned closer and slightly breathed hot air into her ear.

She flinched back and peered up at him. "I am really upset indeed." inside she was grumbling. 'Upset that I got to see you again.'

The duke's expression went stony for a second. "Your lady might not be aware, but not all men are gentlemen like me. Those brats were probably trying to tarnish your name and honour." He explained it to her.

But Eloise already knew of this. She glanced at the group of men standing in the corner and looking at them occasionally. "I knew of that, but I wanted to know who their instigator is."

"You might not have gotten any information from him. Just ask me anything you want." he smirked dazzlingly at her.

The young man who spoke to her slowly walked over to a corner and talked to a red dressed lady.

Eloise slightly narrowed her eyes. "I am pretty sure it was instigated by that woman who is probably jealous about the attention I am getting from YOU." she gulped down the goblets content. It was slightly sweet and sour, like orange juice. She smacked her lips and glanced inside his goblet. 'He has wine, but I got orange juice. So not fair,'

"Lady is still young; you should not indulge in drinks yet." The duke kindly reminded her with a dazzling smile.

"Yeah right," she handed him the empty goblet and wiped her hands with a kerchief. "I shall look for my mother now."

"Wait." he stood in front of her with his hands outstretched. "Shall I have the next dance?"

Eloise gritted her teeth loudly. "I don't know how to dance, lord,"

"it's easy I will take the lead. You just follow me," he whispered with a small smile. Leaning closer to her ear he whispered, "If the young lady doesn't want everyone to know of the scandalous letter you wrote to me, I suggest the young lady should accept my hand."

Eloise gently pushed him away. "I think everyone is already aware of that, thanks to your lord." she snickered at him.

"But none of them knew of the extent the romantic words you wrote to me," he then silently whispered, "if they knew of the cuss words you wrote to me, I am pretty sure all the higher officials will have me order for your head for disrespecting me,"

"you... you..... I thought we were even. Why do you still keep reminding me of that letter?" Eloise peered into his dark black eyes. For a second they flashed slightly red. She shuddered at this sight.

Duke Raymond smirked with his brows raised. "There are a lot of things you still owe me miss, I shall not forget about this affair until you pay me back. Now shall we dance?"

Eloise rolled her eyes and placed her hand over his. "I am pretty sure I have nothing I owe you."

He suddenly pulled her closer and griped her waist. "You owe me a lot, Eloise. A lot more than you expect," he whispered close to her ear.