As Charlton looked at Larissa again that very moment with his heart feeling full, he could not help but lament that he didn't have a ring. If he did, he would have already asked for her hand. The timing seemed right, but he was ill prepared.
In any case, he found a tendril of her hair falling to her eyes. As he has already made up his mind, this time, he was no longer reluctant. He raised his right hand, and gently, he tucked her hair behind her ear.
Larissa opened her large doe like eyes with the feeling of Charlton's hand on her skin. She was surprised with the contact since Charlton has never initiated any except for when he was escorting or dancing with her. Still, the action made her heartstrings sing. She didn't know what to say or do so she could only bite her lips and blush.
Charlton chuckled seeing her reaction. Was he too forward? He pulled his hand away.
"No need to thank me, Larissa. Your family is good company and besides, with you here, I am very much obliged to do so."
Larissa was usually articulate, but at that moment, she did not know how to respond. She knew that he was flirting with her, and in the past her actions have also been forward as can be seen by her sending the first letter. However, letters and real life was vastly different, and she never had anything like this happen to her before. So, she didn't know what to do. All she knew was that her was swelling with joy.
Charlton just smiled seeing her bashful appearance. He wanted to tease her, but if he does, he's afraid that she might combust. Anyhow, he stretched his hand as if asking to escort her.
Larissa understanding his meaning, placed her hand in his. However, to her surprise, he wrapped their fingers together.
"Y-your grace!" she stuttered. Albeit they were wearing gloves, holding hands this way… it was almost scandalous. Not that she didn't like it. In fact, she liked it very much.
"You're still addressing me that? I believe our relationship so far warrants that you just call me by name." Charlton could not help but tease.
Larissa turned redder if that were even possible. "C-Charlton."
Charlton chuckled but did not say anything anymore. He guided her to step forward.
There was silence as they walked, but Charlton felt comfortable. In any case, they took one round in the garden before he escorted her back inside and told her that he would see her later.
Although the party was to be held inside the Ligeti's mansion, he understood that a lady still needed more time to prepare.
--
Annalys Cross looked at the time for the nth time. Her brother was taking so long. If she had her own invite and was not coming as a tag-along, she would have left already. However, since she has been antagonizing Larissa Ligeti since day 1 of the Social Season, she has been cordially uninvited to the event hosted by her family by not receiving an invite.
That pretentious little bitch. She hates her so much. She doesn't know how she did it, but she got Charlton wrapped around her little finger. She could still remember how Charlton started not so politely ignoring her after he got wind of what she's doing. That tattletale!
What did that woman have anyway? Granted that when it came to peerage, Larissa was not that behind because her father was the first born and heir to Ligeti's dukedom, but still in comparison to her whose family was currently holding the reigns of the current regime… then again, Charlton did decline being the deputy prime minister.
But aside from family, what else did she have? Her talent as a musician? Her annoying innocence, stupidity, and naivety? Always acting pitiful like she's the girl of all girls? Gods! She's not even that beautiful!
One day and mind you that day would surely come, Charlton would get sick of that sickening girl and then he will realize who the real gem truly was.
Annalys was so engrossed with her thoughts that she did not notice her brother who has already come downstairs. When she did, he was already halfway the corridor going out of their residence.
Annalys knew she would not be able to catch him, so instead, she shouted, "Wait!"
Christopher stopped on his tracks to look behind him. Seeing his sister all dressed up, he raised his brow. "Where are you going?"
Annalys took that time to walk towards her brother. Then, she clutched his arm. "I'm going with you, brother."
"I did not know that I was supposed to escort you. Does father know?" Christopher asked. He was not inclined to bring his sister especially with his supposed reunion with Serena tonight. He was very curious how things would go later and did not really want his sister to get in the way. That aside, she was causing their family embarrassment by bullying lady Ligeti just because of a man. Regardless the man being Charlton. Talking about Charlton, he and Serena had a long history together. Perhaps having his sister there might probe to be useful.
Annalys' father has been very upset with her, and he even threatened her that if she causes him embarrassment again, she might as well stay at home the rest of her life, and if she disagrees with that, he will marry her off somewhere faraway.
Really, after all she did for their family, he just forgets about all her contributions and now was just focusing on her brother and how to be the next prime minister! She hates him so. From the beginning, it was he who instilled in her head that she would be able to marry Charlton. But now what? He gave up on the idea and even said that Charlton was a man who lacks ambition, so even if he wanted to marry her, he would disagree!
Anyhow, Annalys deigned not to answer Christopher's question and decided to change the topic. "You're looking good tonight. Who are you trying to impress?" well, it was true. Her brother did seem to have made the effort.
Christopher chuckled in a rare, good mood. Especially when with his sister. "Do I even have to try?" He asked a bit smugly.
Annalys did an eyeroll. Loathe was she to admit, her brother had a point. Nowadays, almost all the unwedded ladies were vying for his attention. It worked to her advantage though. Having one of the, if not the most eligible bachelor of the ton as her brother did have its perks.
Not that she would admit it to his face. In any case, not wanting to dampen her brother's mood lest he change his mind and leave her at home, she could only begrudgingly grumble.
--
TBC
It was 10 in the evening when automobiles started lining up the expansive manicured lawn inside the gates of the Ligeti's mansion. Meanwhile, the members of the ducal family were already inside their ballroom, dressed in their best suits and gowns.
In the order of each's arrival, guests were announced through the French double doors that leads to the opulently designed ballroom. The walls have been draped with brand new fabric in paisley gold, the chandeliers projected bright yellow lights. Footmen in full livery were carrying trays of champagne and white wine circulated the room while a full orchestra was playing music at the background.
On occasions like this, noblemen of higher position usually arrive at the latter part of the party unless they were the host. However, much to the surprise of the guests, Charlton was already present even at the very beginning. It must not have come as a surprise for he was known to be courting Lady Larissa Ligeti and in fact, everyone perceived them as lovers. Still, him being there with her family spoke volumes.
In any case, as soon as everyone witnessed Charlton's presence by the side of his lady, most already assumed that wedding bells would be resounding soon. Meanwhile, the gossips were already whispering amongst themselves, eager to know how everything would unfurl once everyone got wind of tonight's news. It was no secret that lady Annalys Cross, once rumored to be Charlton's soon-to-be betrothed, was hell bent on breaking up the couple to reunite with her one true love.
Really, it was the talk of the town and the biggest source of entertainment to the ton at the moment.
--
At 11 in the evening, late, but still fashionably late, Christopher finally stepped foot inside duke Ligeti's mansion. He was escorting his younger sister, Annalys, much to his chagrin, but given that she would most likely disperse from his sight upon after entering the ballroom, he let her be. Upon reaching the French double doors, the butler announced his and Annalys' arrival.
All the guests hearing the name were quick to snap their necks towards the entrance. It was expected that Annalys would not be invited in this event because of her untoward behavior towards Lady Larissa. But there she was, escorted by her brother.
Did that mean that the Cross ducal family was still not giving up the idea of Annalys and Charlton's union?
Lady Larissa's father, Lawrence Ligeti, count and heir of Ligeti's ducal family, could only wince. He turned to look at his wife in askance.
Countess Lilia, understanding what her husband meant with the look, can only mutter in response. "I could not possibly NOT invite the minister of Justice. However, I did not expect that he would bring his sister, nor that she would have the face to attend our party."
Count Lawrence sighed. Never mind that. He just hopes that nothing outrageous would happen tonight. It was rare for his father to join festivities nowadays with his reduced mobility given his ripe age of 85.
Come to think of it, it was even rarer that he was standing right there to welcome guests himself. By the way, that also got him thinking, what could be running his father's mind to do so himself? Usually, it's just him and his wife welcoming everyone. Was he waiting for someone he invited himself? Before he could further delve on his thought, the minister of justice was already standing before them.
Duke Ligeti was not aware of the skirmish between his granddaughter and Annalys, not only because he has not seen nor heard of it himself, but also because no one in the family told him about it. Well, no one wanted to upset the old man and it's not like he can do anything about it. Anyhow, given that, he gave a hearty smile to his newly arrived guests.
"Ah, Duke Cross' grandson. You grew up so well. I heard that you have been appointed Minister of Justice a few months back. How is it? Also, how's your father? Are they not coming?" The duke said after giving Christopher a handshake.
Christopher politely smiled. "My father is doing well, your grace. As for myself, swarmed with work, I'm afraid to say. My parents sends their apologies for not being able to come, but they send their regards."
Duke Ligeti nodded still in a good mood, then he turned to face Annalys who gave him a curtsy. "Ah, and you, young lady had truly grown beautifully. I'm sure you have a lot of suitors lining up your home. I do you hope you would enjoy tonight's festivities."
Annalys was not sure if the old man was being sarcastic, but it's not good to antagonize him on his own event. So, she just chose to ignore his words.
Christopher wanted to frown at Annalys' dismissive attitude but did not comment.
In any case, duke Ligeti did not mind and only told them that he hoped that they have a pleasant evening.
Afterwards, Christopher also greeted the count and countess, few pleasantries were exchanged since they did not have much to talk about as they moved on different circles.
On the other hand, Annalys, not wanting to exchange words with the couple who spawned the vile creature that was their daughter in this planet, excused herself to join her 'friends'.
Annalys already spotted Charlton and Larissa since entering the ballroom and wanted nothing more than to tear the two apart, preferably by pulling Larissa's hair. However, she did not want to much more shatter her decorum as a lady in Charlton's eyes than she already has. Besides, it's not like she could physically harm Larissa in her own home, that was, unless she wanted to be dragged out.
--
TBC
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