The Ball Part 2

Merlin bows gracefully and extends his hand to Eleanor, asking, "Would you care to dance with me, m'lady?" This unexpected gesture causes Eleanor to gasp, as Merlin was supposed to direct this invitation to Amelia instead.

"Certainly!" responds Amelia with a beaming smile. Merlin, puzzled, looks up, while Eleanor exhales in relief, believing that Merlin had indeed asked Amelia.

"Princess Amelia, I didn't-" Merlin's words were cut off as Amelia seized his hand and led him onto the center of the room. Eleanor watched in awe, imagining how perfect they would look together, just as they did in the book. Witnessing it in real life would be a delightful sight indeed.

However, Eleanor's attention shifts as she gazes across the room and notices her brother, Alexander, charming everyone with his flirtatious nature. She's already planning to give him a piece of her mind once they're home, but for the moment, she decides to let him enjoy his antics without interference. 

As the evening progresses, the scene shifts to the pastry section of the ball.

"Wow, everything is absolutely delicious! I'm loving it!" Charlotte exclaims with excitement, prompting a playful remark from Charles. "Careful not to indulge too much; you might scare away potential suitors with those sweets," he teases.

Before Charlotte can reply, Percival Radcliffe approaches the twins. "Good evening, Lady Charlotte," he greets with a kiss on her hand, causing her to blush. However, Charles watches him closely, his gaze reflecting distrust towards Percival's intentions.

"N-Nice to see you, Sir Percival," Charlotte stammers nervously, which brings a smirk from Percival. "I apologize, Sir Percival, but could you excuse us? Your presence is dampening my sister's enjoyment," Charles interjects with a hint of irritation. "Charles!" Charlotte exclaims in shock at his directness towards Percival.

Percival briefly exchanges a glare with Charles but understands the importance of maintaining respect toward the Lockhearts; any disrespect could lead to his father having to apologize, a gesture that might not be forgiven easily.

"I apologize if I'm intruding, but..." Percival pauses, casting a glance at Charlotte. "May I have the honor of a dance with Lady Charlotte, if she agrees?" he asks politely.

"No, that's not—" Charles begins but is cut off by Charlotte's enthusiastic response. "Of course!" she exclaims.

Percival and Charlotte then head to the center of the room, while Charles continues to glare at Percival from a distance.

Returning to Eleanor's scene:

"Well, well, is that Lady Eleanor I spy?" Seraphina remarks as she approaches Eleanor. Pausing her drink, Eleanor looks up and glances, "And you are?"

"Already forgotten me, Lady Eleanor? It's only been a few months. Am I that easily forgettable?" Seraphina retorts with a hint of mockery in her tone.

Eleanor takes in Seraphina's appearance from head to toe, trying to recall where she's encountered her before. Seraphina stands before her, her long, flowing red hair catching Eleanor's attention, along with her piercing golden eyes that project a somewhat haughty aura.

"It's me, Seraphina Nightingale," Seraphina declares with a mocking tone, clearly surprised that Eleanor could forget someone of her striking appearance.

However, upon hearing Seraphina mention her last name, Eleanor visibly flinches. Nightingale? The connection clicks in Eleanor's mind. In the story, Seraphina was the adopted daughter of the Nightingales. While her family was respectable, Seraphina herself was a nightmare. She openly bullied Amelia because Seraphina desired Merlin, always getting what she wanted. Despite not coming from a wealthy background, being only an adoptive daughter, Seraphina's entitled behavior was notorious.

Gabriel, the eldest son of the Nightingales, steps forward. "Little sister, I trust you're not causing any trouble for Lady Lockheart?" he asks, his tone questioning, which puts Seraphina on edge. "O-Of course not, I was simply engaging in conversation," Seraphina responds nervously.

"Hm? Very well," Gabriel says, his mood lightening, before he moves away to converse with other guests.

Gabriel, the eldest son of the Nightingales and a highly esteemed gentleman, shares Alexander's age of 18. With light blackish-purple hair and eyes of the same hue, Gabriel's refined appearance and gentlemanly demeanor earn him widespread admiration and reflect positively on his family. He takes on the responsibility of keeping Seraphina in check to safeguard the Nightingale family's reputation from any potential damage.

Seraphina hurriedly exits the ballroom to avoid Gabriel's company, but he notices and swiftly follows her into the hallway.

"Seraphina," Gabriel calls out, causing her to startle and face him. Gabriel initiates a serious conversation.

"Please refrain from causing us embarrassment, as you often do," Gabriel states frankly. "I don't believe your interaction with Lady Eleanor was merely 'making conversation'," he adds.

"I-I won't, brother, I promise," Seraphina responds, visibly shaken.

"Good," Gabriel replies with a fleeting smile that turns cold as he steps closer, his tone becoming stern. "If you repeat your mistakes, I won't hesitate to send you back to the streets. Mother and Father's indulgence of you sickens me, given how you consistently tarnish our family's reputation."

After his harsh words, Gabriel retreats to his usual gentlemanly demeanor. "Now, I expect you to secure a husband by the end of spring, or you'll be dismissed," he declares before leaving, leaving Seraphina trembling on her knees in fear.

Eleanor looks up and notices Gabriel approaching her upon his return to the ballroom. "Lady Eleanor," he greets with a bow before straightening up.

"I apologize for any trouble my sister may have caused," Gabriel says in his customary gentlemanly fashion.

"It's perfectly fine. I wasn't bothered by it," Eleanor responds calmly.

"Ah, good to hear. In that case, all is well," Gabriel replies with a smile before taking his leave and walking away.

After Merlin finishes dancing and chatting with Amelia, he returns to Eleanor. "My lady, may I have a conversation with you?" he asks in a gentlemanly manner.

"Oh, certainly!" Eleanor responds with a sweet yet gentle smile. However, when she glances past Merlin across the room, she notices Amelia glaring at her... but perhaps she's just imagining it, right?

To be continued.

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