Chapter 3 – The Man Named Bryant Clifton (Part 2)

It was Evelyn’s first time entering the Queens Hall. She had no particular interest in music, and she thought such a place, built for royal amusement, had nothing to do with her.

She first encountered an orchestra at boarding school. The school, whose purpose was to transform a reckless girl into an elegant lady, actually taught Evelyn a lot over three years, including proper dining etiquette, conversation skills, how to wear dresses, and how to style hair and apply makeup.

Young Evelyn had wondered why daughters from ordinary families, far from the upper class, needed to learn ballroom social dances. In retrospect, the purpose of that boarding school’s education was precisely that. To prepare for the opportunity to enter high society. To leave a deep impression on a man of at least middle class and ultimately become a suitable wife for him.

Whether or not one agrees with that practical educational philosophy, the three years Evelyn spent at her alma mater were certainly not in vain.

“How many social dances do you know?”

At least she won’t be flustered by questions like these.

“I know Allegretto and Moderato. I’m not sure if I can do them well since it’s been a while.”

“That’s surprising.”

Evelyn raised her head at Bryant’s response. After the moving performance by the Royal Orchestra, the guests on the first floor were entering the banquet hall one by one. Following escort etiquette, Evelyn placed her left hand on the man’s right arm and asked again.

“What do you mean?”

“To be honest, I thought you’d barely manage Allegretto.”

Allegretto is a very simple pattern dance performed by several people together. Even the clumsiest person usually manages it. 

What did he think of me?

As Evelyn gave a wry smile, Bryant turned his head toward her, a distinct smile on his lips. He was definitely teasing. 

I was a top student in social dance class, you know. 

Just as Evelyn was about to retort,

“Henry!”

Bryant stopped walking and turned his head.

Is it someone he knows? 

Evelyn followed his gaze with her eyes. An elderly lady, appearing over seventy, was standing with a young woman, holding a cane. Bryant, without hesitation, led Evelyn and walked over to them. It seemed to be someone he knew.

“Countess.”

He acknowledged her, bowing deeply to kiss the small elderly lady’s cheek. The affectionate kiss was returned, and the lady lightly stroked his face with one hand.

“Oh, my dear. How long has it been?”

Bryant straightened up after the greeting and replied.

“I believe it’s been about three years since we last met at Elgagrove. I heard you were recuperating in the countryside, but to see you here.”

“Don’t mention it. The country air may be good for the lungs but it’s terrible for the mind. It’s unbearably boring.”

“You look healthy.”

“Healthy, you say. I’m on my deathbed.”

“I think I’ve heard you say that since I was seventeen.”

“You cheeky rascal.”

“I apologize, Madame.”

Bryant didn’t look apologetic at all. The elderly lady also glared at him fondly, clearly showing she adored him. It was evident they had known each other for a long time.

“Let me introduce you. This is my partner, Miss Evelyn Dale. And this elegant lady is the Countess Lloyd.”

“Pleased to meet you, Countess.”

“Nice to meet you, Miss Dale.”

Evelyn curtsied and looked at the elderly lady. The young woman lightly supporting her seemed to be a servant, as she wasn’t introduced. The Countess’s hazel eyes observed Evelyn closely.

“Have we met before, Miss Dale? I’m sorry, my memory isn’t what it used to be now that I’m old.”

As she asked, the Countess squinted her eyes. As Evelyn was about to choose a polite answer, Bryant interjected.

“I assure you, this is your first meeting. Miss Dale is from the Trissen Empire.”

“Trissen? Oh, I see.”

The Countess’s gaze remained fixed on Evelyn’s face, so intense that it was almost embarrassing. Just as Evelyn was about to ponder its meaning, a violin solo began. It was the members of the royal orchestra who had just finished their first performance of the season.

“Moderato, it seems.”

Bryant met Evelyn’s eyes. About ten members, arranged informally, joined the violin solo in time. As the enriched melody filled the hall, people began to move. It was the first dance.

“Countess, I’d love to chat more, but I can’t miss the first dance.”

“Of course, socializing is the duty of the young. Go on.”

“Please contact me while you’re in Kingston. I’ll come visit.”

“Let’s do that. Send my regards to the Marquis.”

“I will.”

The man, who had smoothly bid farewell, extended his right hand to his partner. Evelyn, who had been focused on their conversation, looked up. 

Was he already asking me to dance? I wasn’t ready yet. 

As the woman hesitated, Bryant whispered as if urging her.

“You said you dance Moderato well.”

I never said I was good. I said the last time I danced was three years ago. I need to watch a couple of dances to refresh my memory. 

Just as she was about to protest, one of her hands was taken.

Despite the suddenness of his grip, the man led her to the floor with a very polite gesture. A few couples had already started dancing, but there were only three or four pairs. Any mistake would be immediately noticeable. Evelyn was genuinely flustered.

“Mr. Clifton, I…”

“Don’t worry. I’m quite good at leading.”

The man, who made a confident claim, wrapped one arm around her waist. His palm touched the deeply exposed back. The dry warmth of his skin against hers. A shiver ran through the spot where they touched.

The orchestra continued its performance. Since they were on the floor, they, too, had to start dancing. Evelyn forcibly calmed her chaotic mind. For now, she had to focus on dancing. She had to listen to the rhythm and recall the steps.

She placed her right hand, which had been hovering in the air, on the man’s shoulder. Then, as if exchanging a signal, she met his eyes. Eyes looking down gently. A familiar scent of cologne. The scent of narcissus mixed with his body odor. Inhaling it deeply, she took her first step.

As he had promised, Bryant was skilled. If she hesitated with the steps, he quickly guided her direction, and even if the rhythm was slightly off, he adjusted the pace without any fuss. All the while, he never took his eyes off hers. As if he could see through all her thoughts, conflicts, and hesitations.

“You dance well.”

Bryant complimented. Evelyn responded with a faint smile. At that moment, the man’s hand around her waist tightened slightly. Following that signal, she naturally changed direction. A turn to the right.

Having gotten used to the rhythm and pattern, she could now engage in conversation.

“It still feels awkward. It’s been too long.”

“For a first dance, you’re doing very well.”

“You should have given me some time. If I had observed a couple of dances, I wouldn’t have been so flustered.”

“I wanted to, but if we hadn’t left that spot, the Countess would have started prying into our relationship. Romantic speculations about young men and women are the greatest pleasure for ladies of her age.”

There was a hint of laughter in his low voice. Only then did Evelyn recall the Countess. The elderly Countess who scrutinized her with an observant gaze. Most importantly, what the Countess had said.

‘Send my regards to the Marquis.’

“You seemed quite close.”

“She was well-acquainted with my aunt. The Lloyd estate isn’t far from my hometown, so we met often.”

Evelyn was almost certain. A person well-acquainted with noble ladies. Someone who could send regards to a Marquis. But she couldn’t just bluntly ask him if he was a nobleman.

So she asked.

“Where is your hometown, Mr. Clifton?”

She had to ask gradually, naturally. Nobles didn’t like direct questions. They considered indirect speech elegant.

“It’s a region called Elgagrove.”

“Is it far from Kingston?”

“About 250 miles south. It’s known for producing good wine.”

“It’s similar to me. My hometown is famous for wine too.”

“Are you from Mendel?”

“A little away from there. It’s a small village.”

“You were born in the hometown of the first Empress.”

Evelyn was inwardly impressed by his words. The central city of Mendel was known as the hometown of the founding Emperor’s wife, the first Empress of Trissen, and a famous wine region. Being so knowledgeable about a foreign city must be due to his education in history and geography. His perfect command of the Trissen language must also be thanks to learning from a young age. It’s natural for noble children.

“Does your family also work with wine, Mr. Clifton?”

“We have a family-owned vineyard, so you could say that.”

“Yet you started a separate business. Usually, one would inherit the family business.”

“My brother took over the family business.”

“I see. So your brother…”

“Miss Evelyn.”

Bryant gently interrupted her. Evelyn saw the man’s lips faintly smile. She looked into his eyes, pretending to be unaffected, but her heart, fully exposed, began to pound heavily.

“I think I know what you’re curious about. I hope it’s not rude to guess.”

Evelyn did not respond. The first dance was almost over. The hand around her waist tightened. Following the short tug, they both turned simultaneously.

A turn to the left.

“My father was the Marquis of Elgagrove.”

Two steps back.

“Now my brother has inherited the title and is managing the estate.”

Two steps to the right again.

“As the second son, I started my own business.”

Finally, three steps forward.

“I hope that satisfies your curiosity.”

With that, Evelyn stopped. Even after the first dance ended, the instruments lingered for a moment. Applause from the people erupted only after the sounds completely faded, and after the men and women finished dancing and bowed to each other, slightly delayed.