5. The Night of the Ball (Part 1)

The rumor of a grand ball to be held at the estate of the Duke of Hamilton had everyone in the vicinity abuzz with excitement.

Events at the Knightley estate were few and far between. 

The previous Duke of Hamilton had only thrown a handful of balls when he was alive, and with the current Duke of Hamilton, Stefan, taking the unusual step of fighting in the New World War despite his ducal title, there was no physical time to throw one.

The Knightley estate of the Hamilton family was grand and imposing. Some architects even requested to visit to study the beautiful architectural style. Many anticipated how magnificent the ball would be at such a venue, but more so, they were excited about it being the Duke of Hamilton’s ball.

Perhaps two of the most attractive bachelors on the market right now are Duke Stefan Hamilton and Duke Alexander Bellaston. Their wealth and titles surpassed others, and the fact that they had volunteered for the war, despite not needing to, earned them the respect of many.

On top of that, their splendid appearance was a showstopper.

With Stefan hosting the ball, every eligible bachelorette in the region was sure to flock there. And knowing that Alexander was close to Stefan, the ball was a golden opportunity.

‘What’s important, Eirin, is you, you know that, right?’

Contrary to the bustling around, the purpose of the Duke’s ball was Eirin’s marriage. Eirin let out a sigh as she recalled Stefan’s recent words.

Thinking about tonight’s ball made her stomach twist again. She was tense and didn’t know what to do. Meeting people was already difficult enough, but at a ball like this, she couldn’t help but feel anxious. While it was her brother Stefan who had invited everyone, as a daughter of the Hamilton family, she also had to properly fulfill the role of hostess.

“Eirin, are you all ready?”

“Ah, Victoria.”

The familiar presence of Victoria entering the room made Eirin heave a deep sigh.

“I really don’t think I can participate in the ball tonight. I should say I’m unwell. Maybe I can claim I’ve contracted some rare fever from a distant land.”

At her petulance, Victoria placed a hand on Eirin’s shoulder, as if asking what she was talking about.

“Eirin. Everyone knows you’ve never left this region, so that’s too far-fetched, don’t you think?”

“Then what should I do?”

“What should you do? You must do what a lady should. You look dazzlingly beautiful today. It would be a sin not to show this to others.”

Victoria’s warm gaze reached Eirin’s face reflected in the mirror.

Today, Eirin was wearing the dress she had bought with Grace in the city the other day. Although Eirin usually wore rather stiff designs, under Grace’s persuasive insistence, she had boldly opted for a dress that revealed her skin.

Delicate silver embroidery adorned the pale lime dress, and with her usually pinned-up red hair let down, her fair skin was accentuated.

Even Eirin, who was usually critical of her appearance, thought her look today was not bad at all.

“What do you think, you look pretty, right?”

“Yeah, but nothing compared to Sofia.”

The most famous beauty in the region was Sofia. Her brother was the Viscount of Kent, who was also on Stefan’s list of potential suitors for Eirin.

So the Viscount of Kent would surely participate in the ball, and Sofia would accompany him. She has not yet decided who she will marry.

Standing next to Sofia, no matter how prettily Eirin was dressed, she would only be seen as one of the common girls.

“She has a different kind of beauty than you, Eirin.”

“But…”

“I won’t listen to any objections. Enough with the negative talk, let’s finish getting ready. The Duke has high expectations, you know!”

Eirin sighed deeply at Victoria’s words, wondering if she could truly live up to her brother’s great expectations.

* * *

She couldn’t remember the last time they held a ball in this mansion. It had been so long ago, before her brother Stefan had gone away on a campaign, that she could barely remember.

The Knightley estate, decorated lavishly by the servants for days, was beautiful. Fragrant May roses were plucked from the garden to decorate the staircase, and lovely linen draperies hung from the ceiling.

The guest list for today’s invitation was endless. And since no one dared refuse the Duke of Hamilton’s invitation, all those on the list attended. The ballroom was filled with many people.

But all eyes were drawn to one spot – the center of the ballroom, where Stefan and Alexander stood greeting the guests.

One couldn’t blame them for that.

Eirin, too, found her gaze drawn to Alexander as soon as the men appeared in the ballroom.

His distinguished bearing captivated everyone.

The black jacket tailored for the ball hugged his broad chest perfectly. He was a head taller than the others, so he stood out wherever he was. Even his firmly set, stubborn lips looked sensual.

Eirin saw Alexander, glass in hand, sweep his gaze across the floor before it landed on her. The moment their eyes met, one corner of his mouth lifted in a smile.

He saw me.

Did he just smile at me?

Eirin’s lips involuntarily quirked up a little. She and Alexander had always been relatively informal with each other, but lately, she felt they had become especially close.

Whenever Alexander smiled at her, Eirin’s stomach would twist. Even from this distance, she could see the movement of his fingertips caressing the glass. And she knew all too well the sensations his touch evoked – a tingling feeling that would make her want to swoon.

In the bustling ballroom, only his gaze seemed to register. The other sounds were like distant thunder, barely audible and unperceivable.

He raises an eyebrow. As if he’s seen something strange.

Huh? Why is he doing that?

At that moment, someone’s hand grasped the sleeve of Eirin’s dress.

“Lady Hamilton.”

The melodious voice, like pearls rolling, made Eirin snap out of her reverie. Turning around, she found Sofia standing there.

The silver-white hair fell over her smooth forehead. Blinking her large eyes, she looked just like the elves in the Nordic illustration books Eirin had seen. When she smiled, the dimples on her cheeks were dazzling.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has been a while, Lady Kent.”

Sofia, the daughter of the Count of Kent, was four years younger than Eirin. But they had made their debut on the social scene together the same year, at the ages of twenty and sixteen.

It was no wonder that the young and beautiful Sofia had drawn all the attention.

And today was no different.

Seeing Sofia’s appearance, Eirin sighed.

Sofia’s dress was almost identical to hers. Eirin’s dress had a more subtle lime hue, but the fitted silhouette was nearly the same. If not for the red hair, it would be hard to tell them apart from behind.

Once again, standing beside her, I’ll just be seen as a common person. No, I might not even be seen at all.

At that moment, Eirin’s gaze shifted to the spot where Alexander had been standing.

Could it be that the smile he had given earlier was not meant for me, but for Sofia, who was approaching me?

Seeing Eirin heave a sigh, the corners of Sofia’s lips curled up slightly.

“Oh my, perhaps it’s because it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, but today, Lady Hamilton, you seem different. It doesn’t seem like you chose your own clothes.”

“Pardon?”

“The dress style is different from what you usually wear.”

It was Grace’s handiwork. While Eirin was trying to choose her usual calm colors, Grace persuaded her to go with a refreshing lime color.

“I chose it with the Countess of Bennington.”

At those words, Sofia nodded, as if finally understanding.

“Ah, so that’s why you discarded that rustic style. The Countess has good taste. Your face has also become quite presentable.”

Although it was said intentionally, Sofia laughed awkwardly as if it was a mistake.

“Oh, excuse me. I’ve been too blunt.”

Eirin wanted to say “No, it’s alright,” but the barrage of insults left her unable to say such a thing. Taken aback by the sudden attack, Eirin had her red lips half-open, but Sofia disregarded it and turned her eyes away.

Just as Eirin had done earlier, Sofia’s eyes were drawn to one side of the ballroom.

“By the way, where is the Duke of Bellaston? I thought he was over there earlier.”

Alexander?

Turning her head to the spot where he had been standing, Eirin only saw the figure of her brother Stefan, and not Alexander. Sofia spoke up again.

“I haven’t had the chance to greet him yet today.”

Alexander was not the master of the house, so there was no need to greet him first. But Sofia had sought out Alexander first.

The beautiful Sofia had received proposals from many men, but she had never shown the slightest interest in any of them. She had a firm dream of marrying only a man with an equally excellent appearance and high status. While there was nothing wrong with having such a dream, her ambition sometimes slipped out. That goal seemed to have become even more resolute, and she no longer seemed to have the will to hide it.

“The Duke of Bellaston was just there earlier…”

Eirin looked around the hall, searching for Alexander.

Then…

“Who are you looking for, ladies?”

A deep, rumbling voice startled Eirin, and she turned around. A tall man was gazing down at them.

Alexander raised his eyebrows and looked at the two of them.

Why is he here? He was standing far away just a moment ago.

At Alexander’s appearance, Sofia’s eyes sparkled.

“Your Grace. It’s been a while.”

“Lady Kent.”

As he bowed his head slightly, Sofia opened her lips.

“Your appearance means it’s time for the first dance.”

Ah, the first dance.

In the distance, the string ensemble was tuning their instruments, the screeching sounds echoing through the hall. Soon, they would begin the first piece.

The first dance at a ball is important, especially during the social season. One asks the person they like the most for the first dance, a subtle way of expressing one’s interest.

The fact that Alexander came from afar must mean he’s here to ask for a dance.

As his gaze turned towards Sofia’s beautiful form, a corner of Eirin’s heart twinged.

So the smile he gave earlier was for Sofia.

Thinking that made her heart ache.

“It’s been a while since I’ve danced with Your Grace, my heart flutters.”

Unaware of Eirin’s feelings, Sofia spoke joyfully. At that, the corner of Alexander’s lips twitched.

“Ah, it seems there has been a misunderstanding, Lady Kent.”

His hand brushed against Eirin’s lowered arm.

“I had intended to ask Lady Hamilton for the first dance.”

“Pardon?”

Taken aback by the unexpected words, Sofia blinked her eyes. Accustomed to being the center of attention, she seemed to think she was being ignored, and her expression hardened.

“Oh my…”

The lips that had spewed venom just moments ago fell silent.

“Lady Hamilton, if you would do me the honor of the first dance?”

Eirin was just as flustered by his words.

Why? 

Despite the fact that Alexander had never shown particular interest in Sofia, Eirin had vaguely thought he would ask Sofia to dance. Try as she might to ignore it, Eirin found herself cowering a little in the presence of the beautiful and slightly brazen Sofia, affected by her earlier insults.

Eirin bent her knees slightly in a curtsy to Alexander.

“Ah, yes, if you would have me.”

“Of course.”

As Eirin was escorted by Alexander to the dance floor, Sofia abruptly lifted her chin and spoke quickly.

“Your Grace is so kind.”

“Pardon?”

“Considering your friend’s sister before your own desires.”

Sofia implied that Alexander wanted her but danced with Eirin out of consideration for his friend’s sister.

Though Eirin couldn’t deny it, she felt pleased by Sofia’s apparent distress, despite her ridicule. Sofia’s eyes trembled slightly, indicating her pride was hurt.

But what delighted Eirin even more was Alexander’s reaction.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed.

“It seems you don’t know me very well, Lady Kent. I’ve never been one to turn my back on what I desire.”

“But…”

Startled by his words, Sofia blinked her eyes. Her lips trembled in confusion, unaccustomed to being rejected.

“I know very well what I want.”

And then Alexander gently pulled Eirin away.

“Let’s go, Eirin.”