══✿══╡from Atlas to dance 4╞══✿══
Lydia’s eyes glimmered with hope as Atlas quietly admitted her that his interests did not lie within Aurelia’s heart. What did that mean? Did that mean the interest was on her? Could this be considered confirmation? No, but Lydia had to play it down, she could not appear too eager. After all, they were at the beginning of the season where she was sure that many were to compete for Atlas’ attention. Lydia’s feelings had been too strong to let herself appear as just one among the crowd.
Moving onto the dance with Aurelia, Lydia’s expression turned to confusion as he talked to her. “By surprise?” She echoed back. Maybe Lydia was too obvious with what she had asked Aurelia to do. The task for her evaluating him, to assess his suitability, came across too strong, and she had been too soon. Though Lydia didn’t have long to hide her embarrassment, for her attention - as well as her arm was grabbed by someone behind her. “Whatever are you doing, Lydia? The fourth dance is quickly approaching,” Her mother told her abruptly. Before Lydia could protest, she continued, “Hurry along, I have a partner arranged for your next dance.” Casting one last, apologetic, look towards Atlas, whom had still been saying something, Lydia was hastily rushed away by her mother.
Making their way towards the opposite side of the ballroom, her mother pointed her in the direction of said ‘suitor’. Archibald Hastingston met her gaze, and her mother left her to it - though Lydia was sure she remained subtly observing from afar. Lydia gave an awkward smile towards him in acknowledgement at the obligatory formalities as he walked over to her. Though just before he could begin his greetings— “One moment,” Lydia blurted as an idea came to her. Her mind had stayed on the conversation she had with Magnus earlier, and their brainstorming on how to add further excitement to the evening.
So after continuing to dwell on the matter, Lydia made her way towards the orchestra with an idea. Treading cautiously in order to avoid interrupting whatever slow and monotonous piece they had been performing, Lydia flicked through their music sheets in desperate attempt to liven up the atmosphere. She stopped on a piece she believed may do the job, setting it back on the music stand. After flashing the band a convincing smile, the violins began to slowly fade out, before beginning its transition into Lydia’s chosen composition.
“Lord Hastingston is it?” Lydia asked when she promptly returned to the man she had momentarily left standing. “Apologies for that brief interruption. You see, it occurred to me that introducing a livelier tune was a service to all in attendance.” She told him, with a gracious smile but a hint of mischief in her eyes.
══✿══╡°˖✧ ✿ ✧˖°╞══✿══
@.astxrism Archibald Hastingston
@.sunflowerjm Atlas Delaney