next day: Delaney’s House
Adeline had woken up before the sun even rose. She paced back and forth around her room as she tried to calm herself down for what was to come today. She had anticipated this day for the longest time, but now that it had arrived, she was not sure if she was ready for the outcome.
It was moments like this that she knew she needed her closest friend, Orpheus. He always knew exactly how to calm her down and just say the right words. He was also the one to make her feel as if she could conquer the world, and in this moment, she wished he was here, but of course, she knew too well that Orpheus would be the first one to go find his favorite lady and court her with a very romantic gesture. Adeline always wondered why she had never fallen in love with him; he was all that she wanted in a man. Sure, she had a secret crush when they were younger, but that was just innocent childhood love, and it never turned into anything else. Was it maybe because she cared so much for him that she could not bear the thought of losing him? Dancing with him last night had made her feel calm and relaxed, giving her the strength to finish off the night.
Yet, her calmness was soon interrupted when her last dance arrived. Adeline was approached by a man who knew how to make her lose control of her emotions. Harrison—Harrison Davis.
The Davis family and the Delaney family were childhood friends, so it was natural that their kids would get along as well. Her older brother, Atlas, and Harrison connected so easily whenever they met, but Adeline and Harrison always seemed to bump heads any chance they were together, and well, some things just never change, or do they? As they grew older and Adeline began to go through puberty, she began to change, not just physically but also in the way she saw Harrison. He was an extremely attractive man, and she could not deny that she felt uneasy in her stomach whenever he was near her. However, she was certain that she detested him after that fateful day when he kissed her without warning. Not only for the way he made her feel, but also for snatching her very first kiss. Adeline had always imagined her first kiss with her true love to be magical, but naturally, the careless Lord Davis did not consider that when he planted a kiss on her during their heated argument in that quiet hallway where they stood together alone. Adeline bit her lip at the thought of their dance last night. He was sweet and charming, but everyone knew Harrison’s reputation. He could swoon every lady that approached him in an instant, which made Adeline know not to believe a word that came out of his mouth.
Adeline’s thoughts were finally interrupted as she heard a faint knock on her door. "Lady Adeline, I know it is early still, but I figured you would like to start getting ready.” She recognized the voice of her most trustworthy lady maid, Thea. Knowing Adeline like the back of her hand and having served as her lady maid for a very long time, Thea knew that today would be the most anxious for Adeline yet. Adeline opened the door slowly as she gave Thea a small smile and nodded.
After finally being ready, Adeline looked at herself one last time and admired her dress. She thanked Thea before she led her to where she was soon to receive the gentlemen trying to court her. Atlas had approached her earlier just to simply wish her luck and to remind her she must be wise of who she were to choose to be her husband, and soon after that he left to whoever he was going to see. She began to wonder who would come and whom she wanted to meet.
Perhaps the prince? No, but why would he? He has various of other beautiful ladies surrounding him already.
Mmmm Edmund? Well, probably not… this may not be easy for him to do again.
Baylor said he would come, but maybe he has changed his mind… did my rude words ruin the chance for him to come today?
She paused a bit, thinking of one final person… but she knew it could not be. They did not dance last night… why would he?
All these thoughts in Adeline’s head, but none could have prepared her for the person who stood in front of her as Thea announced his arrival.
Adeline remained silent as she heard Harrison speak, and with no surprise, he began to speak sweet words to her."I thought another lady would have captured your interest following our dance last night, so I did not anticipate seeing you today, Lord Davis. It surprises me much that you kept your word."She said as she tried to maintain her composure, avoiding showing her now-reddened face as he kissed her hand and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. He had a smile on his face. Oh, how she hated the way his precious smile made her feel. As Harrison revealed the gift he had brought her, Adeline’s eyes brightened as she saw herself in a small painting in the heart locket.
"It is beautiful, Lord Davis… when did you have time to do this?"At this point, Adeline began to let some of her guard down and gave him a small smile as he offered to help her put the locket on. She turned around and pulled her hair to the side, now revealing her bare neck. “You tend to surprise me with every encounter we have. I must know, though: are you really looking to marry someone? Or better yet, why did you come to me first? Are you really thinking of pursuing your friend’s sister?”
@Kristi harrison
mentioned:
@DandelionKate orpheus (didn’t forget you bestie I swear 🫶🏼)
@Jass baylor (slightly)