In the midst of the ballroom, Aurelia’s hesitancy was palpable, a quiet undercurrent amidst the music and the swirling nobles preparing to dance. Every eye in the room seemed to be on her as she followed her dance partner to their stations… or so it felt like it to the girl - the ton likely watching with a mix of curiosity and intrigue as she stood there, locked in this unexpected dance with a member of the Davis family. She was well aware of the spectacle she had unwittingly become, the puppet in a grand show where her strings were pulled by unseen hands.
As her gaze met Lord Harrison’s, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirled within her. What was she to do in this precarious situation? She could almost hear her mother’s voice, filled with disapproval, ringing in her mind. This encounter did not bode well, and she knew it.
Aurelia remained graceful, her every move precise and measured as she followed Lord Harrison, but an air of uncertainty surrounded her like a delicate veil. She knew every step and word would have to be carefully considered, for she was acutely aware that this dance was more than a mere waltz; it was a delicate balancing act on the precipice of societal expectations and family obligation.
Aurelia’s previous words to the man were as purposeful as they were sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. She watched closely, her gaze steady, as a subtle flicker of emotion passed across Lord Harrison’s face. It was a fleeting moment, easily missed by anyone not paying close attention. But she saw it, a tiny crack in his composed facade, a glimpse of vulnerability that she hadn’t expected.Yet, almost as quickly as it had appeared, that vulnerability vanished, replaced by his usual easygoing expression. It left her with a nagging sense of unease, a feeling that perhaps her words had wounded him in some way. And for some reason… one that she truly could not fathom…Aurelia couldn’t deny the ache forming deep within her, indicating a desire not to inflict pain on him. Why did she care? He put her in this position after all…
No, she did not care, Aure decided - a resolute statement in her mind as she watched him. It was simply that she didn’t want to inflict pain on anyone, and anyone just happened to include a certain member of the Davis family. What was not expected, however, was his next words. Did he just call her words to him a jest? Why in the world would she ever jest with the man in front of her. She did not even know him. She knew of him, sure. Who had not heard the tales of the man in front of her. The man wearing his scar with pride - as he wore the stories surrounding him. In what world would she…
Well, it seemed she hadn’t a moment longer to ponder her thoughts when she found him leaning down to her ear, whispering “They miss you, they are asking when you shall be back.”
As Lord Harrison’s words reached her ears, Aurelia couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions stirring within her. She had expected this encounter to be uncomfortable, perhaps even contentious, but his mention of others missing her caught her off guard. It was a sentiment she hadn’t anticipated from a member of the Davis family, given the longstanding tensions between their two families.
Not to mention, his proximity, leaning in to speak softly into her ear, sent a shiver down her spine. The warmth of his breath against her skin, combined with the unexpected intimacy of his words, created a momentary sense of vulnerability that left her feeling disconcerted. Her heart raced, and her head began to throb, a reminder of the accident that had changed her life. This happened often since her accident - her head aching. Her doctor had explained that it was simply her mind repairing itself, and that with time, the pains would disappear before he hushed her into a slumber.
That being said, with his next indication to dance, Aurelia decided to continue, recognizing that any further hesitation might cause an even greater scandal than their unexpected dance had already stirred. She powered through the throbbing pain in her head, diverting her focus to the music that played on… despite her mind repeating his words.
With the music now her primary focus, Aurelia swiftly caught up to where the rest of the dancers were, despite her slightly delayed start. She seamlessly found her steps and for a moment, remained silent. She used this brief interlude to calm her racing thoughts and to simply observe Lord Harrison. There was no denying his handsomeness, and perhaps even his charm to some. However, it was well-known that he was a rake, and according to her mother, perhaps the worst kind of rake. Tales of his adventures reached far and wide, and these were adventures that Aure recalled well - shocking as it was hard as of late for her to grasp many of her memories. She couldn’t help but wonder that if what she recalled was true, what tales might have she forgotten? She would not be surprised if those stories were even more scandalous than the ones she remembered.
But… more pertinent, what did he mean by they miss you ? Perhaps if her mind wasn’t throbbing, she’d think on the matter more. However, it mattered not… and perhaps there were more important things to discuss than the rambles of a rake. Right? There had to be… but why did it pain her to think in such a way? Shush Aure - focus.
“Lord Harrison…” Aurelia commenced, her words soft but clear, their rhythm matched to the dance. “I must admit, once again, I find myself in complete bewilderment regarding the intent behind this dance and your declaration that I am somehow missed. I assure you, my confusion is genuine, and I do not engage in jest. Furthermore, I would greatly prefer not to delve into the meanings behind your words if they are indeed intended as such. I am not here to play games with a rake, particularly one such as yourself. So if you don’t mind, after this dance concludes, I kindly request that you leave me be.”
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