The anticipation of the evening’s engagement party hung in the air. The entire household buzzed with excitement, mirroring the satisfaction and pleasure that radiated from both families. Phyllis, while aware of the charade’s purpose, couldn’t deny the undercurrent of genuine joy that seemed to weave itself into the fabric of the unfolding drama.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted Phyllis’ flow of thoughts. A few moments later, the door opened to reveal Joyce. The sisters exchanged warm smiles, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken bond that had shaped their recent days.
“Are you ready?” Joyce inquired, her eyes bright with a mixture of excitement and gratitude.
Phyllis, turning away from the mirror, met Joyce’s gaze. “Almost,” she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Are you happy, dear Joyce?”
Joyce’s expression softened, and she stepped further into the room. “Phylis, I… I can’t thank you enough for all of this. Father is delighted, and the viscount and I… well, we couldn’t have hoped for a better solution.”
Phyllis reached out, gently squeezing Joyce’s hand. “You deserve happiness, Joyce. If this helps, then I’m more than willing to play my part. Just promise me that you’ll find a way to be truly happy, whether it’s with the viscount or someone else.”
Joyce’s eyes shimmered with gratitude, and she nodded earnestly. “You’re the best sister anyone could ask for, Phyllis. I’ll make sure that both of us find our happiness.”
“If you are happy, then so am I,” Phyllis smiled, embracing Joyce.
They remained like that for a few moments, then released each other.
“Now, I’m ready,” Phyllis said with a determined, but deep sigh.
The sisters walked down the grand staircase together, as the engagement party unfolded in the grand halls of the Dukedom of Woldaves. It was a shockingly opulent affair, with the soft glow of what appeared to be a million candlelight flickering against the gilded walls, casting a warm ambiance that enveloped the assembled guests. The air buzzed with hushed conversations, the rustle of fine silk gowns and the melodic strains of a chamber orchestra.
After the official announcements were made, the guests were allowed to return to the festivities, enjoying themselves. Seeing that Joyce was busy chatting with a few ladies, Phyllis thought this would be a good idea to continue with their plan. She seized a moment to approach her father, who stood engaged in conversation with a few esteemed guests. She gracefully interjected herself into the discussion, her green eyes carrying a glint of purpose.
“Father, may I have a word with you?” she asked.
He smiled, excusing himself and offering her his arm, as they walked over to the refreshments table. “What is it, Phyllis? Is everything all right?”
“Oh, absolutely,” she smiled back at him. “I just wanted to say thank you.”
“Thank you?” he wondered, lifting an eyebrow at her.
“For all of this,” she gestured around them as she spoke. “I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t insisted. And now I see what a good man the duke really is.”
Her father’s eyes widened in surprise. “You don’t know how happy that makes me, Phyllis.”
She smiled even more broadly. “Me, too, Father. And I know that you are always searching for good business investments, so I wanted to suggest that you and the duke talk a bit about it. He’s shared some very good ideas with me, and I do believe you two would find common ground.”
“A son-in-law and a business partner?” her father exclaimed, obviously satisfied with the developments. “What more could a father ask for?”
“A happy daughter?” she added, her heart aching at the thought that he cared so little about that. But this was not the time to dwell on such things.
“I have two,” he smiled, squeezing her hand.
Just as she was about to reply, someone approached them from behind.
“May I steal the most beautiful lady in the room for one dance?” she heard the duke ask.
* * *
“Of course, of course!” Alexander heard the man respond, clasping Phyllis’ and his own hand together.
With the first notes of the waltz, Alexander placed a hand on Phyllis’ delicate waist, as they began to sway in harmony with the music. Their dance unfolded with an effortless grace, each step synchronized to the enchanting rhythm.
As they twirled across the floor, Alexander’s gaze lingered on Phyllis, his eyes reflecting genuine admiration. “You look absolutely beautiful tonight,” he remarked, his voice low and sincere amidst the lilting music.
Phyllis met his gaze with a modest smile. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“You know…” he suddenly thought of something. “Since we are not only to be married, but we…” he paused for a moment, in an effort to see whether there was someone close enough to overhear. For the moment, there was not. “We are immersed in a conspiracy of our own, I thought it might be befitting for you to address me less formally.”
