“So, then… what is the problem?” he asked, resisting to frown again.
“There is no problem,” she said in a way that irritated him even more, because it obviously wasn’t true. “I am merely wondering how come you know so much about me.”
“Because you are my wife, Phyllis, that’s why!” He snapped while he whispered. He never knew how difficult it was to be upset and at the same time, be forced to speak in a hushed manner. The two simply did not go together. “As a good husband, I am supposed to know what my wife and likes and dislikes. It is my duty. There is nothing more than that and I honestly don’t know why you are being so insistent on this.”
* * *
Phyllis didn’t know how to feel about that. Her own mind was silenced by the deafeningly loud beating of her heart, which threatened to jump right out of her chest. She continued to dance to the last sounds of the waltz silently, avoiding his gaze. He called her his duty. Duty was another word for a burden. That was the last thing she ever wanted to be for someone, especially him. The thought almost made her cry, but she endured it stoically, refusing to allow anyone to see her crumble.
As soon as the waltz ended, she wished to inform him that she needed a rest, maybe some refreshments, but he was the first one to speak, as soon as he bowed before her.
“If you will excuse me for a moment,” he told her, although she knew this was merely a figure of speech. It would not be a moment. She could hear that much in his voice. “I see some acquaintances whom I need to speak to regarding our business investments.”
“Of course,” she managed to muster, watching him leave. She hastily found her way through the crowd, nestling within the furthest corner of the ballroom, where she hoped she would not be disturbed by anyone. Before that, she had hastily grabbed a crystal glass of lemonade, which she was now cradling in her hands.
The lively strains of music enveloped the room once again, but her thoughts lingered elsewhere. Alexander’s words echoed in her mind, a subtle melody that refused to fade. As she sipped the cool, citrusy liquid, Phyllis couldn’t help but entertain a fleeting notion. Could there be a hint of genuine affection in Alexander’s gestures? A mere ember of liking, perhaps? The idea sparked a glimmer of hope, but she quickly quashed it. Love, she knew too well, had the power to unravel even the most carefully constructed lives.
She had witnessed the heartbreak that accompanied love—fractured families, shattered dreams, and whispered scandals. Phyllis had navigated the treacherous waters of society enough to recognize the perils that awaited those who dared to fall in love. She had seen the crash of her own parents’ marriage, which she knew started out of love, not merely mutual benefits. Still, it ended in a most devastating manner possible for all those involved, especially the three girls. They bore the brunt of the biggest anguish upon their mother’s departure and it was something that Phyllis promised she would never do to anyone. The best thing was to simply steer clear off love and marriage altogether. Now that the latter was impossible, she could still focus on the former. She couldn’t fall in love with anyone, especially not the man she was married to. It was too dangerous. Horrible repercussions would follow, and she knew she had to prevent that at all cost.
At that moment, she noticed Joyce approaching her. The two sisters exchanged long, tender embraces before they reluctantly pulled away from each other.
“Let me look at you,” Phyllis gushed, cupping her sister’s joyful, happy face with the palms of her hands. “Why, you are positively radiant, my dear! I think married life is doing wonders for you.”
Joyce giggled sweetly. “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier, Phyllis. Every moment that I spend with Elias is magical. He is such a kind man, a man who shies away from all this ballroom pomp and splendor and prefers to remain home instead, just reading by the fire.”
Phyllis was on the cusp of reminding her sister what that shy man almost did to their family’s reputation, but she didn’t want to ruin Joyce’s happiness. Nothing was worth doing that. Perhaps that was truly just a mistake. They were all human, and as such, prone to mistakes. Whatever the truth was, Phyllis felt that she was the last person in the world who ought t judge someone else, but at the same time, this was her sister, and she would do anything to protect her, even if that meant to protect her from the very man who claimed to love her.
“I am happy to hear that is so, Joyce,” Phyllis couldn’t contain her delight at seeing her sister like this. It was all worth it in the end. She was more sure of it now than ever before.
“And what about you?” Joyce suddenly asked, her voice hushed as if someone might overhear them.
“What about me?” Phyllis pretended not to understand the question.
“How is… everything?” Joyce asked cautiously.
Phyllis chuckled. “You are more direct than Father.”
Joyce smiled. “So, I take it that he’s already done his questioning.”
“He has,” Phyllis confirmed, amused. “And as Alexander and I answered him as well, things are all right.”
Joyce tilted her head a little, eyeing her sister suspiciously. She had a keener eye for Phyllis’ facial expressions than their father. “Are you certain?”
Phyllis nodded. “I could never lie to you, my dear sister.” She took Joyce’s hands into hers and squeezed them tenderly. “Everything is good. Your happiness is the most important thing for me, Joyce, you know that. As long as you are happy, so am I.”
Joyce’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Phyllis, I…”
But at that moment, the viscount appeared behind them, and both sisters immediately regained composure, not wanting to continue the conversation in the presence of someone else.
“Lady Phyllis,” the viscount greeted her cordially. “You look lovely.”
“Almost as lovely as Joyce,” Phyllis smiled playfully, letting go of her sister’s hand. It was time to give her away to the man who would continue to evoke that smile on her sister’s face, that same smile that Phyllis herself had been fighting for their entire lives. Her role had come to an end. Now, it was the viscount’s turn.
“Do you mind if I take this lovely lady to dance?” he asked politely.
“By all means do so,” Phyllis assured him, watching as Joyce giggled sweetly, while the viscount led her towards the dancing couples.
Now that she had spent some time in the company of her dear sister, Phyllis wanted to be left alone. But that was not to happen. Not that night, at least.
