Teresa chuckled. “Goodness, I hope not, or they might expect another and I do not think I can bear the stress of it.” She peered up at her friend. “Although, none of this would have been possible without you. I do not know how you managed it. I was panicked enough, and I was barely involved in the organization.”
“It is a gift,” Beatrice replied with a wink.
At long last, after eight-and-twenty years, there was a ball at Darnley Castle again. The majority of the eager, awestruck guests could not remember those former days of festivity, but every time Teresa passed someone older, who was reminiscing about the balls and gatherings of Cyrus’ mother’s ingenuity, it made Teresa’s heart swell with pride.
“You ought to offer your services to society,” Teresa said, meaning it. “You could make a fortune, planning events for the rich but incapable ladies of society, who do not have your gift for organization and creativity.”
Beatrice laughed. “I have been considering it.”
“What you have done—it is extraordinary,” Teresa enthused, gesturing outward.
The entire castle had been transformed into a fantastical realm, bordering on the otherworldly: servants dressed as sylphs in floaty garments and others dressed as woodland elves, mingling with the guests who had all been told to wear bold costumes and masks to match.
The bailey was now an outside ballroom, the gardens glowing with thousands of lanterns, floating candles, and torches. There were costumed guides who took groups through the gardens, telling wondrous fairytales and daring stories of love and adventure. Meanwhile, the main ballroom and old feasting hall inside the castle had been turned into an ancient world ofknights and damsels, where guests were expected to celebrate as if it were the 16thcentury.
There had even been a jousting tournament on one of the grassy sections between the castle wall and the curtain wall, which had thrilled the ladies, and ignited an argument between the gentlemen, who thought they could do it better.
“It was nothing for my dearest friend,” Beatrice said. “Indeed, promise you will not forget me, now that you are the happiest woman in all of Christendom?”
Teresa turned and pulled her friend into a tight hug. “Dearest Bea, I could never forget you. Nothing shall change; I promise. Why, I mean to visit you, and have you visit so often that my darling husband will count you as one of my sisters.”
“I could not have relinquished you to anyone who did not adore you with all their heart,” Beatrice said softly. “I am delighted that one found you in the end, though it was worrisome for a while.”
Teresa nodded, smiling. “He is everything I dreamed of and more.”
“Yes, well, the same cannot be said for his friends,” Beatrice said with a glint in her eye. “That Anthony fellow keeps hounding me, though I cannot tell if he merely enjoys the challenge of my friendship, or if he shall be disappointed by falling hopelessly in love with me.”
Teresa tilted her head to one side. “He is not to your liking?”
“Tess, I am happy that you are happy. I am overjoyed that you are utterly in love with your husband, and he feels the same. But I am thelastperson anyone should matchmake, as you well know,” Beatrice replied, chuckling. “Anthony shall make a fine friend.”
“Are my ears burning?” The man himself appeared, brandishing two glasses of punch. “I knew you would not be able to resist discussing me.”
Anthony handed the glasses to the ladies. Teresa accepted with a smile, while Beatrice did not reach for hers.
“I do not trust any man to fetch a drink for me,” Beatrice said. “It is nothing personal.”
Anthony shrugged. “More for me.” He smirked and took a sip. “Now, Duchess, where is that husband of yours?”
“Dancing,” Teresa replied, gesturing to the bailey, where Cyrus was whirling around with Prudence. “She insisted. Said she would not forgive him for his past wrongdoings if he did not dance with her.”
Anthony laughed heartily. “Quite a lady. Haveyoutruly forgiven my friend, then?”
“I have.” Teresa smiled, watching her husband trying to control his frustration as Prudence stepped on his toes and all butdraggedhim around the floor. Even wearing a filigree mask, Teresa could see his exasperation in the grim set of his mouth and the stiffness of his posture.
I shall kiss it away, my love.
“Would you consider partaking in a dance, Miss Johnson?” Anthony asked, pulling a face as he took another sip of the punch.
“Not with you,” Beatrice replied with a wink.
Anthony chuckled, shaking his head. “You are a fascinating woman, Miss Johnson. I do not know whether to propose immediately or walk away, muttering rude things under my breath.”
“Surely, there is something in-between?” Beatrice said, her eyes glittering with mirth.
“Tessie, please tell me why you have allowed our youngest sister to take to the dance floor?” Vincent’s voice suddenly interrupted, as he came blustering into the conversation. “She has not debuted! She is not ready for this, and… people are whispering.”
Beatrice produced a dramatic gasp. “Oh no, not whispering! How will she possibly survive it?” She rolled her eyes. “Let the girl enjoy a dance. We are all supposed to be celebrating;I realize that is a foreign concept to you, but do try to smile at least, so peoplethinkthe great Lord Grayling is having a pleasant time.”
