She took her brother’s arm, needing someone to hold on to, as they stepped into the glittering lights of the ballroom and was immediately left breathless by how stunning it was. Lady Beatrice really had created a magical feeling evening, leaving Verity struck with the notion that anything was possible.
Perhaps tonight would not be as dreadful as she feared after all.
But then as her eyes scanned around the room, she found her gaze locked on to the most perfect looking couple who truly seemed to have all eyes upon them in the best way possible.
Cedric and Daphne.
She had heard rumors of their return to London but did not expect to see them like this.
The sight of them caused a rush of painful memories and emotions to crush her. It felt like she was transported once more back to the very moment that Cedric told her he did not wish to marry her because he had fallen in love with her best friend all over again.
Her mother gently squeezed her arm in a comforting gesture.
But that did nothing to make her feel any better. Her heart constricted, her chest tightened, she could not get enough air in to her lungs, no matter how hard she tried.
I wish to run, Verity thought desperately to herself, I want to get out of here.
But of course, she could not do anything that would draw attention to herself. She could not cause a scene without becoming the victim of the ton’s tongue lashings. Again.
Did Cedric and Daphne have to look so happy together? Did they have to make such a wonderful couple? They were the sort of people that others would look upon jealously because they were so much in love. It wasn’t fair. They had wronged Verity. They had broken her heart and left her shattered. It wasn’t right that they were happy now, and in love, while she was the one left behind.
Thankfully an announcement ricochetted through the hall, drawing Verity’s attention away from them. She could not stand to see them for another second longer.
“Announcing the arrival of the Marquess of Eilendale, the Dowager Marchioness, and Lady Georgiana Easton.”
Verity’s heart skipped a beat again, but for a different reason this time.
The Marquess of Eilendale entered the room, looking so handsome he almost took Verity’s breath away.
He might have been a sight for sore eyes in Kew Gardens, but dressed in his tailored evening attire, he was truly dashing. Verity was sure that she wasn’t the only person to think so. A twinge of longing ached in Verity’s stomach. Talking with Philip at Kew Gardens had been the highlight of her week. She had never enjoyed talking to someone as much as she did him.
If only she could cross the ballroom now and corner him so they could talk once more.
She would love to hear his chocolatey smooth voice as they discussed art or something equally as fascinating again. But of course, she could not move from her mother and brother’s side. She could not do anything that would draw attention to herself, that was her main goal for this evening. To remain invisible at all times. Especially with Cedric and Daphne in the room. A stark reminder of the last scandal that she was involved in.
Verity moved to the back of the hall, preferring to stand with the wallflowers rather than the belles of the ball. She wanted to watch others dance rather than think of dancing herself. Unfortunately, that made it very challenging to avoid the sight of the woman who she used to enjoy these events with.
Daphne always made everything so much fun. Even when the society events were dull and there was no one of interest in attendance, Daphne would always make sure that they spent the whole night laughing.
Although with hindsight, Verity knew that the laughter was nasty, at the expense of others. But that did not make the pain in her chest loosen even a little.
Now with time passing, Verity could see that it was actually much more painful to lose her than it had been to lose Cedric. The betrayal of her best friend was the worst part of all of it, and now it was very clear that Daphne was pointedly not looking her way.
She was so busy fixated on Daphne that it took her a few moments to realize what was happening right beside her old best friend. Cedric was talking to Philip as if they were old friends. And it quickly became apparent that he was enthusiastically bringing his stunning younger sister, Rosalind, into the conversation.
As if he thought they might be a good match…
A pang of jealousy shot through Verity’s heart.
With Philip’s title, it made sense that he would be a perfect match for the beautiful and accomplished Rosalind. They even looked well matched together, both well-polished and graceful. They would be an envied couple in society which only made Verity feel even worse about herself.
Verity’s head spun, emotions crashing over her like relentless waves. She wanted to disappear in to the shadows, to be invisible. The crowd, the music, the laughter was all too overwhelming. Her eyes stung as she blinked back tears, determined not to let anyone see her distress.
I should not even have distress, she tried to remind herself. Not over a man I spoke to just the once…
She had to get a grip on herself. There was no use comparing herself to a debutante. There wasn’t even any point in thinking about Philip, because she knew she could not have him.
Verity squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, willing herself to remain calm.
