The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 13

A new century approached. Waverly would attend her first ball with her parents, to be held in a venue on Northumberland Avenue, London, her close friend Isobel attending too. A chance to mix with aristocracy and the elite, where wealth was very much on display. The two friends talked for months about which dress each would wear, how they would have their hair, who might be attending. It was rumoured the Prince of Wales had accepted an invitation, creating even more of a ripple of excitement.

Mama would loan her a pearl necklace to show off her new dress, sky blue, with an open neckline revealing her shoulders. Wynonna and Edward were hoping to attend, although with Wynonna pregnant once more, she was not entirely sure. She heard through Wynonna that Nicole might make an appearance. Edward had been in contact with his sister, suggesting on this occasion she not bring Virginia, Nicole replying it was none of his business, their relationship having become strained in recent months, Edward doing his best to remain civil, ever the diplomat.

Wynonna offered to speak with Nicole to clear the air. They met for afternoon tea once, Nicole irritable, upset at her brother's lack of understanding. Wynonna reassured her they both understood, that they simply were looking out for her, that they didn't want Nicole doing something, bringing someone, who might bring too much attention to her lifestyle and that they were there for her should she need them. She thanked Wynonna, knowing she meant well, knowing she would handle her life in whatever way she chose.

The evening of the ball, the house was alive with servants rushing back and forth with ironed dresses, and starched shirts, and polished shoes. Waverly sat at her dressing table admiring her mother's necklace, checking the clasp at the back was secure. She hoped she would see Nicole, hoped to have an opportunity to speak with her, hoped to show her she was not a child anymore.

Isobel waved at her enthusiastically as she entered the impressively large ballroom, her mother scolding her for drawing unnecessary attention to herself. "Isn't this the most exciting thing," she said, as Waverly approached. "I do hope we get to see the prince. He's rumoured to be dropping by."

Waverly smiled, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Nicole. She spotted Edward and Wynonna with Edward's parents, taking Isobel by the arm, dragging her over to say hello. "How are you feeling? You look lovely, by the way."

"So do you my petal. Uncomfortable. This dress is too tight and my feet are aching already. I only hope the baby doesn't decide to make an appearance this evening in front of everyone."

Waverly giggled. "You delivering a baby in front of the prince would certainly draw everyone's attention." She paused, wanting to ask, knowing the mention of Nicole's name would be met with eye rolling from Wynonna.

"Before you ask" Wynonna said, guessing what was on Waverly's mind. "Yes, she's here. Not with that Virginia person, thankfully. Although, I wouldn't have put it past Nicole to bring that woman to such an event. She's with Lord Asquith's son. Rather dashing I might add."

"Oh, I see," Waverly replied, trying not to give too much away. "I'd better return to mama. Tell Edward I expect a dance."

The girls took their time to return to their parents, Isobel being her delightfully naughty self, poking fun at the more rotund guests, commenting where buttons strained on their clothing. Suddenly, in the middle of her friend's wickedly cruel observations, Waverly spotted her. More beautiful than ever, a dazzling diamond necklace setting off the most exquisite ruby-red ballgown. Every muscle in her body froze, gazing at the vision moving closer, an extremely good-looking gentleman by her side, escorting her through the gathering. Isobel felt the pull on her arm, observing Waverly's shocked face, then her eyes, then the person at whom she was staring intently.