A Scandalous Affair (Completed)

Chapter 14. 1856 

The following week, it was the evening of the Christmas ball. The ballroom of Richmond Hall, and the rest of the estate, was decorated with colorful Christmas balls, ribbons, and twinkling lights. There was a very large Christmas tree in the front room, as well as another equally large one in the center of the ballroom. The smell of apple cider, wine, champagne, and several savory and baked goods flowed through the house.
Nicholas was standing in the middle of the ballroom, smiling and speaking with all of his guests who had arrived over the last hour. Although he was trying to be polite, he was beginning to grow anxious. Amelia hadn't arrived, and he was waiting for his fiancé to get to the house safely. His eyes traveled to the large glass window overlooking the countryside, and he shivered as he noticed more snow beginning to blanket the ground. Walking over to the window, he gazed outside, squinting through the snow to try and locate another carriage.
Rachel walked toward him, wearing an elegant dark emerald velvet gown with off the shoulder sleeves and gold trim along the neckline. She put one hand on her brothers shoulder. "Nick, don't worry. Amelia is going to be here very soon, I know it."
Nicholas took a deep breath before turning around and looking at his sister. For that evening, he was wearing a three-piece black velvet suit with a maroon waist coat, powder blue button up shirt and matching cravat, and black boots. He swallowed hard. "I know I shouldn't be worried Rachel, but I am. Amelia was supposed to be here..."
A collective gasp flowed through the room, causing Nicholas and Rachel to turn their heads and stop their conversation. Their eyes went wide as they saw the magnificent figure standing at the top of the staircase. Neither of them could breathe.
Amelia was standing at the top of the staircase, her scrumptious body enveloped by the most beautiful gown any woman would be envious of. The sleeves were off the shoulder, the neckline sweetheart. The material was composed of white velvet and trimmed with powder blue along the neckline and bottom of the skirt. The powder blue trim was composed of satin. White velvet gloves went up to her elbow, her left hand displaying her new engagement ring proudly. Her hair was fixed into a chignon with blue and clear diamonds braided throughout the crown of her head.
Nicholas was in awe of his fiancé. She was absolutely breathtaking. Quickly glancing around the room, he couldn't help but smile with satisfaction as he saw several young ladies looking at the future Duchess of Richmond with envy. Smiling from ear to ear, he moved swiftly towards the bottom of the staircase and held out his hand as Amelia began to descend the steps. Once she was in reach, he took her hand and helped her down the last few steps until she was right in his arms. He brushed his lips against her cheek, ignoring the fact that he wasn't alone. "You look ravishing my love."
Amelia smiled against his chest. "Thank you dearest, and you look dashing. I apologize for being late, my carriage wasn't doing very well in this weather."
Nicholas chuckled. "There's no need to apologize, I'm simply glad you're here safe and sound. Now the ball can begin."
Within moments, everyone was escorted to the dining room for a lovely and lavish Christmas feast. Several delectable dishes of both savory and sweet had been placed perfectly along the perimeter of the pair of tables in the dining room. One table had 30 chairs while the other table had 20 chairs. There were a total of 50 guests. Each guest had their own name card that was placed at their seat. Couples would be sitting together and those who weren't married or engaged could sit wherever they liked.
Nicholas and Amelia had the first pair of seats at the table with 30 chairs. Their table mates were Frederick and Rachel, Richard and Cornelia, and several other couples that they knew. The other table with 20 chairs had several guests that didn't have an attachment just yet. Laughter and merriment flowed throughout the room as everyone was served their desired drink and dish of food. Various topics such as fashion and the latest gossip became exchanged throughout the table, conversation of politics and religion not being discussed.
Glancing at Amelia and taking her hand, Nicholas knew that it was the perfect opportunity to announce their engagement. Rising to his feet with Amelia beside him, he tapped his wine glass with his spoon to get everyone's attention. "Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for coming to this extravagant soirée this evening. I appreciate each and everyone of you being here, you have all been my friends."
Everyone smiled and murmured with agreement. What was the Duke of Richmond getting at? No one had any idea.
Nicholas. "However, tonight is not just about celebrating the holidays. I have an announcement to make. As all of you know, I've been searching for my wife for quite a while, and didn't believe I was ever going to find her. Now, I can gladly say that I have found my future Duchess. Miss Amelia Morgan and I are engaged."
An explosion of applause echoed through the high ceiling of the room, cheers emulating throughout the room. Congratulations were given. Everyone was surprised but filled with joy for the new couple. They raised their glass for a toast.
As the applause died away and everyone was walking into the ballroom to begin dancing, Amelia noticed a gentleman staring at her. She found it a little unnerving, but then noticed that there were tears at the corners of the gentleman's blue eyes. On closer inspection, she noticed that his hair was blonde just like hers. And... No, it couldn't be. Was his nose the same shape as hers? She shook her head.
Nicholas squeezed her hand. "What is it darling?"
Amelia's voice was barely above a whisper. "That gentleman, the blonde one."
Nicholas. "What about him? "
Amelia. "He looks just like me. "