CHAPTER FOUR
“Livvie, there is going to be a ball on the morrow at the Edward’s. We have been invited” Anna said as she drank her morning chocolate. I stared at her. I really have to get this crazy idea of match making me with every eligible gentleman out of Anna’s head before someone gets hurt.
“You mean you have been invited Anna, I am a society outcast, nobody will want to stain their pretty ball by having me as a guest” I answered her. “La! Do you really have to talk about yourself that way?” Anna asked disapprovingly. “Speaking of balls, who is that man I saw you dancing with yesterday?” I asked suspiciously trying to change the subject subtly. “oh, he is lord James, London’s infamous rake, I’m surprised my mother even let me ten feet within his range” Anna said quickly, too quickly. “Is there something you are not telling me Anna?” I asked suspiciously. “Oh, he is so handsome Livvie” Anna said dreamily. “And a rake” I said spoiling her daydream. “It is rumoured that he has three mistresses” Anna said conspicuously. “Three!” I exclaimed. “How does he manage them, and these ladies, they are in agreement?” I asked. “they are not ladies, they are courtesans, and I think he is too big a price for them to turn him down with something as petty as jealously, it is not as if he will ever marry them” Anna said. “I asked him if it was his mistresses he was going to meet when he told me that he had an appointment and had to leave” Anna said not looking at me. “You did what?!” my eyes were ready to pop out because I really could not believe what she was saying. “Anna, ladies do not ask that sort of things” I groaned outwardly. “What did he say?” I asked strained. “Nothing. He just smiled, bowed and left” Anna said pouting. “I think he was laughing at me” Anna said again as if the thought just occurred to her and she did not like the idea. “Maybe he wasn’t Anna, maybe he just likes you” I said assessing. Talking about the eligible, I have not been able to get Greenleigh out of my mind. But I tried, I still keep seeing his smiling face and I wonder if he’ll actually come just as Anna predicted. “I don’t know if I like him Livvie, he seems kind of intense and he speaks to me as if he has known me my whole life” Anna said. “If he comes to speak up for you, will you agree to marry him?” I asked Anna curiously. “I don’t think I find the idea of sharing my husband with other women appealing, I don’t think anything as insignificant as a wife can actually spur him into redemption” Anna said quietly. Yes, it is true that wives were insignificant around here and they hardly influence anything at all, one of the reasons I don’t ever want to get married. I don’t find the idea of being treated like a female with nothing but cotton in her head amusing.
But what will it be like to actually be lady Greenleigh? I shaked my head. I really must get my head out of the clouds. Maybe I’ll just read a novel instead where happy ending exists. I looked to see Anna looking intently at a dress and planned my escape. I tiptoed soundlessly…very soundlessly, why, I am proud of myself. I opened the door slowly, not even a creak. I was just closing the door behind me when I heard Anna clearing her throat somewhat indiscreetly.
“Where do you think you are going? With all the noise you’ve made just trying to sneak out, one would think that an army of rats laid siege to the door” Anna said indignantly. I rolled my eyes.
“We have to pick out our dresses Livvie, you have got to look really nice for Greenleigh” Anna insisted. Oh, must she do this to me? Make me suffer every moment? Make me make wishes that I know will only lead to naught. I guess I should enjoy this while it lasts. Greenleigh has probably moved on with his life. Just as well. I smiled brightly at Anna who gave me a startled look in return. I really want to make this the best night it could possibly ever be for me.
