Hollow Grounds

The harvest ball

After a delightful dinner at the Hemmet Mansion, William arrives at Luna's residence the next morning, eager to spend more time with her. He requests the pleasure of taking Miss Luna out for a stroll, and her mother, eager to encourage their budding relationship, readily agrees.

As they walk through the gardens, the crisp morning air fills their lungs, and the warm sunshine casts a golden glow on their over the estate. William is charming and attentive, pointing out the beauty of nature and sharing stories that make Luna laugh.

As they walk, Luna and William reminisce about old times, sharing laughter and stories. Luna's mother , their chaperone watches with a warm smile, happy to see her daughter so carefree.

As William, Luna, and her mother stroll through the gardens, they become the focal point of attention for the other estate residents and visitors. Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Look, it's Miss Luna with Mr. William! They make a lovely pair, don't they?"a voice said.

"Indeed, they do! Mr. William is a fine young gentleman from a noble family. His father, the Earl, is a respected man in society." Another responded.

"I've heard Mr. William is quite charming and intelligent. He would make an excellent match for Miss Luna."

"The two of them together? Perfect! They would have beautiful children and a wonderful life."

Luna's mother, aware of the attention, kept a watchful eye on the pair, a hint of a smile on her face. She knew the importance of social standing and the potential benefits of a union between William and Luna.

Luna, oblivious to the whispers, continued to enjoy William's company, their conversation flowing effortlessly.

The whispers grew louder, fueling the fire of speculation. The whispers continue...

"Did you know that Mr. William's family has a long history of producing distinguished gentlemen? He would be an excellent addition to our social circle."

"I heard his father, the Earl, is considering a title for him. He would make a wonderful viscount or even a duke one day!"

"Miss Luna would be lucky to have him as a husband. Just imagine the balls and parties they would attend together!"

"And have you seen the way Mr. William looks at Miss Luna? He's clearly smitten. I daresay, he's the perfect gentleman for her. Not to say have they not been together since they were young?!"

" But did he not travel to London for sometime?" Another voice asked eagerly.

" yes .. yes he did for business. He worked with my father for a while. I must say he's the perfect gentleman." A voice defended.

William's face grew warmer with each passing comment, his heart racing at the thought of being the center of attention. Luna, still chatting with him, seems oblivious to the whispers.

Earlier, when he arrived in Lyra, he had hoped to rekindle their childhood friendship but hearing the whispers , he couldn't help but imagine a future with her.

But he knows more than anyone ... that her heart belongs to another.
" Tell me , Will, have you seen Jasper since your arrival?" Her eyes betrayed a hint of excitement as she mentioned his name.

" Not yet," he said clearing his throat. "But I hope to catch a glimpse of him at the harvest ball. We lost touch ever since he left."

He saw a faraway look in her eyes. " have you met since his arrival?" He asked.

" Yes. We did meet briefly at the debutante ball. He seemed ..different almost like six years away had totally changed him."

" Did he say something to you?" He couldn't help but ask when he saw that look in her eyes.  She smiled brightly showing her pearly white teeth. " No ...we barely spoke . It was a brief moment in the palace gardens."she lied.