Season's Feather

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The ball was dazzling. Many pinks and lighter spring colors adorned the halls. All of the gowns were beautiful, and once more Delilah was on Anthony's arm. Finally being in a place to show off her ring, it gave everyone something to talk about when the couple walked by.

The gliding feather and the viscount were engaged to be married. When asked about the wedding, Anthony said they would have it soon. Delilah knew however, that she would have to start planning now that the official word was out from the two of them.

However, her eyes weren't focused on the conversation like they usually were. Instead, they were on Williamson, who jumped to the stairs when the Sharmas' walked in. It wasn't long before he escorted Miss Edwina to the dance floor. Her eyes flashed to Kate who certainly looked like she was having to put more effort into controlling her breathing, and her eyes.

What was amusing to her, was Eloise taking the dance floor.

"Oh, look," Delilah whispered to Anthony, "Eloise has finally graced the ton with her dancing skills."

Anthony looked over and when Eloise began storming away, "And, just as she has graced us she has decided it is over."

Delilah frowned. Eloise was having a hard season. Her eyes stayed to the dance floor though. Watching the Miss Edwina and Lord Aevery make a spectacle of the dance floor. She quickly jotted down Anthony's name for the next dance on her card.

He looked over and smiled at her in amusement when he caught what she was doing.

"What?" She asked, "I want to dance."

Though, a night took a turn of events. Because when Anthony and Delilah took to the dance floor, Kate and Williamson had as well. And there was an air of deja vu. The brother of the diamond and the gliding feather. Eyes were torn between the two pairs.

Between Delilah and Anthony it was graceful and intense. The two were on the border of marriage, it was inevitable at this point. And, truth be told, Delilah didn't want to wait any longer. It was her perfect love story.

For Williamson and Kate, however, it was forbidden. Both of them were aware of something that had switched between them. They just weren't sure what had changed, or more, when it had changed.

But, they slowly and slowly gained more eyes. They were both blind to it, but they were more similar than ever.

Williamson was trying to clear his mind, but it was impossible. This woman, in his arms, was taking everything from him. It was only the focus of marrying her sister keeping him tethered to reality. But, that was a failing tether as the dance continued.

"Do you have something you wish to ask me, my lord, regarding my sister?" Kate asked.

Williamson breathed, this was it, "If I were to ask for her hand, would you give me your permission?"

They spun in the direction of Edwina. Both of them looked at the smiling diamond, and there was no room for error. They could not be together, it was clear to both of them. Even though there was no "together" to begin with.

It was clear to Williamson, however. He could not be with Kate Sharma, not anymore, any tension had to become a figment of the past. He is marrying Edwina Sharma. He would not waste anymore time. He would propose. He would marry. Edwina would become Lady Aevery and help him with Felicity and Thomas. There was no other option.

"Do you think I can make her happy?" Williamson asked.

"That is a better question for you," Kate responded, "Can you make her happy?"

Williamson didn't respond. Could he make her happy? Could he be the perfect husband? He could offer her everything she would want, but would it be enough? Or was she even his concern?

The real question here was, could Miss Edwina make him happy?

"If your silence is any indication you are reconsidering your declaration-"

Williamson looked down at the eldest Sharma sister, "Is that what you want? For me to reconsider?"

Kate looked away from his eyes, "It does not matter what I want."

"I do not think that is true."

Kate looked back into his eyes, and there was a fear there. Was she scared to open a door with him? Was it too late?

"I am to return to India the moment my sister marries."

Williamson looked at Kate, "You will abandon her?"

"Far from it, my lord." Kate said, "She will be married. She will not need me. There'll be no more reason for me to stay. It was the plan all along."

By now the song had ended. Delilah watched them with sad eyes. They were so similar it clashed. But, she also looked at them and saw harmony. When Kate bowed before Williamson as the song ended, she knew his future was set to him.

There was no going back. Williamson would marry Miss Edwina.

That thought just spurred war in his mind though and he stormed off. He needed to get away from Kate Sharma. He needed to clear his head. He had what he wanted - the blessing - so he could marry the diamond of the season and then bring his siblings here to find them suitable matches.

The plan was set in stone, he just needed to remove the air around him that was infused so deeply with Kate Sharma.