Dangerous Recollections

Chapter Two

Lyra and Vivienne could not stop the excited chatter that bubbled from their lips. They held each other in the coach as they approached the masquerade with gleeful eyes and giggles. Edgar was accompanying them to the dance and seemed to amuse himself with the girl's chattering.

Lyra was not a person who entirely adored balls in fear someone would recognize her. Of course, no one ever did. No one had bothered to remember the face of a servant girl from a decade ago, but masquerades were always safe. She took the coachman's hand as he helped her step down the from the carriage. Edgar escorted the two women inside where Lady Bordrick was welcoming guests. Her blond hair was wild and extravagant

"Oh!" She clapped her hands gently, "Why I must admit I was not sure I would have the honor of meeting you Lady Walcott. You've been the talk of the ton ever since you dropped into Society a few years ago."

"I could not miss the opportunity to make your acquaintance Lady Bordrick," Lyra smiled at the woman and felt Bordrick's eyes assess Lyra.

Lady Bordrick was a very influencial woman. Her husband was disgustingly wealthy with investments in various fields. Her father was a wealthy man who was in the social circles of the King. Her sister-in-law was married to the brother of a prince. Her brother had married into a oil tycoon family himself. She had the ability to cement or destroy someone's position in elite society and seeing as this was Lyra's first real attempt at establishing herself Lady Bordrick took extra care in assessing her. In just a matter of seconds Bordrick would make her first impression of Lyra and that would spread through the women of Society like wildfire.

Lyra curtsied low and offered a smile, "I must say, your home is far more beautiful than I could have possibly expected Lady Bordrick. Your apple orchard must be the envy of the ton."

Bordrick seemed satisfied with their conversation and wished Lyra a happy time before the girls disappeared into the ballroom.

Vivienne and Lyra exchanged a wide-eyed look at the interaction before a grin peeled through their lips.

The boisterous sound of music and laughter filled their senses as they entered the ballroom. There was a plethora of people on the dancefloor, but Edgar, Lyra, and Vivienne found a small group on the side whom Vivienne wanted to introduce Lyra to.

"Lady Walcott," Edgar outstretched his hand. "May I steal a dance before you are occupied for the night by eager suitors."

While she had never an interest in pursuing romance, she welcomed his flirtations. He was a handsome man after all, and she was only human. "Why of course."

Will sighed and dragged his hands down his face as they approached the large manor where the festivities were being held. He was totally and entirely dreading the ball and if he did not need Lord Bordrick's favor he would surely ignore the invitation.

Will had convinced Bash to join him to the event. His younger brother was quite in his element. Bash lived for entertainment, he enjoyed the parties and the women. Each event, to Bash, was like a platter of new corset to conquer.

To Will; however, they were tedious activities involving the dodging of intrusive mother's and maidens searching for a Duke's attentions.

At least with Bash, a good portion of the women would be distracted. Bash had been the best looking of his siblings and Will definitely use it to his advantage more often than not. His other siblings would come occasionally, never Maverick. It was understandable, with what Maverick had gone through.

Maverick had eloped with a dancer when he was only a young lad barely old enough to marry. The elopement caused his disinheritance from the title of Duke. He passed the title to William to marry a girl who thought he'd loved.