Between Sin and Salvation

Chapter VII

As Louise made the short walk, her heels clicking against the pavement, she discreetly swallowed another tablet from the tin she had snuck in the clutch earlier. To her surprise, however, Margaret had also snuck something in-a full silver flask, undoubtedly filled with brandy.

When she stepped into the hotel, her eyes widened with unrestrained awe. She had attended a few of these galas before, but none had matched the sheer opulence of this one. The extravagance of it all hinted at a benefactor with deep pockets and a taste for the grand.

Blinking, she forced herself to focus, trying not to let her gaze linger too long on the finery surrounding her. She handed her coat to the cloakroom attendant, her fingers brushing the rich fabric one last time before letting it go.

As she ascended the grand staircase, she felt her pulse quicken as the murmur of voices and the soft strains of music grew louder. When she finally stepped into the ballroom, she had to physically restrain herself from letting her jaw drop. The marble flooring gleamed beneath her feet, reflecting the dazzling light from the glittering chandeliers above. Elaborate floral arrangements adorned every corner, their rich fragrances mingling with the scent of expensive perfume, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

The men moved like shadows in their black tailcoats and trousers, their white dress shirts crisply tucked beneath waistcoats, each accented by a perfectly tied bow tie. Their freshly polished oxfords caught the light from the chandeliers, shining with an almost otherwordly glow. Louise exhaled slowly, relief washing over her as she noticed that the women were dressed in a style similar to hers, perhaps slightly less risqué. However, they had not foregone elaborate headpieces.

Louise never truly belonged anywhere, and standing amidst all this grandeur only magnified that feeling. She felt like an imposter, a child playing dress-up in clothes that didn't fit. But that was the truth, wasn't it? She would smile, she would flatter, she would bat her eyelashes, and fool everyone but herself.

Needing a moment to collect her thoughts and strategize before making her rounds, Louise slipped to the edges of the ballroom and found refuge at the bar. Leaning against it, she began cataloging the attendees-the familiar faces, the strangers, and those she knew would be sympathetic to her cause. It wasn't until she noticed how heavily she was leaning on the bar for support that she realized just how tipsy she was. The combination of tablets and brandy seemed to hit her all at once, making her feel like she was floating, impossibly light. A strange urge to giggle bubbled up inside her. She would use her inebriation to her advantage; after all, men seemed to favor agreeable women, and she could be that woman, light-hearted and charming.

Scanning the crowd once more, her eyes grew large as she saw him for the first time before he saw her. There, standing at the landing of the sweeping staircase, was no other than Mr. Shelby. Of course, he looked positively dashing in his evening wear; how utterly vexing. She wasn't the only one who noticed either, judging by the way the other women in the room couldn't seem to take their eyes off him.

If she had been more in control of her faculties, a coil of fear would have tightened in her gut, and she might have made an awkward, desperate attempt to disappear into the crowd. But in her current state, with the warmth of the brandy still clinging to her insides, she couldn't muster the energy to care. The room was a sea of faces, a chaotic blend of glittering jewels and sharp suits, and she convinced herself that the sheer number of people would keep their paths from crossing.

He prowled into the ballroom. People parted for him instinctively, like the Red Sea giving way to something far more menacing than any biblical force. What business did he have here? But before she could fully ponder the meaning of his presence, his gaze locked onto hers with an accuracy that made her stomach drop. She grimaced as it became painfully clear that he was headed straight for her. Of course, she thought with a resigned sigh, as if the night wasn't going to be a headache enough.