A love to remember

CHAPTER EIGHT - THE BALL

Akpan walked into the drawing room with a quiet smile. He had just finished a difficult task. "The message has been delivered, my lord," he said to Akaninyene.

The room was quiet for a moment. Akpan stood calmly, showing that he was confident in what he had done.

Akaninyene looked up from the book he was reading, his eyes narrowing slightly as he awaited Akpan's report. "I hope everything went smoothly?" he asked, his tone measured.

Akpan shook his head reassuringly. "No problems at all, my lord. The message was delivered with utmost secrecy. They won't suspect a thing, and your identity remains secret, just like you wanted."

Akaninyene nodded thoughtfully, his eyes drifting back to the book in his lap. But his mind was already elsewhere, wondering how the recipient of the message would react. "Did you see her read the note?" he asked, his voice a little softer now.

Akpan hesitated for a moment before responding. "No, my lord, but I'm certain she would have read the letter by now."

Akaninyene waved his hand dismissively, his expression unreadable. "That's okay, Akpan. You may leave."

Akaninyene had been engrossed in Shakespeare's Hamlet, reading beneath the warm sun in the garden, when Akpan arrived with his report. After Akpan's departure, Akaninyene's mind lingered on the tragic tale, particularly the poignant scene where Gertrude meets her demise by drinking the poisoned wine meant for Hamlet.

Akaninyene's lips curled into a wry smile as he murmured to himself, "How ironic. The queen's own deceit ultimately leads to her downfall." He shook his head, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "English literature is a reflection of their culture, isn't it? So much tragedy and misery. It's almost as if they're drawn to the darkness."

With a sigh, Akaninyene closed the book, the sound of the pages shutting echoing through the garden. He rose from his seat, stretching his lean frame before strolling towards the dining room, ready to indulge in a leisurely lunch. The rest of the day unfolded with ease, a tranquil calm settling over the estate.

TWO DAYS LATER - THE EVENING OF THE BALL

Akaninyene's excitement simmered just below the surface as he prepared for the ball in Malmesbury. This was a first for him a social invitation without any ulterior motives or business obligations to it. Despite his enthusiasm, a nagging voice of caution whispered in the back of his mind. He had always been wary of the English, knowing that they often hid secrets behind their polished smiles.

As he dressed for the evening, Akaninyene's thoughts turned to the ball ahead. "Let's see how this unfolds," he murmured to himself, a hint of skepticism creeping into his voice.

The carriage ride to Malmesbury estate was a short one, and as they approached the grand entrance, Akpan couldn't help but express his admiration. "My lord, this estate is truly breathtaking," he said, his eyes wide with wonder.

Akaninyene chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Of course, Akpan. That's why they're called aristocrats. As you can see, these aristocrats know how to put on a show."

As they stepped out of the carriage and approached the main door, a gruff-looking guard blocked their path. "How are you?" he asked, his tone more of a challenge than a greeting.

Akaninyene's eyes narrowed, his blood simmering with indignation. He bit back a sharp retort, opting for a cool, measured response instead. "I'm a guest of the Earl," he said, his voice dripping with disdain.