BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Part 1
An Invitation
Nestled in the heart of the Kingdom of Swanton, the capital city of Swane was a spectacle of blooming roses in May.
Though Chloe and Alice were staying some distance from the city center at their aunt Lady Talbot's residence, the intoxicating aroma of the blossoms was carried to them on the gentle spring breeze.
"I feel lightheaded," Alice complained, collapsing onto the bed. "I must have inhaled too much of that perfume at the dressmaker's earlier."
Had he been present, their father, Viscount Verdier, would undoubtedly have admonished her for behavior unbecoming of a young noblewoman.
"Alice, you cannot skip supper, or Auntie will start to worry," Chloe said as she unlatched the window, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Wouldn't she be delighted to have one less mouth to feed, the penny-pincher that she is?"
"Alice," Chloe said sternly.
The sisters were well aware that Lady Talbot was not inclined to host unpaying guests, and that she had only reluctantly offered them a place to stay for the social season. With the kingdom finally settling into peace after the protracted war that had ended two years prior, it was imperative that Alice secure a suitable husband.
"Besides, that will mean I won't have to tighten my corset tomorrow morning. And don't your legs ache, Chloe? We had to wander for ages to find the dressmaker's, thanks to that wretched coachman never showing up."
Alice furrowed her brow at Chloe, who was carefully setting her cane aside. Though her left leg had begun to stiffen from the exertion, Chloe beamed at her sister, concealing any sign of discomfort.
"If you truly care about me, Alice, then you must behave yourself tomorrow. You absolutely cannot make a scene this time."
Alice had also taken up residence at their aunts house during the previous year's social season. Freshly of age and blessed with striking beauty, she had received invitations to over twenty soirées. However, at the third party she attended, hosted by a count, she had imbibed five glasses of sherry and was escorted out by a servant in a state of inebriation. Lady Talbot, who had been earnestly seeking a suitor for Alice, was left mortified by the scandal, deeming it a disgrace to their family. The remainder of the season passed without a single suitor calling at the house.
Alice giggled mischievously. "I couldn't help it! That soirée was just so incredibly dull. I'm sure this time will be much more lively, what with you there. I can't wait to dance with you!" Chloe had been certain that after the previous year's scan-dal, no one would extend an invitation to Alice again. Yet, to her astonishment, an unexpected invitation had arrived at Castle Verdier a month prior.
Upon seeing the envelope sealed with the crest of a birch tree, the Viscount had been rendered speechless.
"C-Chloe, my dear," he had stammered. "To my knowledge, only one noble family in the kingdom uses the birch tree as their insignia. Could I be mistaken?"
"No, Father," Chloe had replied. "It appears we have indeed received an invitation from the Duke of Thisse."
"Good heavens!"
The invitation had been shocking enough to elicit a divine invocation from the Viscount, who had not set foot in a church since his wife's passing.
"I am quite serious, Alice," Chloe reiterated. "You must conduct yourself with utmost propriety tomorrow."
