BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Part 3
Reunion at Castle Rose
The carriage moved steadily, the rhythmic clopping of the horses' hooves resounding within the compartment. Alice gently took Chloe's hand in her own.
"We're almost there, Chloe."
Chloe opened her eyes. She must have drifted off without realizing. Alice gave her a faintly amused smile.
"You must not be anxious at all, falling asleep like that. I suppose you've always had stronger nerves than me."
Alice did not know that Chloe had spent the previous night tossing and turning, plagued by nightmares. Even moments ago, Chloe had been haunted by the face of the man who had tormented her, his gaze penetrating as he smiled at her.
Strangely, she could not conjure his whole visage. She could only recall fragments of his features-his crimson lips curving in mockery, eyes the color of the dawn sky narrowing as he observed her, and the sharp arch of his haughty golden eyebrows.
Chloe shook her head to dispel the disturbing images and turned her attention to Alice. "What is there to be anxious about? My beautiful little sister will soon have a throng of eligible gentlemen vying for her hand."
"You're about to lecture me on proper behavior again, aren't you?" Alice said, giving her sister a playful sidelong scowl.
"Far from it, Lady Alice."
As Chloe delicately adjusted Alice's hair, the carriage began to roll down a path lined with beech trees. The trees were festooned with lanterns brightly illuminating the way, casting a magical glow around them. At last, a magnificent castle came into view, its entrance adorned with climbing roses. The gates swung open to welcome them.
"I cannot believe this castle is used for the sole purpose of the Duke's entertainment, and for only one season of the year!" Alice exclaimed with a loud sigh.
"Alice," Chloe gently cautioned, mindful that the coachman might overhear them.
Alice promptly closed her mouth to signal she had under stood. The guests who had arrived before them were being ushered inside, and now it was their turn to have their carriage door opened. Chloe took a deep breath as she stepped down, gripping her cane firmly.
"Announcing Ladies Chloe and Alice Verdier," declared the impeccably dressed butler.
Following his lead, Chloe proceeded cautiously with Alice at her side. An opulent red carpet led them into a grand ballroom decorated with imposing marble. The ornate walls and the long, glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling attested to the castle's extravagance. Each chandelier seemed to be lit with hundreds of candles. Nobles dressed in their finest attire engaged in lively conversation, their voices blending with the harmonies played by the orchestra.
"Oh, I am already exhausted," Alice whispered to Chloe, covering her face with her fan.
Just then, a gentleman approached. "Lady Alice Verdier?" Alice acknowledged his greeting with a slight nod as she had been taught, furrowing her brow as she tried to recall the man's name. As it came to her, she let out a sigh of relief and beamed at him.
"How wonderful to see you again, Lord Cormier."
"Might I be so forward as to ask for the next dance?"
Count Cormier seemed to hold no negative impressions of Alice. After a quick glance at Chloe, Alice nodded. "I would be delighted," she said, then gestured toward Chloe. "Ah, and this is my sister, Chloe."
Chloe curtsied. "It is an honor, Lord Cormier."
"No, the honor is all mine when it comes to meeting Lady Alice's sister. Perhaps we could dance later..." Count Cormier's voice trailed off as he noticed Chloe reaching for her cane for support. Seeing his discomfort, Chloe offered him a reassuring smile.
