A Mightnight Dance

Advice

When I arrived at Nightingale Manor, Mr. Timmons answered the door.

"Good morning, Lady Ava. We didn't expect to see you so soon."

I smiled. "I have business with Lady Owen. Is she available?"

Stepping aside, Mr. Timmons welcomed me in. "I'll bring her to the tea room."

"Thank you. I'll find my way there."

I practically stormed to the tea room. My body wouldn't sit still. Instead of sitting, I paced around, holding myself. This was the opportunity we were waiting for. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice Tori until she served me tea.

"Careful," she said. "It's hot."

I doubt I'd be able to sit calmly and sip tea, but I thanked her nonetheless.

"Would you like a light snack?" she asked. "We've gotten fruit lately."

At her offer, Tori beamed at me like a puppy waiting to be petted.

"Yes, thank you," I said. "Not too much."

"Right away."

She bounced out of the room. At least one of us was happy. It was good that she was. If she worried in front of Delilah, the lie would come undone. Let's not focus on that, I told myself. If Adam found Sebastian before Delilah found out the truth, everything would be worth it. I still didn't know how to tell that child her brother could be hurt... or worse.

I shook my head, willing the thought away. No. Sebastian didn't survive the war for him to...disappear on a mountain by himself.

"Lady Avaline."

I turned as Lady Owen entered the room. A pang of guilt hit my chest. Despite her best attempt, she couldn't hide the train in her smile. I could see her tiredness as she walked closer.

"Mr. Timmons said you had business with me. Did you come to a decision?"

I gestured for her to sit. As she sat, I sat beside her.

"There might be a way to send a search party," I told her.

Her eyes sparked with the news. Then her brow furrowed. "How?"

"Lord Ross has expressed interest in touring the countryside," I explained. "He is in need of, uh, guides to lead him around, you understand."

She stared at me for a few moments. Perhaps my attempt at discretion wasn't good enough.

Smiling, Lady Owen grabbed my hands. "That's excellent news. I'm sure Lieutenant Bretman has some time on his hands."

I smiled at her enthusiasm. "I thought so too. I shall inform Lord Ross of the arrangement."

Her hands tightened on mine. Her smile wavered. "What if they don't... encounter...who they need to?"

"Let's have faith," I began.

"Lady Avaline, it's time to speak with Miss Delilah. You'll need her approval to join the family."

My chin trembled. How could I tell her? I hadn't even told my family. What if she hated me?

"I will. Let's wait until we hear more from Lord Ross."

She pressed her lips together, but nodded.

She sent me home soon after, assuring me she'd speak with Lieutenant Bretman. Though I didn't want to return home lest Charles continue spouting nonsense, I gave in and returned. I found Vivian in the twins' bedroom. They were both napping while Vivian sat in the corner armchair, fighting a yawn.

Upon seeing me, she slipped out of the chair and tiptoed out of the room. As quietly as she could, she closed the door.

"You look more tired than usual," I said.

Vivian gave me a look. "I've been taking more shifts at the bank," she told me. "Someone has to do something."

I looked away. Right. I should be focused on saving my family first...instead of...

"Ava, sorry," she said. "I'm tired right now. I didn't mean it like that."

I shrugged. "It's the truth."

Vivian grabbed my arm. "I shouldn't complain."

"We all have a right to," I muttered. I sighed. "Listen, can I talk to you?"

She nodded. "Let's go to my room."

Unlike mine, hers was immaculate. I could see the surface of all of her furniture, and she had flowers in a vase by the window.

"I see your admirer gave you flowers," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Vivian crossed her arms. "That's what you want to talk to me about?"

I forgot she could see through me.

"Vivi, I need advice."

She gasped and quickly grabbed my hand. "Are you with child?" she whispered.

Shocked, I pulled my hand away. "No!" I hissed. "Why is that your first thought?"

"You've spent many a night away."

"I'm caring for a child."

"She's a vampire."

"Still a child."

Vivian shook her head. "Alright. So, what advice are you looking for?"

Gathering my courage, I sat on her bed. She stood by the window patiently waiting. 

I told her about Lady Owen's recommendation and Delilah's situation. When I finished, Vivian looked at me. I couldn't read her expression, which made it worse.

"Avaline. Are you truly considering this?"

My throat closed. If I admitted it, she would be upset. To leave the family for someone else - someone I hadn't married. Or perhaps had no proposition of marrying.

"I don't know," I said instead. "I feel guilty. My-our brother caused this situation. If it weren't for me, Delilah would have her brother back."

"You shouldn't make rash decisions out of guilt," she warned.

"I know, but we're running out of time."

"Lord Nightingale knew the dangers when he went with the expedition."

"I made a promise-"

"So you'll lose your family because of a promise? What about mother? The twins? Me?"

Tears squeezed out of my eyes. I quickly wiped them away. "What should I do?"

"You can't have it both ways," she said. "Your crush for Lord Nightingale is nothing more than a crush. Do you believe you have a future with him? Does he want you in that way? He's been away fighting for a decade. Perhaps... you're just a means to adapt to society."

I took a shuddery breath. I refused to believe that. Would he trust me so much if it were so? He had never forced me to do anything. I believed he truly cared for me.

I walked around the room. It was a mistake talking to her. Perhaps I had just wanted someone to see it from my point of view.

"Ava. If nothing else, think about it this way. Would Lord Nightingale truly want you to act based on guilt? Would he want you tied to him from obligation?"

I knew that answer. Of course he wouldn't.