Lady of Greystoke (Sequel to "At all costs")

Sweet 16

Alice slowly paced through her room, feeling slightly nervous. Today it was her 16th birthday, and because she, and Anthony as well, were now 16, their parents decided to throw a lavish party in their honor. The Lords and Ladies from all of London were set to come down, and the thought made her sick to her stomach. Sure, her parents treated her like she was normal, but she knew no one else did. In their eyes, this party was just for Anthony, and she was just the black sheep of the family. Quite literally. Now, standing in her specially made golden dress, she felt beautiful, but wished the night would just be over. The only thing she was excited about was seeing William. She sighed. Dear William. Over the past 2 years they had become the closest of friends, and though she would not likely admit it, she had developed feelings for him over those years. She knew that she could count on him to not shy away from dancing with her, even though most of the crowd likely would. Her trail of thought was interrupted by a knock on the door.

'Alice, sweetheart? Are you ready?' Her mother asked as she walked into the room. Lady Jane Clayton, her beautiful mother. With her copper blonde long hair, fair skin and beautiful figure. Sure she was much tougher than most people expected, but she still always managed to look beautiful.

'I think so, mother. I just feel nervous.'

Jane smiled and walked towards her, and took Alice's hands in hers. 'Do not worry my love. It will be alright. Now please come. Your father and brothers are waiting for you downstairs. All guests have arrived, and we cannot start the ball without the birthday girl.' She smiled.

Reluctantly Alice followed her mother downstairs, taking deep breathes with each step she took. As she walked down the last staircase her eyes fell upon her father. He stood there, nearly frozen, with an expression of pure love on his face when his eyes met hers. He took her hand in his and helped her down.

'You look absolutely beautiful, my dear. No one will outshine you tonight.' He kissed her forehead and felt Alice relax at his touch.

Anthony slowly walked over to her. 'Are you ready, Alice?'

Alice let out a breath and smiled. 'As ready as I will ever be.' And was met with a bright smile for her brother. They took each other's hands and walked into the large ballroom as their names were announced by their father. As they walked into the large chamber the crowd clapped for them and watched in awe as they walked down the stairs. Alice held her breath, waiting for the ridicule the start, but it seemed that she might survive that night with very few scratches.

Although very few men were courageous enough to dance with her, she enjoyed herself immensely. And then she felt a soft hand tap her shoulder. She turned around and smiled.

'William.' She whispered.

William bowed. 'Miss Clayton. Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?' He asked. Alice tried not to laugh about him calling her Miss Clayton.

'It would be my pleasure.' She smiled and curtseyed. Then she gently placed her hand in his and let him lead her around the dance floor. It lasted only a few moments, but she felt like she was dancing on a cloud. Alice, all happy in her bubble, however did not realize the glares aimed towards her, from Williams family.

'This is an outrage.' William's father grumbled. 'Our son together with a colored woman.'

William's aunt sighed. 'Well, Phillip, her title is worth more than William's. She might be colored, but perhaps it would not be such a bad thing.'

William's mother scuffed, as angry as her husband was. 'How dare you say that? Our son deserves better. We must do something about it.'

'And you suggest it is a good idea to take your son from the girl he obviously loves!?' His aunt exclaimed.

'Ofcourse not.' His father spoke, grinning evilly. 'We just have to make her disappear.'

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been uploading a lot. I have started my Masters' degree this year and I have been really busy. I will try to upload when I can, but it might take a while.

thank you for your support :)