The Earls lie or a scoundrels promise

An Earls lie or a Scoundrels promise

                  

Chapter 5 - An Earl's lie or a Scoundrels promise

After an intimate supper for those closest to the family In which Lizzie, Vic and her aunt had attended, the ball was in full swing.
It was one of the grandest and largest affairs this season and everybody who was anybody had been invited. The thrum of excitement hung in the air, it was such a large space, but with half of London filling it could have been that cosy morning room at her aunts humble town house. She tried not to think of Blake, but images of them touching, crossed her mind and he cheeks instantly flushed. She could feel the heat crawl up her cheeks and she fanned herself furiously.

Talk and the swish of expensive skirts as the dancing begun filled the room. Music lingered in every corner of the ball room, drifting out above their heads, filling her ears with its sweet melody, she wanted to sway in time.

She turned to Freya, her spirits strangely high this evening.

'Tonight, is going to be all anyone will talk of for sometime'

'Oh Lizzie it is wonderful isn't it? I'm glad you could come. I'm sorry I have not called recently, I've been so busy helping mother organise everything'

She took her friends hand 'Do not worry, we would not have missed it for the world, thank you for inviting us.'

Lizzie knew their invite might not have been issued had it been anyone else holding this particular ball, it held those who would be seen at Almacks. But Freya's mother and father had been firm friends with her own mama and dear papa before his death.

'It is a shame mama could not make it, she has been out of London for so long now, she used to love coming here before...'

She cut off while thoughts of her papa filled her head. What would he make of her now, the position she was in and her behaviour of late, She didn't linger on these thoughts for too long, she would never have dreamt of it, if circumstances had been different. What would her aunt and sister think of her outrageous request had gone to her plan, she could ruin her name and be happy, but her sister, she would feel the effects, and it might possibly ruin her chances at happiness. Of any kind of match...Could she live with herself knowing she had ruined her sister too?

Would that be how she would repay her dear aunt after all she has done for her, or tried to do for her, even tho she had refused and fought her the whole way like a child.
Aunt Lucy had never given up on her, and had been there for her. Tho she did not know the truth that happened that night, she had never pressed her to tell her more than she spoke, she listened and only agreed when lizzie decided she wanted to cut the engagement, Aunt Lucy faced the ton, the scandel as if it wasn't the hardest thing for her to do. Guilt, she felt so guilty at that.

'Lizzie?'

She was brought back to reality to see Freya staring at her

'I'm sorry, I was thinking'

'Of your papa? I'm sure you miss him dreadfully and of course I understand why your mama could not be here.' She gave her a friendly smile and took her hand, now was not the time to linger on these thoughts.

'Yes, but let us not dwell on unhappy thoughts, this is your night, and I have had you to myself for far too long, we shall talk later '

she smiled at her and leaned in close so only Lizzie could hear.

'It is quite tiresome, there are soo many people to talk too'.

They giggled.

She watched her turn to greet some new arrivals, even the perfect, demure debutant.