One Look

Chapter 14

I walked out of the dining room with the rush of ladies and men, my heart was still pounding. I had not uttered a single word throughout dinner as the fear of breaking down in front of everyone had consumed me. I finally reached a quiet spot and before I could rush away a hand grabbed my elbow.

"Eloise", Nathaniel said softly, and I looked up at him, the tears filling my eyes. Before he could utter another word though, Charles was beside him with concern on his face.

"Are you alright?" Charles asked. Nathaniel dropped my elbow and took a step back, allowing Charles to stand in front of me. I cleared my throat and blinked the tears from my eyes.

"I am fine", I smiled as I looked into his crystal eyes. He nodded his head, the relief evident on his face but when I looked over his shoulder at Nathaniel, I could see the worry written all over his. He didn't say a word though, he just walked away, and Isabella quickly stepped in front of him. 

"That is splendid", Charles grinned. "I am sorry that I was unable to keep you a seat".

"Oh, don't worry about it, Jane and Amelia were perfect company", I replied. I caught sight of Jane then who was hovering by the door, her eyes running over in my direction every couple of seconds. "I better go, Jane is waiting for me".

"Okay, but we shall go for a walk together tomorrow", he suggested, and I nodded my head in confirmation. He walked away then and I hurried over to Jane who let out a sigh when she saw me.

"Please do not tell the other girls what happened at dinner", I begged when I reached her side.

"They will hear about it tomorrow though", she pointed out, as we began our walk back to our bedchambers. I ignored the looks and whispers form the other ladies as we walked by the dining hall.

"Just give me one night of peace, please", I pouted, and she shook her head in response as a small smile took over her mouth.

"Okay I won't tell them", she sighed, and I smiled gratefully at her.

"Thank you", I said graciously. "Though when we get back, I need to head to my bed, I feel very shaken up. Can you cover for me and say that I felt under the weather during dinner?"

"Of course, Eloise", Jane said as we arrived at the debutante wing. We reached my room and opened the door, Margaretta and Elaine stood up as we entered.

"Was it mortifying?" Margaretta asked and I looked at her in alarm. Did she already hear about it?

"What?" I asked cautiously.

"Walking in late", Elaine sneered, and I glared at her.

"No, it was fine", I muttered. "I am going to rest in my room though". I hurried into my bedchamber and shut the door behind me. A light knock on the door caused me to suck in a breath. "Come in", I called, and Clara entered. I let out a sigh in relief.

"I came to check up on you", she said gently as she shut the door behind her. I looked at her questioningly and she sighed a little. "I heard about your incident with the King".

"Oh, it was horrifying", I mumbled as I collapsed onto my bed. "I thought I was going to die of embarrassment".

"I was shocked when I was told", she stated, and I pouted a little.

"I just wanted to cry", I said and squeezed my eyes shut. "All the other debutantes were all too delighted".

"Come and let me change you", she said, and I shook my head.

"No, it's okay Clara, I will get Jane to help me later. I need to escape this room for an hour or two", I explained, and she nodded her head in understandment. "Can you tell the others I am not feeling well and will not be leaving my room for the rest of the evening?"