One Look

Chapter 17

The dancers twirled and leaped, but I could no longer find comfort in their movements. My stomach felt twisted and my heart was racing, every word they had spoken behind the door was playing on my mind. I prayed that I was wrong, I prayed that they weren't talking about me. Charles grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Are you okay? You look a little pale", he said. I stared at him and let out a little sigh, I hope I'm wrong.

"I don't feel too good, but I will be okay", I whispered and stared back out at the dancers. I needed to speak to Nathaniel, I needed him to tell me I was crazy, that I must have misheard what they were talking about.

Finally, the show came to an end and I stood up quickly, my eyes reaching Nathaniel's who looked away from me and linked his arm with Isabella's. I sucked in a sharp breath and followed Charles out of the balcony. Again, everyone stopped to talk and gossip about the wonderful dancers but also about particular people in the audience. I blocked out the noise and spotted Nathaniel speaking to Oscar. I pushed my way through the crowd and stood beside them. Oscar grinned at me, but Nathaniel let out a huff.

"Eloise, I told you I would speak to you later", he hissed, and I stared at him shocked.

"You better stop talking to me like that", I snapped, and he ran his hand through his hair.

"Elle, please. You need to stay away from me", he sighed, and I shut my mouth tightly before I turned on my heel and stormed away. He really knew how to charm a lady. I found Charles who was speaking with another duke, whose wife was blatantly bashing her eyelids at Charles. I hovered nearby unsure whether to join them or not.

"Eloise", Amelia called from beside me and I turned around and wrapped my arms around the girl.

"I am terrified", I whispered when I finally let go of her.

"Why?" she asked, and I smiled sadly.

"I have no idea". I forced out a laugh and she watched me unsurely before she grinned.

"Can you believe a Prince invited me as his date?" she stated, as she wiggled her eyebrows up and down. I laughed lightly at her, before I remembered what I wanted to warn her about.

"I always thought he seemed pretty close with Bethany", I said gently unsure to how she was going to respond.

"I know right. I did too, but I guess I just piqued his interest", she giggled. I grinned at her but stopped when she sighed. "You really look miserable; I didn't think the ballet was that painful".

"I just don't feel well", I sighed.

"Eloise, are you ready to leave?" Charles asked from behind me, and I flinched when he touched my arm. Amelia gave me a questioning look, but I plastered a smile on my face and turn to Charles.

"Yes, I will see you tomorrow Amelia", I called over my shoulder and she hummed in agreement. I walked with Charles out to our carriage and we climbed inside.

"Nathaniel and Isabella will be here shortly" Charles said awkwardly, and I nodded my head. "Did I tell you that you look splendid?"

"No, but thank you", I grinned, as the doors opened, and Nathaniel and Isabella entered.

"Wasn't the ballet marvellous?" Isabella gushed to us when the carriage door shut behind them.

"Yeah it was wonderful", I replied as I glanced at Nathaniel whose jaw was clenched and eyes were glued to the floor.

"Eloise will you accompany me for a walk around the garden tomorrow?" Charles asked and Nathaniel snapped his eyes to mine.

"I----", I began but was cut off.