One Look

Chapter 19

I threw my hand on the table as I once again lost the card game we were playing.

"Eloise don't be a sore loser", Oscar muttered under his breath and I held myself back from nudging him with my elbow. Instead I left the table and walked around the room. I spotted Nathaniel over with Charles and Leonard. They were also joined by Henrietta and Isabella.

"Eloise", Amelia said as she hurried to my side. "Did you hear the scandal?"

"What?" I asked as my eyes were still on Nathaniel. He looked relaxed; he did not have the poise of someone who was trying to find out information.

"Eloise please stop staring at the prince and listen to me", Amelia sighed, her voice sounding exasperated.

"I am not staring at the prince", I hissed, and a few heads turned our way. "I'm not staring at the prince", I repeated, my voice a lot quieter.

"Mmhm", Amelia muttered and lead me over to an empty bench to sit at. "I heard from some of the other debutantes that Maria was caught sneaking around with her brother".

"What?" I snapped as laughter burst through my lips. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Someone spotted them getting a little bit too close", Amelia giggled, and I bit my lip. This was obviously a rumour someone spread, but who would spread something so obviously untrue.

"I think I better use the restroom", I giggled, and Amelia smirked at me.

"It sounded like something you would say", Amelia said gently, and I glared at her.

"Are you accusing me of spreading rumours?" I questioned; my arms crossed over my chest.

"What? No, I just meant that it sounded like the story you told me about you accusing Maria and Edmund of being more than twins at the ballet", Amelia said quickly, and I sighed.

"It does but I promise I had nothing to do with this", I explained, and she smiled at me understandingly. I scuttled to the restroom and swung open the door, and came face to face with a distraught Maria.

"You", she growled when I entered. I smiled at her nervously but before I could enter the toilet, she blocked my path. "Do you realise what you have cost me?"

"What?" I asked nervously.

"You have cost me ever marrying the prince. My name is ruined, 'the girl who had a secret love affair with her brother'. Why would you do this?"

"I didn't", I protested quickly. "I admit I do not like you, but why would I want to spread such nasty words about you?"

"Because you are in love with the prince", she shouted, and I widened my eyes in surprise as I took a step backwards.

"I am not in love with Nathaniel", I hissed, and she raised her eyebrows.

"Really?", She laughed, obviously not believing a word I said. "My brother told me all about you and your friendship with Nathaniel. Even if he hadn't told me, I would have still realised", she hissed, and I rolled my eyes.

"I am not in love with him and I didn't spread any stupid rumours about you".

"Do not lie to me", she shouted as she took a step forward. "You are a little wench who could not stand the idea of anyone coming between you and Nathaniel. Even if you aren't in love with him, you know that once he is married you can kiss any relationship you have with him goodbye". She had kept taking a step forwards until my back was pressed against the wall.

"All I want is for Nathaniel to be happy so why would I ruin his chance of happiness. I am actually glad someone spread this rumour about you, as you do not deserve him", I hissed and shoved her away from me.