I clutchPhilip's arm firmly, trying not to feel overwhelmed by the way the people surrounding us are watching me. I don't think I recall a single moment at any of the balls I attended before our marriage where people watched me so intently, but here at the Opera House, things are different. I am uncertain whether it is because of the location, the slight scandal that preceded our marriage, or because they wish to attempt to work out whether or not we are happy with our new position as man and wife.
"Lord and Lady Cygnus," a jovial voice says,drawing our attention to a smiling Baron Ferrington with his wife on his arm.
The Baroness smiles at me. It seems to be genuine, but I can sense a hint of her trying to make sure I'm truly happy with the situation. Which I suppose makes sense. When the two of them caught us together at their ball, she asked me whether I wanted this marriage and I said no.
Then again, perhaps she is simply unsurprised that we have found ourselves in the position we are currently in.
"It is a pleasure to see you, Lord Ferrington. My Lady," Philip replies, dipping his head to each of them in turn. "I believe you have met my wife already." He turns to me with a warm smile on his face. Perhaps he is not as opposed to our marriage as I feared he would be.
"I have, though I am looking forward to getting to know her better," Lady Ferrington says. "Which I hope can be arranged soon."
"I hope for the same, Lady Ferrington."
The older woman smiles.
"We must take our seats," Lord Ferrington says. They say their goodbyes and head in the opposite direction to us.
"Where are our seats?" I ask Philip.
"We have a family box," he replies.
"Oh."
"You seem surprised?"
"I suppose I've always known that your family was an important one, but sometimes it's surprising how important."
"They are your family too now you are Lady Cygnus," he points out, drawing me through a curtain and into a private box lined with all kinds of luxurious fabrics.
"I suppose that is true."
He leads me to a pair of comfortable chairs and waits for me to take a seat before taking his own.
"I must apologise for not being able to ensure the transition was smooth for you."
It takes a moment for his words to sink in, especially as I wasn't expecting them. "It is not your fault, My Lord."
"Philip," he reminds me gently. "We are alone for the moment."
"Until the Countess arrives," I mutter under my breath.
"Mother won't be joining us this evening," he assures me. "She dislikes the opera and tries to avoid attending whenever possible."
"Oh."
"It is one of the reasons I suggested we attend this evening."
"I was simply under the belief that you had an appreciation for the art form that I had not yet discovered," I say.
Philip lets out an amused chuckle. "I don't dislike the opera."
"Your praise knows no bounds. I am surprised you do not show more excitement for the artform, I believe there are many beautiful ladies who will shortly grace the stage."
"And yet I am most taken by the beautiful lady sitting by my side."
"Now you are offering empty flattery," I retort.
"There is nothing empty about it, Lady Cygnus."