Evelina smiled tremulously at her friend, before Richard led her away. Her feet felt like they were weighed down with stones. This was it. The moment she had dreaded. It would be officially announced that her life was over, and she must really face the truth that she had lost the love of her life forever.
***
They waited in the foyer for her father and the Beaumont family to enter the house. But five minutes ticked by, and then ten. Richard hopped from foot to foot impatiently.
“Where the deuce are they?” he muttered. “I am going out there to see what the delay is about.”
But just at that moment, the butler approached them. “His Grace has asked me to inform you both that he wants the guests gathered in the ballroom for the announcement,” said the man gravely. “He told me to inform you both to do the same. He will make his own way into the ballroom to begin proceedings.”
Richard frowned. “I do not understand. I am sure he does not mean me.” He drew a deep breath. “I will go out to the carriage and talk to him about it myself.”
“His Grace was most insistent that you do not do that, milord,” said the butler, in an implacable voice. “If you would proceed to the ballroom as instructed, please.”
Richard’s face was full of thunder. Evelina thought he was about to disobey. But then he sighed, taking her by the arm again and leading her back towards the ballroom. Evelina’s mind was awhirl with confusion. She didn’t know what was happening, only that their father was acting oddly.
But what did it matter, anyway? The announcement was going ahead. It was going to happen soon, and there was nothing she could do to avoid her fate. It hardly mattered if it was being done in this unconventional way.
All the guests were drifting towards the ballroom now. Evelina could hear excited chatter as they pressed into the room. The orchestra had stopped playing, and the dancing had ceased. Everyone was crowding into the room, pressing upon her like a vice. She was feeling faint. Richard’s hand on her arm was tight, as if he was scared she would turn and bolt.
Suddenly, he was there. Her father. He stepped out from a side door, walking in front of the orchestra, clapping his hands for attention. The chatter died down as everyone turned to look at him.
Evelina’s heart was beating so hard it felt like a drum in her chest. She gazed at her father. He looked happy, flushed with emotion, his eyes gleaming. Her breath was coming in short, sharp gasps. How could he be taking so much pleasure in this, when he had seen how upset she was the night before, how distraught she was about being betrothed to that appalling man?
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said in a loud voice. “Thank you for attending our annual Christmas Eve ball. You are all very welcome.” He paused. “I apologise for my delay getting here, but it was unavoidable.”
The crowd all smiled at him.
“And I would like to thank my dearest daughter,” he continued, his eyes falling upon Evelina. “For all that you see is because of her efforts. She insisted we hold this ball in memory of her late mother, my dear departed wife, who always loved this ball and held it in great esteem. It is a treasured part of our family’s Christmas traditions, which we hope to continue for many years to come.”
There was a murmur in the crowd. People turned and smiled at her benignly. Evelina dug her fingernails into her arms to keep from fainting. It was so hot, with the crowd of people pressing in on her.
“But there is another reason I have gathered you here,” he continued, his eyes sparkling. “For we have been glad tidings indeed. And we wish you to celebrate with us.” He hesitated, glancing towards the side door he had emerged from. “A betrothal. May I present my daughter’s betrothed to you?” He turned to the door, holding out his arm.
An excited murmur ran through the crowd again. They all turned to the door. Evelina forced herself to do the same. Edward Beaumont was about to walk out, puffed up with pride and smugness at being the centre of attention. She could barely stand to see the sight of him.
The door opened. A man stepped through it. But it wasn’t Edward Beaumont.
Evelina’s eyes widened in confusion and shock. It was Jude. He looked unsure, but his green eyes were sparkling. He was wearing one of her father’s good jackets over his own clothes. Evelina staggered backwards. Her mind was whirring violently. Nothing made sense. Had she taken leave of her senses entirely? Was she imagining he was there?
How could this be happening?
“May I present the Viscount Asquith,” boomed her father, beaming. “The son and heir of the Marquess of Winston.”
The crowd looked stunned. For a moment, there was stunned silence.
And then, an older man hesitantly walked through the door, standing next to Jude. Evelina’s eyes widened further, so confused she couldn’t think clearly. For the gentleman was an older version of Jude. He was the same height and physique. And he had exactly the same eyes and facial features. His hair was the same colour as Jude’s, only threaded with grey.
The crowd broke out into excited applause. People were exclaiming loudly. She saw tears in the eyes of many people as they excitedly talked amongst themselves. Snatches of their talk drifted towards her.
A miracle… The marquess’s long-lost son, who he had presumed dead…
Everything was spinning again, more violently than before. She stared at Jude, who had found her in the crowd. Their eyes met and locked. Tentatively, he smiled.
But it was all too much. She felt herself slipping away, crumpling inwards. The chatter of the crowd was receding. And then, everything faded to black.
Chapter 40
“Evelina.”