The memory of the occurrence, though five days past, remained a chilling presence in her bones.
Her thoughts of escape were shelved, replaced by the immediate need to curry his favor. A daunting task, as his very presence ignited a primal fear within her.
But fear was a luxury she couldn't afford, especially not today.
Her gaze fixated on the clock as it struck five. A gasp escaped her lips as the unforgiving corset of her gown was cinched tighter, rendering her breathless. The gown, a masterpiece of design, clung to her figure, accentuating her slender waist.
She studied her reflection, a fleeting moment of admiration quickly overshadowed by a wave of dizziness. Her vision blurred, and she struggled to draw breath. The mere thought of sitting on the bed threatened to intensify the suffocating sensation.
"It's too damn tight, Mary! We're not trying to kill her," Martha exclaimed, bursting into the room, a tray laden with jewels in her hands. Her sudden appearance startled everyone.
With trembling fingers, Mary loosened the corset's grip, allowing Elizabeth to inhale deeply.
Tonight was her first ball. Mary had presented her with a series of gowns, each designed to fit the stepdaughter's fuller figure, despite their similar builds.
"How are your dancing skills progressing?" Martha inquired, placing the tray of selected jewelry near Elizabeth.
Selena had been diligently instructing her in the art of dance for days, yet her efforts had yielded little improvement. Her attempts were clumsy, often resulting in her tripping over her own feet.
"Horrible," she whispered, beads of sweat forming on her brow. "It's incredibly complicated!" Mary resumed tightening the corset's laces, stealing the air from her lungs once more. "Too tight, I won't survive," she protested weakly. Mary relented, easing the pressure slightly.
Martha sighed, resignation etched on her face. "Then try to remain close to Sir Tansi throughout the evening."
"No mingling?" she asked, curiosity piqued.
"Sir Tansi's stepdaughter is of marriageable age, and every eligible man seeks to dance with her, either to gain her favor or simply to make her acquaintance," she explained, approaching Elizabeth. Elizabeth raised her hand in response, and Martha carefully adorned her with the chosen jewels.
"And before I forget," Martha continued, "do not dance with anyone other than Sir Tansi. His stepdaughter is a remarkably skilled dancer, you'll be caught if you try to mingle." She moved behind Elizabeth, fastening a delicate diamond necklace around her neck. "It complements you beautifully."
Elizabeth couldn't deny the skill they possessed in erasing the memory of that night from their minds. She, however, was not so fortunate.
After what seemed like an eternity, her transformation was complete. She approached the mirror to scrutinize her appearance. Her auburn hair cascaded gently over her shoulders, while the back was artfully pinned up. The style accentuated her neck and profile.
A knock echoed through the room, and Mary hurried to answer it.
It was Edward.
Mary closed the door behind her as she returned to Elizabeth and Martha. "Sir Tansi awaits you," she announced.
Elizabeth's heart pounded in her chest, the unsettling feeling refusing to dissipate.
"All done," Martha declared, smiling as she gazed at Elizabeth.
The gown, a floor-length creation in a muted grey hue, was adorned with delicate floral prints, intended to evoke an aura of innocence and vitality.
Elizabeth found it peculiar that Sir Tansi consistently chose gowns that projected an image of innocence.
She stepped out of her room and descended the stairs to the waiting car. From the corner of her eye, she saw Beatrice assisting Sir Tansi with his tie.
Yes.
Damon opened the car door, waiting for Sir Tansi to finish with Beatrice, who then gracefully entered the vehicle.
Elizabeth felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. This was the first time she had been in his presence since the occurrence. The fear he inspired had her in its grip.
The ride passed in silence, but her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. It seemed that all the dancing lessons she had received had vanished from her memory.
Soon, they arrived at their destination.
As she stepped out of the car, Elizabeth's eyes widened in awe. The mansion was surrounded by a fleet of expensive cars. The women were adorned in the most exquisite and lavish materials she had ever seen. She couldn't suppress a gasp of amazement.
She glanced at Sir Tansi, who was dressed in a tailored brown suit with intricate cuffs. His hair, usually combed back, was styled to showcase his curls, which framed his face softly.
Several other cars arrived simultaneously, and she watched as couples strolled hand in hand towards the entrance. But that was not her reality. Sir Tansi strode into the mansion, seemingly oblivious to her presence.
An awkward atmosphere enveloped her, but thankfully, no one seemed to notice.
Or so she thought.
She entered the mansion, momentarily blinded by the dazzling brightness and opulence. A magnificent chandelier hung overhead, bathing the room in a warm glow. She was captivated, but quickly regained her composure.
Surrounded by hundreds of unfamiliar faces, her eyes searched for Sir Tansi.
'He wouldn't dare abandon me.'
For five long minutes, she wandered through the crowd, her anxiety growing with each passing moment.
Just then, the MC announced the first dance. Giggles rippled through the crowd as couples eagerly grasped each other's hands and moved towards the center of the room.
Elizabeth resolved to return to the car.
"Leaving so soon?"
The familiar voice made her spin around. Aside from Sir Tansi, his brother was the person she feared most.
Officer Aaron stood behind her, a cocky smile playing on his lips. "Tansi has some matters to attend to, he'll be back shortly. He asked me to dance with you, to keep any scallywags at bay," he said, stepping closer and extending his hand.
Elizabeth had no desire to dance, especially not with him, an officer. But she felt she had no choice. She offered a weak smile and placed her hand in his.
Aaron drew her closer, his hand resting respectfully on her waist, his other hand holding hers aloft. His movements were gentle, allowing her time to adjust.
They danced away from the other couples, their movements soft and graceful.
To ease the awkwardness, she posed a question. "What's the occasion?"
Aaron chuckled. "Women don't typically ask such questions; they simply dress up and attend."
"I'm curious. The Mayor passed away a few days ago, yet a party is being held. Shouldn't there be a mourning period instead?"
Aaron burst into laughter, drawing curious stares. "I never knew you were so funny," he said. "It's not a matter for ladies, but I'll tell you. The ball is in the Mayor's honor. It's a fundraiser. Though not publicly announced, a school will be built in his name."
"That's wonderful."
"Indeed." Aaron drew her closer, inhaling the scent of her hair. "Lavender. Pleasant."
An unfamiliar sensation stirred within Elizabeth, and a fleeting image of his attractive figure flashed through her mind. Damn.
"Is everything alright?" Aaron asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Yes, why?"
"Your face is flushed," he said, puzzled.
Elizabeth bit her lip, unable to suppress a blush. What was happening to her?
"I-I'm fine," she managed to stammer, casting her gaze downward. "Where is Sir Tansi?"
"He's at-"
"I'm here." Sir Tansi's voice cut through the tension. He stood there, his eyes locked on Elizabeth.