Does she have cause to be jealous?

- Josephine -

I had been waiting years for this moment, my first ball.

Aria was rushing around primping and pulling me, making sure I looked perfect.

“Pearls my Lady?”

I turned to see her nervously holding up two different earrings.

“No, I think the sapphires to match my dress.”

She nodded eagerly and returned to the jewellery box.

Elodie had chosen perfectly. My dress had embroidered lace flowers sewn onto to pale blue satin, I felt so beautiful.

Aria approached me and clumsily hooked the earrings into my ear.

“Ouch!”

“Oh my Lady, Josephine I’m so sorry.”

I turned to face her and held her hands.

“What’s wrong Aria? Why are you so nervous?”

“I just want you to enjoy yourself. I’m worried that it won’t live up to your expectations, or it does, and you find a husband and forget about me.”

I smiled and rubbed her cheek.

“I will tell you everything when I return, and you never have to worry about that. No matter where I go next, you will always be by my side.”

I leaned in and kissed her cheek before leaving the room and making my way downstairs. I was sorry that Aria was upset, but I was too excited to care at this moment.

Before I reached the bottom of the stairs I could hear raised voices.

“No, absolutely not! Go and change this instance.”

Elodie and Tristan were arguing in the foyer.

“Leave me alone!” Tristan replied. When he saw me he tried to drag me into the fray.

“Joey, tell my sister that there is nothing wrong with my coat.”

I looked him over slowly. Unfortunately Elodie was right, he couldn’t wear his floppy oversized coat to the ball, it looked scruffy. I tried to be as polite as possible.

“I think… it’s not right for the occasion.”

Elodie crossed her arms, refusing to hide her satisfaction.

“See. You wear that dirty old coat all the time. I let it go when you wear it around the house, but this is the first ball of the season Tristan. Go upstairs and change into the coat and waistcoat that I laid out for you. If not for me, then for Miss Felton.”

He looked at me like a wounded dog. I felt terrible.

“Fine, but for Joey, and Joey alone.”

He approached me as he headed for the stairs. He stopped and playfully tickled my waist.

“So much for being comrades.”

“Sorry friend!” I laughed.

Elodie turned to face me as Tristan headed upstairs.

“You look beautiful Josephine.”

I felt it.

“Thank you, you chose well Elodie.”

She smirked and took my arm.

“We will have to go shopping next week. I’m sure I can smile sweetly at Father and put it on his tab at the dressmaker.”

Before I could answer, she called out.

“Come on! The carriage and the ladies are waiting!”

Suddenly Silas stepped into view. Elodie was as surprised as I was.

“Hello Brother. Are you joining us?”

“It appears so.” He grumbled.

Elodie and I shared a confused look, but didn’t push the issue further. Suddenly Tristan came bounding down the stairs, dressed far more appropriately.

“Brother! You’re joining us after all?”

“Yes.” Silas replied as he walked out of the front door and plodded down the steps.

I do wish he hadn’t come. The tension in the carriage was unbearable, even Tristan didn’t speak. As we approached the Middleton estate I could hear laughter, and see beautiful gowns illumined by the fire torches outside.

We were welcomed and helped out of the carriage. The front door was open, and I could see people bustling around inside. I was so mesmerised that I hadn’t noticed that Tristan was stood beside me.

“Just keep breathing, and don’t forget to smile.”

He offered his arm, and we made our way inside, with Elodie and Silas close behind. As we entered a voice called out.

“Tristan, you came.”

“Of course Lady Middleton, I wouldn’t have missed it.” He smiled.

She moved towards us effortlessly. She was an attractive older woman, that was clearly stunning when she was younger. Her gaze landed on me, and her smile was warm and genuine.

“And who’s this?”

Tristan eagerly introduced me.

“This is Miss Felton, my Father’s ward. This is her first season, in fact , this is her first ball.”

“Oh.” Her smiled widened. “Welcome Miss Felton, enjoy yourself. Don’t pay attention to gossip or petty nonsense, when you’re in my home, please just relax and have fun.”

“Thank you Lady Middleton.”

“Oh please, call me Lizzie. Excuse me I must attend to my guests.”

I watched as she walked away, moving as effortlessly as she had approached.

“I thought… “

“You thought what?” Tristan asked.

“I thought she would be upset to see you with another woman. She wasn’t at all, she seemed genuinely pleased to meet me.”

“Because she was.” Tristan chuckled. “I told you, Lizzie and I aren’t in a relationship.”

“Still.” I snapped. “I was expecting her to be jealous.”

Tristan grinned, my arm still wrapped around his.

“Does she have cause to be jealous Miss Felton?”

I looked at him stunned for a moment before Elodie whisked me away.

“Come on Josephine, let’s go into the ballroom.”

I looked over my shoulder and could see Tristan was still smiling at me, watching as I walked away.

We entered the ballroom, and I could feel dozens of eyes on me.

“Don’t worry Josephine, they are staring because you are a new face. I will get us something to drink.”

I looked around the room, trying not to draw too much attention to myself. I heard a deep voice talking in the distance, and I instinctively searched for it. Suddenly the sea of people parted, and stood in front of me was a tall handsome man, with dark hair and chocolate brown eyes. He was breathtaking. He was broad and strong, with perfectly chiselled features. Our eyes met, and he gave me a devilish grin. My face flushed and a warmth pooled between my legs.

Elodie appeared and handed me a glass of champagne.

“Elodie, who is that?”

“Hm?” She looked over. “Oh, that’s Hugo. He has been working in France with his Father for the last few years. He came back to England a few months ago, apparently he’s looking to find a wife and settle down.

“Is that so, can you introduce me to him?”