As he moved further into the ballroom, more and more people approached him to congratulate him. He lost sight of Emily and James as he was swarmed by well-wishers.
“We were so happy to hear the news, Lord Harford,” one lady he vaguely recognized told him.
“Your parents must be thrilled,” another older man with a great white beard said, slapping him on the shoulder.
“Such a lovely match you two make,” yet one more woman exclaimed, though Edward thought he sensed a tinge of disappointment in her tone. No doubt upset that another eligible bachelor was being taken off the market.
The more congratulations he received, however, the more confused Edward became. It did not make sense to him that members of the Ton would be so blaise about his marrying a commoner. He expected snide remarks and insults poorly disguised as compliments. What in the world was going on? He had enough experience with the Ton to know this response was far from normal.
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to find one of his father’s friend, Lord Burns, standing behind him.
“Lord Harford, what a pleasure to hear of your good news!” the jovial man exclaimed. “Engaged at last! After that frightful business all those months ago, I would never have believed it would work out between you two.”
Edward furrowed his brow, confused. “Frightful business? I am sorry, my lord. I am not certain I know what you are speaking of.”
Lord Burns appeared surprised and said, “Why, I am speaking of Miss Hutches’ choosing another over you. I must admit, I was rather shocked when I heard such a thing had happened. I am not one for gossip, mind you, but I personally could not understand why she would pass you over so….”
It suddenly clicked in Edward’s mind, and everything made perfect sense. Those people congratulating him did not know he was engaged to Victoria at all…they thought he was engaged to Cressida!
Edward felt a flare of panic. Why would anyone think that? He had done nothing to legitimize such a rumour…had he? No, no, he was certain there was nothing he had done that would fuel such a rumour.
“I am so sorry,” Edward said to Lord Burns. “I need to go find my sister. If you will excuse me.”
“Of course,” Lord Burns nodded before turning and strolling off.
Edward did not waste time. He spun around and started to search for Emily, hoping she would have some idea as to what was going on.
It was not long before he spotted her in the crowd, looking rather frantic herself. Their gazes met, and her eyes widened. She headed straight for him.
“Edward!” she gasped, taking his hand when she reached him. “I have heard the most ludicrous gossip….”
He nodded. “I have as well. I have had several people congratulate me on my engagement to Cressida…but I have no idea where they have gotten this idea.”
“I do not know either,” Emily said, sounding nervous and irritated. “How do we stop it?”
Gritting his teeth, Edward shook his head. “I do not think we can. It is spreading through the Ton like wildfire, I imagine. There is likely nothing we can do about it now.”
It was aggravating, but at the very least, Victoria was not likely to hear the gossip anytime soon. Thankfully, he would be able to warn her before it reached her ears. There was some relief in that.
***
Victoria
Her heart was racing with anxiety and excitement as she gazed around the ballroom. She felt a thrill knowing that her identity was hidden and she could simply enjoy herself for a little while. No one would question why she was there or scold her, not knowing this was the world she truly belonged to.
Aunt Henrietta was talking with a group of ladies nearby, and Victoria took the opportunity to try and find Edward among the crowd. She was not yet certain what she would say to him or how she would reveal herself to him, but she was eager to do so and show him that she would not be a burden or embarrassment to him.
“Oh my goodness! That cannot be true!” she suddenly heard Henrietta exclaim. She looked and found her aunt appeared astonished by something. Her jaw was dropped and her eyes wide as she stared at one of her companions.
What in the world could have put Henrietta in such a state?
Curious, Victoria stepped closer to the group of women and listened in on what they were saying.
“Indeed, it is what everyone is saying,” one of the other women insisted. “Lord Harford has even been accepting congratulations, so there must be some truth to it.”
Edward? What gossip was there about Edward?
Henrietta shook her head. “I just cannot imagine it. Why would he go back to Miss Hutches after she rejected him all those months ago?”
