The room was far larger and more open for one. There were also many more doors, most of which opened into the gardens which were also in full splendor for the ball.
As she looked around the room, she couldn’t help but notice it seemed as if they had invited everyone that had attended the night of the fire. For a moment, she thought there was something morbid in that. It was almost as if they were daring it to happen again, but then she glanced to Christopher and she couldn't help but smile.
He was staying closer to her than was strictly necessary, but he didn't seem nervous. More like he wanted to protect her. It couldn't help but make her smile.
Not that she would have blamed him if being here caused him some amount of fear or anxiety. After all, there so much had been lost in that room. It would be understand if he was worried it would somehow happen again. He had worked so hard to start building a life with her, the very thought of something potentially ripping that away from him broke Veronica's heart.
But of course none of that was going to happen. There wasn't going to be another fire. Veronica knew she was worrying for nothing.
Shaking her head, she scanned the room in search of her sisters. If she was right and they had been recreating the guest list from that night, then at least Rose was bound to be around here somewhere.
Sure enough, it didn’t take her long to spot her sister. Rose sat calmly while their mother looked around like a hound scenting its next quarry. Milly was likely in the nursery with the others, complaining about her young age and how it kept her from the delights of high society. Even from across the ball room, Veronica could easily make out the discomfort on Rose’s face.
She squeezed christopher’s hand. “Could you please give me a moment? I won't be long.”
He frowned. “Is everything all right? I can go with you if you like.”
“I know you can and everything is fine. I simply saw my sister from across the room. I would like to go see her.”
“Of course. Are you sure you don't want me to join you? I know it's been a while since you saw your parents I would hate for you to be alone and get caught off guard if you see them.”
She shook her head. “You can join us shortly, but I believe it seems I need a moment alone with my family first. As for my parents … well, they are part of why I want to go over there in the first palce.”
For a moment he looked like he was going to argue but the look of pure determination on her face must have talked him out of it because he just let out a sigh then nodded. “Of course. I can understand that. Go on then”
“Thank you.” She squeezed his hand then slipped across the room.
She remained quiet until she was right behind her parents, still pushing poor Rose as some strange man. Milly caught her eye, but Veronica just held a finger to her lips.
“Really, mother,” Rose insisted. I don't feel up to dancing tonight. Quite frankly I wasn't feeling up to coming at all.”
“Oh my sweet Rose, there's no need to be so shy. Why don't you and Lord Gallmore just have one dance then you can sit for a bit if you like, but I just know once the two of you take to the floor you will have an absolutely wonderful time.”
“Mother,” veronica said, her voice cutting through the chatter and causing those involved to fall silent.
The woman spun to look at her, plastering a fake smile across her face. “Veronica, how nice to see you. We hadn’t realized you would be attending as well.”
“I did send you a letter.”
“Yes, well, you know how long it can take getting post in from the country.”
“How odd then that both Milly and Rose seemed to get theirs and had time to write back.”
The woman stuttered.
But Veronica continued without even a second for anyone to cut in or object. “I hadn’t realized Rose was on the market.”
“What?” Her mother let out a nervous laugh. “Of course she is. She's out and unmarried, is she not? Truly Veronica why would you say such a thing?”
“Because, I was under the impression she already had a suitor.”
The gentleman behind them seemed to let out a sigh of relife, taking the opportunity to slip away from her mother.
The woman’s smile tightened. “I haven’t the slightest idea what you mean. Where did you hear that?”
“There is no need to play it so coy. Rose told me all about him last time she visited. I was actually on my way over to see if he was here so I could meet the lucky man fine enough to capture her fancy.”
“Did she? Now why would she do that?” Her mother glanced to where the man had been then turned back to Veronica, shaking her head. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing here.”
