“They are all staring,” Ophelia said, turning to him.
From up close, he could see the panic in her eyes, but to everyone else, she appeared calm and poised. When Edward had seen her dressed in a beautiful ocean blue gown with sequins all over it, he had not been able to remove his eyes. Her beautifulhair tied up in an elegant chignon only made her stand out even more, and he knew she looked perfect on his arm.
As if they were meant to be. It certainly felt so.
“They have every reason to stare.” Edward smiled. “You look beautiful.”
She turned scarlet at the compliment, her colour only rising and making her appear even more enthralling than she already was. Edward felt as if he was losing her heart to her. Rosalina had already arrived ahead of them and the moment they entered, she latched herself onto Ophelia’s other arm, guiding her through the ballroom.
However, Edward immediately realized the success of their plan.
Had he been alone right now, he would have already been swamped by young ladies and their mamas, but with Ophelia on his arm, no one dared to come close. It was as if they were forced to maintain their distance even if they did not wish to, and nothing made Edward happier. This was exactly what he had been hoping for.
Shortly after they had introduced Ophelia to almost half the ton, Rosalina turned towards Edward, victory shining in her eyes, and he knew exactly what she meant.
“Yes, yes, thank you,” Edward sighed, rolling his eyes as he chuckled.
“For what?” Ophelia chimed in, sipping her refreshment as she joined in their conversation.
“My plan worked. No one has approached him all night,” Rosalina explained.
“Oh yes.”
“Ophelia, you must not leave Edward’s side at all, or else I am sure several men from the ton will begin approaching you right away,” Rosalina said, and Edward knew she was right.
As much as it bothered him, he had been able to witness the looks from the gentlemen of the ton as they had seen Ophelia. She was more beautiful than most women, and it was only natural they were drawn to her, but no one would come close till Edward was beside her.
That was because Rosalina had not failed to mention to almost everyone that Edward had finally given in to his ways after taking one look at Ophelia and had decided to court her. Rosalina had made it sound like the two of them were already almost betrothed, but Edward did not care. His simple motive was being met, and that was all that mattered.
“Why?” Ophelia asked, completely confused.
“Because you are beautiful, and every man has been staring at you longingly all night.”
Edward felt a sharp pain in his chest at the information, not wanting to know about it any further. He could not understand why he felt jealous when he was not even courting Ophelia in truth, and it was just a façade. However, the thought of her being with someone else pained him, and he did not know how to navigate it.
“I highly doubt that,” Ophelia replied, clearly unaware of the commotion her presence had caused.
“My darling,” Rosalina began, “the men want you, and the women hate you because you have Edward on your arm. You are both the most loved and the most hated person in the entire ballroom right now. Have a little faith in your beauty.”
Ophelia laughed softly but stayed quiet.
How could she be so oblivious? The trait was endearing to Edward, who had never met a woman who was this unaware of her own beauty and charm. Ophelia was innocent. Everything about her was simple.
Despite that, she had fit into the ton as if she belonged there. She had answered every question she had been asked about France with such confidence and poise that no one could tell she had never even been there. Edward could see how she had actually read the books she had borrowed and had in-depth knowledge of Europe and the customs and heritage of each place.
She simply fit into everything like a lost puzzle.
As if she was truly a part of the ton and being a nanny was the lie. What surprised him even more was how her presence only made him feel lighter and calmer, as if everything in the world was just right. He hated himself a little less with her around him, as if she was taking all the pain and guilt he felt away with her.
He felt happier.
“I shall take your word for it,” Ophelia replied.
Edward looked up as several couples began to make their way towards the dance floor. The first set was about to play, and he extended his hand towards Ophelia as if it was the most natural thing to do. The other day, when they danced in his drawing room, it definitely felt natural, and he wished to experience something similar in the ballroom as well.
“May I have the pleasure of this dance?”
Ophelia smiled. “Absolutely, My Lord.”
