“My Lord,” Ophelia curtsied respectfully as the gentleman bowed.
He had immaculate manners, his smile just enough to keep Ophelia comfortable. He appeared both loving and charming, and just as Rosalina had defined, he was immaculately handsome. The two made the perfect couple. Ophelia could already picture them having an extremely happy life together. She felt happy for Rosalina even though she would never be able to have what Rosalina had.
“We should get going,” Edward chimed in, presenting his elbow to Ophelia.
Ophelia placed her gloved palm over his arm, realizing how short-lived this feeling would be.
“Wait one moment,” Randolph suddenly said, his eyebrows scrunching.
“Are you alright, my dearest?” Rosalina asked him, immediately growing concerned.
“Yes, yes,” he reassured her with a smile before turning back to look at Ophelia. “Have we met before, Miss Jennings? Why do I feel as if I already know you from somewhere?”
Ophelia’s heart began to race at his question, wondering if this were the moment everyone would find out the truth about her. That was the last thing she wanted; hence, despite being terrified, she forced herself to stay calm, placing a subtle smile on her lips. She needed to stay calm. She could not give herself away this easily, not until she absolutely had to.
“I do not think we have met, Lord Syke.”
“I am afraid my memory is failing me, but I am certain I have a rather strong recollection of seeing you somewhere or other. It is too significant to ignore for it to be nothing but a mistake.”
“My memory is excellent, My Lord.” Ophelia smiled. “Had we met, I would have certainly remembered you.”
Randolph nodded. “Perhaps you are right. We should get going for the ball, can’t leave Lady Cartwright waiting for our arrival.”
“Off to the ball,” Rosalina chimed in enthusiastically, already making her way outside with Randolph.
Away from his scrutinizing gaze, Ophelia finally felt she could breathe again. Her heart already felt too vulnerable right now and now she had another thing to worry about. Randolph. Alice would be waiting for her at the ball with her prying eyes and nasty words, and on top of it all, Edward was right beside her.
His sudden aloofness made Ophelia even more miserable.
She just needed to get through tonight.
Just a few more hours.
I can do it. Please, God, help me.
Ophelia quickly made her way towards the refreshment table, pouring herself lemonade. She was hardly thirsty, but being in Edward’s arms and tolerating his silence was too much for her. They had already danced twice, but Edward had not uttered a word except for replying to Ophelia if she asked a question or tried to hold a conversation.
She continued to wonder if she had somehow offended him, but nothing came back to her.
It was a disaster. This entire evening.
What was even worse was she could constantly feel Randolph’s gaze on her, worrying her even more. She knew he was still trying to place her, but Ophelia definitely had no recollection of ever meeting him. Although, the fact that he could have known her in her previous life made her feel as if she could not breathe in her corset.
It was too much.
“Lady Jennings!” Alice’s sarcastically sweetened voice from behind her made Ophelia’s blood boil, but she turned around anyway.
Facing Alice was inevitable no matter how much Ophelia tried to escape her.
“Lady Alice.”
“The only difference between these greetings is that my greeting is based on complete, utter honesty, while yours is nothing but a lie,” Alice whispered with a chuckle. “Do you not find that funny?”
“Hilarious.” Ophelia stayed completely expressionless, deciding not to be affected by Alice.
Her presence was irrelevant, merely an annoyance rather than a serious harm. Ophelia knew that Alice could reveal her secret to the ton, but she had nothing to mull over. She could return back home and never even face these people again if the ordeal turned humiliating. She had nothing to lose.
“I cannot wait to reveal your secret to the ton,” Alice finally said, as per Ophelia’s expectations, “A maid dancing in the ball pretending to be a lady. It will be the gossip of the Season.”
