That was how she chose to interpret it, anyway.
They spent the ride to Eveleigh Estate in mostly silence. This was expected, as her husband was not one to waste words. And it was because of this silence, that Thalia was able to conceive of a plan… of sorts. Or rather, a mode of operation for tonight’s Ball.
In truth, Thalia was excited about tonight. Where she might not have looked forward to spending the evening with her husband, she did look forward to what it represented.
It was their first chance to spend time together as a couple. What was more, they would be spending it together around other people. Caspian was many things, and one of those things was a slave to appearances. When they were alone, he was cold and distant because he could be. But when members of the peerage were in sight, he would have no choice but to treat her with kindness and possibly even warmth.
Thus, Thalia planned on playing the role of a love-filled couple to perfection. She was going to be fun. She was going to be personable. She was going toshowCaspian what it meant to be married. And, hopefully, he would have no choice but to play along.
And who knows, maybe if tonight goes well, I will see that other side of him…
Just that thought alone sent a warmth spreading through Thalia’s body. She might not have liked everything about Caspian, butthatside of him was one she could get used to.
“Oh, look at how many people are here!” It was the first thing that she said when the carriage pulled onto the driveway. She looked out the window, eyes wide with excitement, and turned back to fix them on her husband. “Most of the ton is here, it seems.”
“It would appear that way.”
“I hope there is dancing,” she said. “I would very much like to dance.”
“We shall see.”
She narrowed her eyes but was quick to soften them and then laugh. “I bet you are quite the dancer?”
Her husband frowned as if he did not understand what she meant.
Nonetheless, when the carriage came to a stop, Caspian was the first one out the door. And then, surprisingly, he turned and offered her a hand to help her down.
She raised an eyebrow at the hand. “Worried I might fall?”
“More worried that people might see you if you do.”
“I suppose that will have to be enough,” she laughed and took his hand, allowing him to help her down.
They walked hand-in-hand down the drive and toward the manor. As they did, they were sure to smile and wave at the other couples making their way toward the home. It felt strange holding her husband’s hand as she was, and not nearly as comfortable as she might have liked. But that would change soon enough.
“Oh, look at the colors!” Thalia gasped as they entered the main ballroom. “It is beautiful, Caspian.” She looked at her husband for a response.
He observed their surroundings with a bored expression. “It is quite nice.”
She blew threw her lips. “Don’t be too gracious in your compliments, husband. People might think that you are exaggerating.”
To that comment, he offered her a half-smile of amusement.
The ballroom was as grandiose and opulent as Thalia had come to expect from these Seasonal Balls. It was a cavalcade of color, like a rainbow exploding across the hall as the scores of bright gowns moved to and fro. The jewelry worn sparkled in the light, the marble floor glimmered, and the golden painted walls glistened.
Everywhere that Thalia looked, she saw laughter and joy. Lords and ladies, husbands and wives, daughters and sons, they moved about in small groups as they chatted and bantered and enjoyed the festivities as was expected.
All save her husband, who kept a straight face as they started into the ballroom.
“Shall we have a drink?” she asked him.
“I am quite fine, thank you.”
Something to eat?”
“I am not hungry.”
She took a deep breath. “Perhaps we should try being social then? Unless the plan is to stand in the corner and glower all evening?” Her words were sharper than she had intended, but dammit if her husband wasn’t making it hard on her.
