“Very well said, indeed.”
“You see right through him,” Abigail offered her a madeleine. “Most women swoon over those… irritating parameters.”
Prim heard the madeleine crack.
“Emotions tend to rise when he is involved,” Abigail dared more.
“I agree.”
“Do you?” Abigail leaned in.
“For instance, I keep harboring profound frustration, regular exasperation, and a healthy dose of discomfort. That last one might in indigestion, though. We can’t blame it all on His Grace.”
Abigail set her cup aside and surrendered herself to a gurgling laughter. Prim raised an eyebrow, congratulating herself on focusing on that side of her emotions about the Duke. The other side was to remain forever in the dark.
“You are a menace, Prim. Most women find him irresistible. Because you must agree he is magnetic and charming.”
Prim bit on her biscuit.
“If you look at him under a very specific angle, he has his charms.”
Like those lips and those arms and the shoulders that hide the world and the trim waist.These thoughts came with a very visible side effect. Prim’s ear went red in an instant, burning as if on fire.
“He does, doesn’t he?” Abigail caught the slip.
Prim dispelled the unwelcome image and focused on not incriminating herself further…
“I wouldn’t know. I am not… invested in him otherwise.”
“Oh,” Abigail didn’t even try to sound convinced. “That’s settled then.”
The two women drank in silence for a while.
“Prim, Edwin, and I are hosting a ball soon.”
Prim’s face lit up. Of all the social events of the season, the invitation to the Blackwell Ball was the most sought after. She has never attended, but she heard the rumors. It is said that a Blackwell Ball is not just a social event, it’s an artistic experience.
“I would love to see you there. With Edwin, we decided to support you openly. With Leo by your side, such as it is, and our, let’s say, approval, things will get better.”
“I am honored, Abigail. Truly honored.”
Prim looked at the invitation extended to her. She would finally get the chance to attend and see for herself the –
The enthusiasm turned sour in her mouth. Her sisters. Her sisters would greatly benefit from this. Attending the ball were only the most prominent of the ton were invited, giving them a unique opportunity.
“Abigail, if I may abuse the little favor you’ve shown me. I would love to bring my sisters with me.”
Abigail smiled and patted her hands.
“It’s for your whole family.”
Prim smiled and let out a sigh. She nodded in thanks, scared that if she opened her mouth, she would cry.
“I do have a condition, though,” Abigail said.
“I am listening.”
“I would love to introduce you to the Duke of Greyhaven.”
