Five hundred heads snapped to face them.
Veronica kept the glorious smile pinned to her lips as Sebastian led her forward into the crowd, which soon turned into a crush of people flocking to their sides to inquire after her health.
It took the better part of a half an hour to make it through the throngs near the entrance and into the ball. When they finally stepped out into an open space, Lord Hazelton was there, arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed. “Your Graces,” he said, bowing.
“It’s good to see you, Lord Hazelton,” Veronica said, struggling to keep her face entirely straight. “My husband tells me you’ve been concerned about my health.”
“Y…yes, Your Grace,” Hazelton said, turning pale. “I…I hoped you were well.”
“It’s true, I’ve had an unfortunate run of poor luck these last two years. Under the weather and all that.” She waved a hand in the air. “Though I must have missed you at the other events I’ve attended recently.”
Hazelton’s eyes widened. “Other events, Your Grace?”
“Yes, I’ve been back and forth from the country several times of late. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t see you or Lady Hazelton during any of my visits.” She blinked at him innocently.
“Yes…yes. A pity.” The poor man’s brow was hopelessly furrowed in confusion.
“I’m so glad I am feeling well enough to attend this year,” Veronica continued. “I do so enjoy your Twelfth Night ball. Thank you for having us, my lord.” And with that, she and Sebastian stepped past him. Sebastian merely nodded once and said, “Hazelton,” in a clipped voice before escorting his wife off into the crowd.
They had barely finished laughing about their encounter with Hazelton when a waltz began to play. Sebastian turned to Veronica, squeezing both of her hands. “Dance with me?” he whispered in her ear.
Veronica nodded, a surge of happiness and anticipation cascading through her body. They took to the floor and began the one-two-three steps of the waltz. Soon, it seemed as if half the ballroom was watching them, though Veronica barely noticed. She had eyes only for her husband as he expertly led her through the steps of the waltz.
“It’s been so long,” she said under the breath.
“You belong in my arms,” he answered.
When the music ended, Veronica glanced toward a raucous group who were laughing and…clapping?
“What in the worl—?” she began.
When she looked again, she realized. It was her family. There, standing not twenty paces away along the sidelines of the dancing, was…her entire family…save Justin. Mama was there and Grandpapa and Grandmama and even Jessica and Elizabeth.
She hurried over toward them, Sebastian in her wake. Together, they moved away from the crowd to the hall just outside the doors to the ballroom.
“What are you doing here?” Veronica asked. “Especially, you two.” She gestured toward her sisters. “You haven’t even made your debuts.”
“They came with me, and Hazelton wasn’t about to deny me anything,” Grandpapa said with a chuckle, resting his weight on a black cane that perfectly matched the rest of his fine black evening attire.
“And what are you doing here, Grandpapa?” Veronica asked next, turning her attention to the old man. “You should be in bed, resting, and—”
“Yes, as to that,” her grandfather began, a guilty look on his face.
“We have something to tell you, dear,” Mama added, biting her lip.
Veronica narrowed her eyes. “What…exactly?”
“We came to see the two of you made up,” Jessica offered with an unrepentant grin, looking back and forth between Veronica and Sebastian.
Veronica frowned. “What? How did you know we made up?”
“Justin sent word early this morning,” Mama admitted. “We came straightaway.”
“What are you saying?” Veronica asked, her gaze jumping from familiar face to familiar face.
Guilt was written all over Mama’s countenance. She winced. “We waited two long years, darling. You cannot blame us for taking things into our own hands.”
“What do you mean?” Veronica narrowed her eyes on her mother, placing her fists on her hips.
