Chapter 28 VESTIBULE
NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW
The Duke stepped down and the music started. Accompanied by a classic orchestra, the nobles made sure that they’d use the night to make the most out of it. They all spent money for this lavish event after all. The dinner has been served, but some of them remained eating as to get their fill. By then, the wooden door occupying the height of the hall opened. Damon eyed the entrance since it’s a scene stealer. A loud thump blared his ears as he felt his heart jump out of joy. He smirked whilst shivering lightly at the scene of the beautiful woman entering late.
Agatha’s eyes gleamed. It accentuated the jade stones of her earrings and necklace. She walked inside, holding her head high with confidence. She turned heads, making everyone gape as her white gown drapes over the floor. She walked towards the man in red, standing in the middle of the hall. A smiled formed in his lips, “that’s my lady” he said as she reaches his front. “I’m surprised you didn’t choose to run” he followed with a joke. Agatha smiled, “I was thinking of doing it but I figured you wouldn’t be happy if I did, and I don’t want to see you sad”
His eyes smiled as he extends his hands out, “may I have this dance?” he asked.
“certainly”
Holding each other’s hand, the pair walked towards the center, gathering the attention of everyone inside. The harmonic sound played, it was Ruses d’ amor, a piece composed by Alexander Glazunov.
His grip tightened, clutching her left hand and her waist. They began moving gracefully in unison with the music. The lively beat of the bassoon rendered them cheery. It was a beautiful sight. Seeing the two sharing an elegant dance made everyone stunned. Whispers can be heard around, the ladies asking who she was and the men, thinking how could their eyes miss such beauty.
The Viscount’s movements accompanied her fully. He guides her with gentleness. Softly moving his feet to match the bombarding hinges of the violin, Agatha cannot help but to feel special. For the first time in her life, she experienced being the center of attention. Dancing with a handsome man, her smile failed to fade. Her happiness was evident, until he opened his mouth “He noticed you…”
It hits her head of what’s her role. She ogled, making him chuckle “seems like you’re overwhelmed by this” as he swooned down, making her lean smoothly. She jolts, but quickly recovered as he brought her up. She furrowed her brows. “I’m n-not…”
He stepped faster, throwing her hands away, making her circle, he then clutched her in an embrace “Have no worries, we’ll dance whenever you want once we get away, just make sure you lure him tonight”
Agatha nodded subtly, moving her body towards him as the music plays faster. She followed his steps. Thankfully, he was skilled enough to support her. “He’s here” he said, eyeing her with seriousness.
She braced herself, breathing deeply as Damon approaches. Everyone watching was taken aback, especially the ladies as they saw Damon clenching the shoulders of the Viscount mid-dance. The couple halted, eyeing Damon with surprise.
“Viscount Claude” he greeted, scanning the lady he’s with, “May I ask who’s the beautiful woman you’re dancing with?” he asked in which the Viscount replied with a cling. Placing his hands on the waist of the woman, he gestured a bow “This is Lady Agatha, my soon-to-be wife. My viscountess”
Agatha bowed “nice to meet you, Young Master” she said, closing her eyes and smiling warmly. Damon nodded. “is that so?” he asked with brows raised. Viscount Claude nodded, “will you let her dance with me?” he smirked, a mocking one. To his surprise however, the Viscount bowed “certainly, Young Master. You can borrow her. She’s great at accompanying men” he commented, letting go of Agatha.
Damon bewilderedly eyed him, seeing the Viscount step away, he was brought to reality when Agatha spoke. “Young master…” she extended her hands in which he reached. They eyed each other “Please hold me tight, as I do not know how to dance that well”
The young ladies sitting by the side got even more envious seeing Agatha share a dance with the son of the Duke right after the Casanova of Irvine. They had their piercing eyes poking her back. She felt the subtle discomfort. But it’s a prize she has to pay for holding two of the most beautiful men that night.
“Lady Agatha…” he called as they began to waltz. “I’ve never seen such beautiful green eyes”
She chuckled, “and I’ve never seen such appeal, you’re certainly a man of virtue, young master”
“please, call me Damon”
Agatha pulled away, then circled into a back embrace “I simply cannot do that Sire, I’d feel disrespectful if I were to do so”
He clutched her back upon meeting her front. “have no worries then, we can be closer than this" he joked, squeezing her hands gently. Agatha’s lips formed in a curve “what do you mean by that, young master?”
“If you weren’t his Lady, I would’ve ravished you” her eyes gleamed, realizing that he’s willing to take the bait.
Agatha playfully winked, “So what if I’m his Lady?” she asked, eyeing the Viscount who's currently busy. Damon raised his brow “what do you mean?”
“I’m willing to be ravished by you, Damon” she bit her lips, enchanting the young man further.
“I know a room” Damon replied.
Walking around, a server purposely gazed towards her as he cleans after the tables. He exchanged stare with another one of them. Passing by the others, they casually exchange notes that signifies their next move. Ezekiel stood on the balcony. Playing as a guard, he never ceased to keep his eyes away from his every movement.
Meanwhile, in his manor, the old geezer kept trying his best to contemplate his actions. Now that the word is out, he denied the invitation to that ball. Seeing him after his bold measures, it would certainly render him frozen if they were to see each other. He held his stomach, feeling the gut-wrenching outcome that’s about to unfold. He eyed the paper seated above his office table. “I hope they find her…” he said and his prayers came answered. His phone rang bearing the news “Lord Castledow…we’ve successfully retrieved her body. Along with…countless others”
He brought his hand toward his mouth, tearing out of joy at the success of the plan. The Reeves began movement, they successfully infiltrated the Viscount’s manor at his absence. “he’s going down, have no worries” the man behind the call said as he plunged the telephone down. Lord Castledow felt a sense of relief. Now that the world has come to his side, he got nothing to fear. He sat down and started writing everything with confidence.
