Eleanor did not move from Julian’s side, and she did not plan to until it was time to leave.
The room had settled into its new understanding, the initial surprise having become something more controlled. Conversations resumed, though never quite as they had been before. Attention still returned to them again and again, but with greater discretion now, as though those around her did not wish to make it known that she was the topic of their conversation.
She knew that she was, but she tried not to mind.
She responded to their questions, nodded her head at the appropriate moments, allowed herself to be addressed and congratulated as though the announcement had been anticipated all along. It was seamless.
Then, at last, she realized that this would last far longer than the party.
It was no longer contained. The decision had passed beyond her control the moment it had been spoken aloud. It existed now in the perception of others, and they could do anything they wished with such information.
Strangers knew of her engagement before her family, and she would have to tell them as much upon her return.
"Miss Whitcombe?"
Eleanor turned, prepared to say the same words of thanks all over again.
Lady Rosamund approached with composed assurance. Eleanor, in spite of herself, felt rather ill at ease in her presence. She did not know her well, and Rosamund had avoided her throughout the party. As far as Rosamund was concerned, Eleanor seemed to be too far beneath her to be worthy of speaking to.
"I suppose congratulations are in order," she said.
"Thank you. I am most pleased about it."
"And you should be! It is quite the match. It is all anyone here can talk about."
"So it appears."
A faint pause followed, almost imperceptible.
"I wish you every success," Rosamund said at last. "Lord Harrowby is a wonderful man. He would make any young lady very happy."
Eleanor nodded her head slightly. There was no doubt in her mind that Miss Rosamund had considered Julian an option herself, but there was no more than could be done even if that were the case.
"You are very kind."
"And you are very good at keeping secrets. Nobody here thought that this would happen, not at all. It is impressive, I must say."
"Yes, well, it is rather interesting what can be missed when one only thinks of what is evident."
She did not mean for it to be a slight, but she knew how it sounded. Either way, she did not care too much. Rosamund had been the one to start it, and in all honesty Eleanor rather liked having the upper hand for once.
Rosamund held her gaze for a moment longer, then smiled and nodded in return and withdrew without further remark. Eleanor did not allow herself to dwell on the encounter.
The carriages began to arrive, and Eleanor looked out at hers. As soon as she saw it, she froze. Henry exited it the moment it came to a halt.
Her brother had come for her.
He did not know about it, of course. He could not have, but she did not want him to know of it yet. She had hoped that she would tell her family all at once when she returned, rather than her brother learning of it from the gossip that he would undoubtedly hear as he walked towards the household.
She ran out to greet him first.
"Eleanor," he greeted when he saw her. "I trust you had a pleasant time?"
"I did. In fact, it was more beneficial than we expected."
"Oh? And why might that be?"
"Walk with me," she suggested. "I have so much to tell you."