Before he could respond, she retraced her steps and returned to her seat, not bothering to glance back at him.
Curiosity about the young woman’s identity gnawed at Fredrick, and he was determined to uncover the truth. This was far from over, he assured himself, as he continued to ponder the mystery surrounding her.
Chapter Seven
Emilia let Anette guide her across the hall as she tried to ignore the disapproving glances from the other guests. It shouldn’t bother her, but it did greatly. Would she ever win theton’s approval? It seemed like an impossible feat, considering the cold reception that she had just been given.
Anette came to a stop in front of a dark-haired young woman and a tall, broad-shouldered man who had a commanding presence.
“Lady Lizette. Tristan,” Anette greeted. “Allow me the privilege of introducing you to my new friend, Miss Sutherland.”
Tristan bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sutherland.”
Emilia dropped into a curtsy. “The pleasure is all mine, sir.”
Lady Lizette smiled, and it seemed genuine, setting her at ease. “How are you faring this evening?”
“It has been rather daunting,” Emilia admitted. “I fear that thetonhates me.”
“Do not concern yourself with theton’s reaction. I do believe they hate everyone at first,” Lady Lizette said. “They will move on once they grow bored. They always do.”
Anette nodded. “I agree. Once you have your ball, this will all be behind you and thetonwill adore you.”
“I doubt that,” Emilia said.
“You are an heiress,” Anette remarked. “You are fortunate enough to be able to play by your own rules.”
Tristan cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “I do not wish to contradict Anette, but you still must use some discretion.”
“Yes, some, but you can still have fun,” Anette stated with mirth in her voice.
Lady Lizette met Emilia’s gaze and said, “I read about you in the newssheets and I find your journey here to be most incredible.”
“It was rather exciting, but I do feel bad that my good fortune was at the expense of others,” Emilia responded.
“Yes, but do not discount what you have had to endure to be here,” Lady Lizette said.
A loud, booming voice interrupted their conversation and announced the musical performance was about to begin.
Anette looped arms with Emilia. “We should find our seats before the performance begins.”
Emilia tipped her head at Lady Lizette and Tristan. “It was a pleasure to speak to you.”
“If you have no complaints, I shall come to call so I can become more acquainted with you,” Lady Lizette said.
“I would greatly enjoy that,” Emilia responded.
Her words had just left her mouth when Anette started leading her away. “You don’t want to wait too long to find your seat or else you could be sitting in the back,” she advised.
As they walked towards the seats that were set up in front of the pianoforte, Lord Roswell and Lord Chatsworth approached them.
They claimed their seats near the front and Emilia sat down between Anette and Fredrick. She was looking forward to the musical performance. She had never learned to play the pianoforte, due to her reduced circumstances growing up, but she loved hearing it being played.
The room grew silent as a short, black-haired lady came to stand in the front of the room. “Good evening,” she greeted.
Anette leaned towards her and whispered, “That is Lady Shorne,” she explained. “She is not a pleasant woman.”
Lady Shorne smiled, but it felt too contrived. “Before we begin, it is customary for me to select a guest from the audience to come treat us to a song, whether played or sung,” she said. “For this evening, I have selected Miss Emilia Sutherland to do us the honor.”