Page 14 of Wedded to the Sinful Duke

“You will do just fine, my dear,” he assured her. “Who knows? You might even enjoy yourself.”

Ciara sighed softly, torn between her uncle’s encouragement and her own reservations. Ever since she had returned, it was difficult to find her place. She felt as if she didn’t belong anywhere. Not here in the ton. Not back in the nunnery.Sometimes, she wondered if she even had a place of her own. As for her uncle, she knew that he meant well and only wanted her to experience the world beyond their quiet home.

She sighed heavily, deciding that she would listen to him.Maybe he will be there as well,a treacherous little voice reminded her. She pretended not to hear it although she knew perfectly well whohewas.

“I suppose you are right, Uncle,” she finally conceded, offering him a faint smile. “Very well. We shall go.”

Uncle Brendan beamed with delight, patting her hand affectionately. “That’s the spirit, my dear! You will see it will be a night to remember.”

Ciara didn’t believe that. She already had an evening to remember, and she doubted that it could be better than that. The rest of their conversation, as well as their day, passed by uneventfully, and the evening of the ball arrived sooner than Ciara would have wanted it to.

She was in the carriage with her uncle, who had already complimented her gown that evening. She wanted to be beautiful… just in case. Her gown for Lady Harrington’s ball was a breathtaking ensemble that captured the essence of elegance and sophistication. The gown, a vision in green, cascaded in soft folds of emerald silk, shimmering under the ballroom’s candlelit chandeliers. The fabric hugged her slender form before flaring out delicately at the hips, creating a silhouette that was both graceful and alluring.

“It will be fine,” Uncle Brendan squeezed her hand in a conspiratorial manner, assuring her that he would always be by her side, no matter what. “Trust me.”

“I do,” she smiled back, feeling slightly more at ease after his words.

As Ciara and her uncle arrived at Lady Harrington’s ball, they were greeted by a scene of enchanting splendor. Servants in impeccable livery stood at attention, ready to assist the arriving guests. They ushered them inside where the grandeur of the ballroom unfolded before them. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of fresh flowers and the soft notes of classical music drifting from a talented orchestra positioned at one end of the room.

At one end of the ballroom, Lady Harrington herself greeted guests with warmth and grace, her presence commanding attention as she exchanged pleasantries and ensured everyone felt welcome. She noticed Ciara and her uncle, excused herself, and headed straight for them.

“Ah, the Earl of Hopwich,” Lady Harrington said in a warm greeting. “And Miss Everton, my dear. It is so lovely to see you both here.”

“The pleasure is all ours, Lady Harrington,” Uncle Brendan smiled, bowing down before their host and kissing her hand reverently.

“Yes, thank you,” Ciara said sweetly. “Your home is… magical.”

Lady Harrington was touched by that compliment. “Why, thank you, my dear. So sweet of you to say so. I hope you both will have a splendid evening.”

“I am certain we shall,” Ciara’s uncle assured her, and then, Lady Harrington excused herself once again.

“The work of a host is never done, I am afraid,” she chuckled gently, as she turned away from them and greeted another family who had just arrived.

“I see a dear friend of mine over there, Ciara,” Uncle Brendan gestured at the other end of the ballroom. “Would you care to join me?”

“I also see Adeline, Uncle,” Ciara was relieved. “And she is with Penelope. May I go and say hello?”

“Of course, my dear,” Uncle Brendan said as he gently caressed her cheek. “Balls are always much more fun with friends around. If you do need me, I shall be just over there.” He pointed at a table where several older men had already gathered, commencing a heated discussion that everyone seemed to enjoy.

“All right, Uncle,” she smiled, kissing him on the cheek, then rushing over to Adeline to embrace her.

“Penelope!” Ciara exclaimed as she greeted her other friend as well, proceeding to curtsy before James Chapman, the Duke of Huntington, and also Penelope’s husband, the two people whowere responsible for saving her from that dreadful nunnery. Just being there and being free, she had them to thank for that.

“Ciara!” Penelope gushed, embracing her back. “How have you been?”

“Well, good,” Ciara said with a smile, hoping that she didn’t betray herself in any manner. She didn’t want her friends to worry about her. “But do tell me about yourself. You look absolutely stunning.”

“Married life suits her, wouldn’t you say so?” James teased his wife, and Penelope chuckled, turning to kiss him on the cheek.

“He is the worst, but I love him,” Penelope gushed. “You also look breathtaking, Ciara.”

“Thank you,” Ciara blushed at their compliments, feeling comfortable surrounded by her closest friends. “I must admit, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed earlier, but seeing you here has lifted my spirits.”

“You know that we are here for you, dear,” Adeline squeezed her friend’s hand affectionately.

“I know.” Ciara smiled. She wanted to confess to them that she had little desire to attend at all, but now, she felt she had made the right choice. However, just as she was basking in the warmth of her friends’ company, a shadow was cast over their joyous reunion.

“Oh, I didn’t think nuns were allowed to attend balls.” Miss Sarah Danforth appeared, making a directly mean comment. “And in such a choice of attire. My, my, my. How utterly inappropriate.”

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