"I still do not understand why anyone would do such a thing."
Once again Ella's attempt to deflect the topic of conversation had been expertly dodged. Helen Hawthorne, Charles Hawthorne's younger sister, seemed determined to uncover the reasoning behind her and James' marriage. Ella could only surmise Helen had an interest in James and could not figure why he would marry a stranger over his closest friends sister. As the visit dragged on Ella could almost see why he did.
Charles had brought his sister and her friend, a mousy girl, early in the afternoon. The visit had in fact gone on longer than expected and now she could understand James' warning the day earlier. Not that Miss. Hawthorne was a horrid creature, she just preferred her views above everyone else's. Ella had learned that sometimes it was best to smile and nod in those situations and hope for the best. Praise always goes a long way as her mother always said.
"I have heard rumors, not that I am one to judge. I assume one in your believed state would have no choice but to bribe yourself a marriage. I for the life of me cannot understand why Lord Winters would sink to that level though."
"Not all of us can have such prospects as one of your character and grace Miss. Hawthorne."
"You flatter me so... Lady Winters." She said Ella's married name with a hiss that even the angriest of felines would be unable to muster.
"Please Miss. Hawthorne call me Ella, as we are now friends."
"You are too kind to offer such a thing."
Ella tried to suppress a smile due to the fact Miss. Hawthorne's face had begun to change to match the shade of the walls in the drawing room. She mused that the color to be coral, or perhaps raspberry, though she could not be entirely sure. What felt as long as an hour past of more pointless conversation before the gentlemen entered.
"Lady Ella I do hope my darling sister has not caused you too much grief."
"Absolutely not Mr. Hawthorne, she has been the most delightful company."
"I am glad because I have convinced James to bring you to the annual ball at Paisley Hall next fortnight."
"You are hosting a ball! How wonderful, I am sure it does not compare to the small affairs back home."
"Hardly, our family has always been know for our gatherings." Helen states dismissively.
"Than I shall look forward to it."
"Excellent! You shall be in for quite a treat." Charles said.
With that the Hawthorne siblings took their leave, leaving James and Ella in the drawing room alone.
"I was not sure if you would be interested in the ball."
"Admittedly our gatherings at Knighton have always been relatively small making them bearable. But it is my duty to make appearances at these events now, is it not?"
"Normally I try to avoid them. But the annual ball at Paisley is one I cannot miss. Charles will never let me hear the end of it."
A brief silence fill the space before James speaks once more.
"I shall see you at dinner then."
"Yes, until dinner."
James exited the room leaving Ella once again to her own devices. She began to wonder if this was how the rest of her days will be. She determinedly pushed the thought aside and began to prepare herself for her first public event as a noblewoman.
******
The lead up to the Paisley ball had been nothing special. Ella had fallen into a steady routine of visits, quiet meals and, exploring the grounds of Hamsfield. Upon entering Paisley Parks grand ballroom Ella could not help but take in the sights around her. Musicians played while many young couples danced with enthusiasm, others stood just off to the side watching the display. Some guests congregate in the halls or other rooms throughout the large estate all the while footmen weave through with trays full of drinks and food. Ella had never in her life seen so many people in one place before. To say she was overwhelmed would only be seen and a gross understatement.
"Does Mr. Hawthorne know even half of these people?" She asked trying to hide her awe.
"I doubt he knows even a quarter." James answered.
As if all the patrons of the room had heard the two of them speak, all eyes began to turn to where they stood. In a move of near defiance to the gossip vultures, Ella lifted her chin while placing a gentle unbothered smile on her face.
"Ah, finally! Company I actually want has arrived." Charles exclaimed as he approached.
The action was enough to tell the party to retract their fangs and return to the dance.
"This is quite extravagant Mr. Hawthorne." Ella complemented.
"More like unnecessary." James grumbled.
"Agreed, but it is my humble duty to continue this ridiculous tradition." Charles said while waving a hand around the room.
"It seems we all must make sacrifices out of familial obligations." Ella nearly whispered.
"None of that wallowing. Has anyone told you how lovely you look this evening?" Charles asked with a bright smile while holding his arm out to her. "Of course not, this one is incapable of compliments. Now come we must dance so everyone can get a good look at their new Lady."
Charles and Ella lined up as the next dance began and she realized that it was the perfect opportunity to try and learn about the new people in her life.
"Charles you always seem so happy and relaxed."
"Hahaha. It is a gift really, my mother told me once that if you fake being happy enough one day you will actually believe it. I think she may have been speaking for experience to be honest."
"I believe your friend has never received such advice."
"James prefers to keep to himself. That is why everyone was shocked when he agreed to his father's idea to marry him off like a desperate mother trying to get rid of one of her daughters."
"Not all mothers... Mine was not entirely thrilled about this arrangement. She believes in fairy tale romance and that all should marry for love."
"Clearly you do not agree."
"I did but minds change."
"James is a good man, quiet and a bit stoic at times, but he is the type of friend who is there when needed. He has always been picky about who he lets in to his life. It is hard trusting when people look at you as a title and not a person."
"That makes sense. It is hard to enjoy yourself when everyone is looking for something from you."
Following the dance, Ella rejoined James and together they walked the room making the appropriate rounds. Eventually the ball began to wind down and so the two of them returned to the carriage for the trip home.
"How was your first ball as Lady Winters?"
"Exhausting."
"Most are. I usually do not stay this long."
"Than why did you?"
"I was curious to see how you would handle yourself."
"Well I hope you received enough entertainment."
"That is not what I meant."
"Oh, then you were waiting for me to fail then?"
"No."
"Then?"
James fell silent as if trying to find his next words carefully. Ella turned to look out the window trying and failing to quell her sudden anger.
"You know that your silence speaks volumes." She finally proclaimed.
The return to Hamsfield could not have come soon enough for Ella. She quickly rushed inside and headed to her room. Just as she begun to turn the knob James' voice echoed through the hallway.
"Ella I am sorry if I have offended you in some way, it was not my intention."
She ignored his apology and began to head inside the room when he spoke once more.
"You should know that Charles was right.... You looked lovely tonight and you handled yourself better than I could have imagined."
"False compliments do not fix things."
With those final words she entered the room and closed the door putting an end to this extremely long day.