Chapter 266: Hastings ball (1)
Ophelia’s days with Dante in the mansion went by slowly, and during those days, she received visits from Theo, Mary, and Alice.
Ophelia got a well-needed break from her duties in the castle, but soon she needed to get back to the castle. The Hastings Castle couldn’t be without Dante and Ophelia for too long.
Dante dealt with matters concerning the Valthorn castle and land, while Ophelia gave all her time to the ball.
Invitations were sent out to all the townspeople, but more importantly, special invitations were sent out to the families of the knights who fought hard in every battle.
"There are carriages already arriving before the castle. Everyone looks as though they have selected their finest attire for the ball. The music has also begun to play, and it feels magical," Alice said, informing Ophelia of what she saw.
"I am still a bit nervous. Have you checked if some of the drinks have started to be poured? We mustn’t-"
"I saw the maids going out with drinks," Alice interjected before Ophelia worried herself. "The maids are also dressed up. It is only you who needs to be fully dressed now. I believe Lord Hastings has received his outfit for the evening. You shall both look like royalty."
"Will we?"
"You shall because I am the one who selected what you will both be wearing. I was careful to ensure that you would match. Where did I put your earrings? Do not tell me that I have misplaced them," Alice said, starting to panic.
"Alice, you placed them on the bed. I do not know why, but you did," said Ophelia.
"Oh, yes. I wanted to place them on a soft surface. Forgive me, but I am a bit nervous about handling diamonds. There is gold on your neck and diamonds in your ears. If they are not present when I return to undress you, I might faint," Alice said as she carefully picked up the earrings.
"Then, you will need to follow me all night to ensure they stay on," Ophelia joked.
"Then, I will," Alice answered.
Ophelia’s laughter ceased since her joke was taken seriously. "It was not a real suggestion I wanted you to consider. The only person I want at my side all night is my husband. You should leave me at times to have fun and dance. The knights will all be dressed up."
"For the last time, I don’t have any interest in Thomass."
"I wasn’t speaking about Thomas. I truly spoke in general about the knights. There will be plenty of men for you to dance with tonight. Ladies like Victoria will be using this as their chance to find a husband. You must have fun, Alice," Ophelia said, hoping Alice would get lost in the night.
"I will have fun," Alice promised. "This is the first time I have been included in a gathering at the castle. I will have fun, but I still need to be at your side. You will need to know the names of the guests who come to greet you, and which one of the ladies you have accepted the invitation for their gathering."
"That is true, but I won’t need you all night long, Alice. I can manage with Dante since he will know who comes to greet us, and at times, Mary will be close. I truly want you to forget your work and enjoy yourself. You have spent countless hours helping me. Please," Ophelia said, placing her hand on Alice’s shoulders. "Have fun."
After some thought, Alice asked, "Am I allowed to have some of the good wine?"
"Is it not there for the guests? If everyone is too shy to drink it, then most of it will go back to storage. For the sake of not wasting wine or food, please tell everyone to enjoy themselves. I am not expecting the maids to work tomorrow. The castle can still be for one day," said Ophelia.
Ophelia took her earrings from Alice’s hand. "Your duties for the day have now ended. My husband will be here soon to walk with me, so you should go. Go and enjoy yourself. I must see you dancing when I come down. Go, go."
"If you need my help, please send someone to find me. I will not have too much to drink," Alice promised.
Ophelia shook her head as she didn’t believe for a second that Alice wouldn’t be excited. Alice was the most excited one when it came to planning the food and drinks.
Ophelia faced the mirror and started to put on the earrings. She was also afraid to lose the earrings and necklaces Dante surprised her with. It wasn’t only because they were likely expensive, but she wanted to take care of every gift he handed her.
A knock on the door was heard shortly before it opened.
"I saw Alice leaving. Am I welcome in the bedchamber now?" Dante questioned, standing still by the door as he tested the waters.
"You were never forbidden from entering the chamber," Ophelia replied.
"I was pointed to another chamber and told not to enter. Perhaps Alice has created her own orders. You look beautiful," Dante said as he stalked over to where Ophelia stood. "You are wearing your gifts."
"Yes," Ophelia said, touching the gold necklace. "I decided on a simple dress, so Alice pushed for me to wear the necklace and earrings. They are both lovely."
"Only because they are worn by you. Do you think it is important for us to attend the ball?" Dante asked, his arms snaking around Ophelia’s waist.
Ophelia smiled and successfully pried Dante’s arms from around her. "I must see the result of all my efforts, and I will not be late. You must control yourself tonight. Prepare to do a lot of greetings and long conversations."
Dante groaned. "You have created a nightmare for me."
"Do not pout," Ophelia said as she palmed Dante’s face. "All will be well. You only need to smile when you are approached and accept their kind words. I also have another surprise waiting for you. You will see it before you get to the ball."
"I am starting to be wary of your surprises," Dante said, but still he offered his hand for Ophelia to hold.
Ophelia accepted Dante’s hand.
"Trust me, you will enjoy this surprise. We must start moving since the hosts cannot be late. Promise me that you will save me if I am forced into a long, boring conversation. I hear they are quite common," Ophelia said, fearing being pulled into one.
"I will save you," Dante promised.
