Chapter 105: Prelude to the ball II

Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Prelude to the ball II

Anthony Ashford glanced at his watch.

Half past six.

Almost time.

He closed the book resting on his desk and rose from his chair.

His preparations had been completed some time earlier. There had been little else to do afterward, so he had spent the remaining hour reading until it was appropriate to leave.

He adjusted one cuff before briefly looking at his reflection.

The navy formal coat fit neatly across his shoulders, its hem falling to just above his knees. Fine gold embroidery traced the high collar and cuffs in the traditional style of House Ashford.

An ivory waistcoat rested beneath the coat, paired with a crisp white shirt and dark cravat.

At his wrists, emerald cufflinks caught the light whenever he moved.

His stylists had incorporated them into the ensemble.

The addition complemented the evening’s attire well enough.

Presentable.

Anthony picked up his phone.

I’m on my way.

I’ll be there in a few minutes.

He slipped the phone back into his pocket.

Then he left his room.

--

The corridors of Smith Residence were quieter than usual.

Most of the male students had already departed for the Founders’ Ball, while others were only just leaving their rooms.

Anthony descended the staircase and stepped into the cool evening air.

The walk to Rosemont Hall took only a few minutes.

Groups of students crossed the campus paths in elegant gowns and formal suits, their conversations filled with excitement for the evening ahead.

Anthony acknowledged the occasional greeting with a polite nod before continuing toward the women’s residence.

The evening air was pleasantly cool.

Campus pathways, usually quiet after classes, were alive with students making their way toward the Founders’ Ball. Laughter drifted through the grounds as friends admired one another’s attire or hurried to meet their escorts.

Anthony paid little attention.

His destination lay directly ahead.

Within a few minutes, the familiar façade of Rosemont Hall came into view.

He climbed the front steps and entered the lobby.

The residence attendant immediately recognized him.

"Good evening, Lord Ashford."

"Good evening."

"I’m here to escort Lady Beaumont."

"Of course, my lord. Lady Beaumont is expected shortly. Please make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you."

The attendant departed toward the reception desk.

Anthony remained where he was.

There was little reason to sit.

He simply stood with his hands lightly clasped behind his back, waiting in composed silence.

The lobby was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Fresh flowers had been arranged near the entrance, while soft golden light from the chandeliers reflected against the polished marble floor.

Students descended the staircase in pairs and small groups, their escorts greeting them before departing together for the ballroom.

Anthony scarcely noticed them.

He checked his watch once.

On time.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

He looked up.

A young woman appeared at the landing.

Emerald silk flowed gracefully around her as she descended, the fabric shifting gently with each measured step.

The diamonds she wore caught the chandelier light with quiet brilliance, naturally drawing attention to her face.

Anthony paused.

...

Beautiful.

The thought arose with unexpected clarity.

She carried herself with a quiet confidence that suited the evening remarkably well.

The observation came and went as naturally as noticing the weather.

He stepped forward.

"Good evening, Lady Beaumont.

--

Vivienne’s heart skipped.

Anthony...

There he was.

Waiting for her.

For one fleeting moment, everything else seemed to disappear.

The conversations in the lobby.

The footsteps.

The laughter.

Even the music drifting faintly from somewhere outside.

All she could see...

Was him.

The deep navy formal coat fit him perfectly, its tailored silhouette emphasizing his tall frame with effortless elegance. Fine gold embroidery adorned the high collar and cuffs, subtle enough to remain dignified yet unmistakably bearing the distinguished style of House Ashford.

An ivory waistcoat brightened the ensemble beneath the coat, while a neatly tied dark cravat completed the look.

Then her eyes fell to his wrists.

Emerald cufflinks.

She couldn’t help smiling.

They were almost exactly the same shade as her gown.

Whether he had chosen them himself or his stylists had made the decision hardly mattered.

She loved them.

His blond hair had been neatly styled, revealing those clear blue eyes she found herself admiring far more often than she cared to admit.

Even his posture was impeccable.

Straight-backed.

Composed.

Elegant.

Every detail suited him.

He’s so handsome...

The thought escaped before she could stop it.

No.

Handsome wasn’t enough.

Anthony had always possessed the sort of quiet elegance that never demanded attention, yet somehow received it all the same.

To Vivienne...

He looked perfect.

She realized, rather belatedly, that she had been staring.

A faint smile curved her lips.

"Good evening, Anthony."

Anthony inclined his head politely.

"You look lovely this evening, Lady Beaumont."

Vivienne’s smile grew just a little brighter.

"Thank you."

A simple compliment.

Entirely proper.

Entirely expected.

Yet hearing it from Anthony made her happier than she cared to admit.

Anthony, of course, had merely expressed the courtesy any gentleman should extend to his fiancée.

Vivienne, however, treasured it all the same.

He offered his arm.

"Shall we?"

Anthony offered his arm.

"Shall we?"

For the briefest moment, Vivienne simply looked at it.

His arm.

He was offering his arm.

To her.

A ridiculous amount of happiness bubbled up inside her.

Oh my goodness...

He’s really here.

He’s escorting me.

Anthony is escorting me.

She had imagined moments like this countless times while reading The Duchess’s White Moonlight.

Never...

Not once...

Had she imagined she would be the one standing in Vivian Beaumont’s place.

A smile threatened to spread across her face.

Calm down.

You’re Lady Beaumont.

You’re supposed to look elegant.

Not like you’re internally celebrating.

She took a quiet breath before gently slipping her hand through his offered arm.

The warmth beneath the fine fabric of his sleeve was enough to make her heart pound.

...This is definitely a date.

Anthony glanced at her, his expression as composed as ever.

"Shall we go?"

Vivienne looked up at him, unable to stop the smile that softened her features.

"Yes."

Anthony turned toward the entrance and began walking at his usual measured pace.

Vivienne instinctively matched his stride.

We’re walking together...

Arm in arm.

Her fingers curled ever so slightly around his sleeve before she caught herself.

Don’t smile too much.

You’re smiling too much.

She tried to compose herself.

It lasted all of three seconds.

The smile returned anyway.

Beside her, Anthony remained blissfully unaware.

His attention was already on the evening ahead, mentally reviewing the schedule of the Founders’ Ball and ensuring they would arrive on time.

Vivienne, meanwhile...

Was quietly convinced this was the most wonderful walk of her life.

Together, they stepped out into the cool evening air and made their way toward the Founders’ Ball.