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“Come on, Si!”
“I told you – I’m not going!”
“But it’s a masquerade ball! What are you so afraid of?”
With an exasperated sigh, Siena turned away from the mirror in her dressing room to face her friend.
“I’m not afraid,” she scoffed.
Polly raised her brows – a curious smirk appearing on her face. “Truly?” she asked. “Then why won’t you join us?”
Siena returned her attention to the mirror as she continued to pin up her hair. “Well, mostly because we’re not invited,” she stated the obvious.
“So you are afraid of being caught,” Polly replied as Siena silently rolled her eyes. “It will be fine – no one will notice us. Masquerade,” she reminded her with a smirk. “And my friend will get us all safely inside. She’s the one risking her position and yet she’s no coward. Because she knows that maids deserve a nice ball as well – and so do opera singers. We will have a wonderful time!” she added. “Just imagine us – dancing at a ball!”
A ball. Siena could hardly think of anything worse.
“I’m not interested,” she replied plainly.
Polly sighed. “It’s because of the Viscount, isn’t it?”
Siena’s gaze immediately shot into her direction. “No,” she retorted. “It’s because I don’t want to go.” She turned back to face the mirror, muttering, “Though the fact that it’s a Bridgerton ball isn’t necessarily a convincing argument.”
“Why? I believe it’s perfect.” Surprised, Siena turned around again. “I mean, in the very unlikely scenario that we happen to be caught, we would have someone to vouch for us. After everything the Viscount has done, he certainly owes you a ball at the very least.”
Or rather it’s me owing him one. She kept that thought to herself, however. The only person who knew the entire story was Genevieve – because she listened without judgement or unwanted advice. As much as Siena loved her friend, Polly certainly adored the sound of her own voice a bit too much.
Siena remained silent then and Polly continued, saying, “And are you not curious? About the new viscountess? Or are you so reluctant, because you’re still in love with him?” she added, false innocence appearing on her face. “In that case, I will surely not bother you any longer.”
There was a sly smile on her face and Siena rolled her eyes. Polly knew quite well that Siena would never admit to such a thing, even if it were true.
“I’m neither curious, nor am I in any way still attached to him,” she replied plainly. “I’m simply not interested.”
Admittedly, she was somewhat curious – but not curious enough.
“So you are a coward?”
“I’m not a coward,” Siena retorted.
“Then why won’t you come with us?” Polly asked. “Do you truly have no interest in a care free evening – playing the entire ton for fools as we enjoy their delicious food and expensive champagne?”
Now, Siena was listening. That did sound fairly intriguing. And deep down, she knew quite well why she hesitated.
She sighed, facing the mirror again. “As I know that you won’t stop annoying me about it – fine. I will come with you. But I can’t promise that I’ll stick around for long.”
Polly beamed at her through the reflection of the mirror. Siena dearly hoped it had not been a mistake.
*
Kate was walking through the ballroom to see whether everything was in order for tomorrow. This would be her first ball as a hostess, after all – it had to be special; it had to be perfect.
And she had been looking forward to it. There was something rather fulfilling about it. She loved being in charge; loved to organize everything; loved to take control.
Yet as the day came closer, she began to feel quite tense.
For many years now, Violet had regularly been hosting masquerade balls. When she had first told her about it, Kate had completely fallen in love with the idea. It was such a beautiful way for people to meet one another – without appearances or titles or reputations. So when Violet had suggested for her to host this year’s masquerade, Kate had accepted immediately.
Yet there was pressure. She had to uphold a tradition, while still making it her own. She never minded a challenge, but she was quite aware of its significance. This could define how the rest of the ton saw her as a viscountess; how they saw her in relation to themselves.
Rumours had calmed down since last season – especially now that Edwina was happily married as well and no further public scandals had interrupted their bliss. But there were still whispers. Some people were questioning Kate’s abilities – were wary about her insignificant background, wondering how a woman from a different country with common parents could fit into this society.
Kate had no interest in conforming to their standards. Neither did she care about their talk. But she did have a duty to this family – and she would certainly prefer it, if her ball made the talk fade instead of adding new voices to it.
So the ball was the only thing occupying her mind at the moment. Even during dinner, she was lost in thought – suddenly realising that she had not yet asked after the music. So once she had finished her dinner, she excused herself to seek out Mrs Wilson.
The housekeeper ensured her that everything was in order and after discussing a couple other matters about tomorrow, Kate finally decided to retire, feeling rather exhausted.
She changed into her nightgown and entered her bedchamber – where Anthony was already in bed, reading a book.
“Since when do you read before sleep?” Kate asked, sneaking under the blanket.
She held out her hand and Anthony gave her the book. After a quick glance at the title, she raised her brows and said, “It’s a code of law … You’re working.”
“I’m merely keeping myself informed,” he replied, taking the book out of her hands and putting it on the nightstand.
Kate shook her head. “See, I thought you were reading an actual story. I can’t believe you decide to spend your evening reading up on laws.”
“Wasn’t my first choice,” he replied, wrapping his arm around her. “But it so happens that my wife is too occupied to spend time with me.”
Kate rolled her eyes with a faint smile before she let her head rest on his chest. “I’m sorry that I’m so caught up,” she told him, gently letting her fingers brush across the thin fabric of his shirt. “I promise that you will have me all to yourself again after tomorrow night,” she added, looking up with a smile.
Anthony returned the smile as his hand wandered into her hair, softly brushing through it. “It’s fine,” he replied. “I know how important it is to you. And in truth, I love watching you being in charge of everything – walking around this place, in full control. It’s quite … enticing.”
Kate chuckled as she raised her hand to caress his cheek. “Well, you can let me know how enticed you were tomorrow night. Now, I desperately need to sleep,” she added, lying down on his chest again as he continued to brush through her hair.
“Don’t worry too much,” he told her quietly. “We will have a great evening tomorrow – and so will everyone else.”
Kate smiled silently. She hoped that as well. But as she was lying inside the dimly lit bedroom, she could not help but wonder if the lighting of the ballroom had been the right choice. There was something rather seductive about warm, faint candlelight.
“You’re thinking about the ball again, aren’t you?” she heard Anthony ask suddenly.
Kate pushed herself up then, giving him a look.
“I’m just wondering … has the number of candles been the right choice? I mean, I was aiming for a rather mysterious atmosphere. But it might come across as quite obscene – inviting people to hide in the shadows. And it might also be too dark altogether. People should still be able to watch their steps.”
Anthony chuckled, shaking his head. “Everything will work out fine,” he reassured her, caressing her back. “If the candles are not enough, just add more throughout the evening. Nothing’s ever perfect. And I promise you that it will be an excellent evening for everyone.”
“That’s not a promise you can make,” Kate retorted with a slight smile.
“And yet here I am, giving you that promise nonetheless.”
She chuckled, leaning closer to kiss him softly before she let her head rest on his chest again. As his arms wrapped around her, she closed her eyes – allowing for his steady heartbeat to calm her mind, so she would hopefully receive a good night’s sleep.
*
Siena’s heart was pounding against her chest as they entered the ballroom.
She had been to a variety of events before as a performer. This one had a rather mysterious touch – almost seductively so. It was not just the masks, but the lighting was rather dim as well. For some reason, a small smirk appeared on her lips. Apparently, the new viscountess was someone who preferred aiming for spectacle instead of complacency.
The smirk did not last, however. The masks might help, yet Siena was still very much aware where she was.
Never once had she set foot inside Bridgerton House. She had seen it from afar before – beautiful and pompous. And its interior looked exactly like she would have imagined. She could picture Anthony walking those halls quite well. It was right where he belonged.
“Just imagine if he had married you,” Polly stated in awe. “All of this could’ve been yours…”
Siena rolled her eyes. “Trust me, I can hardly think of anything worse than being a viscountess.”
And the mere thought that he would have ever married her was absolutely ridiculous. Perhaps he would have proposed to her in a moment of insane ecstasy – but such ecstasy never lasted. Not with him.
Though Polly’s words made Siena’s mind wander into a different direction now. There was one thing her friend did not know – something no one else knew: She already had a gentleman’s proposal.
Sir William – the composer who was currently providing for her – had proposed to her last week. And perhaps Siena should not have been too surprised. After all, he had fancied her for quite a while now; had composed an entire opera for her; and did not give a damn about his reputation.
Still, she had not yet given him an answer. Which was not only ridiculous, but utterly foolish. He was merely a third son and there would be no expectations. Neither would there be a scandal, as he was hardly the first composer to marry his muse. Maybe one day, they could travel the world together, performing at countless theatres. He was perfect. And yet, she hesitated…
Siena tried staying close to Polly and the others, so that hopefully no one would try talking to her. Yet unlike Siena, the other girls seemed to be having the time of their lives. And soon, they had all found something to do: talking to the other ladies, pretending to be one of them; enjoying the food and beverages; or spinning across the dancefloor with some clueless gentleman.
Eventually, Siena had been left to herself. And so she stood by the side, silently watching the crowd.
Then, she saw him.
He was obviously wearing a mask covering his eyes, but Siena would have recognised that smile anywhere.
The Viscount was walking towards the dancefloor, with a woman on his arm – most likely the Viscountess.
Siena was watching them as they began to dance – her eyes glued to every single movement.
Of course, the woman’s face was covered as well. Her dress was quite pretty, though – a turquoise sari with golden embroidery, matched by a golden mask. Siena’s eyes then fixated on the long waves of hair falling across her back, gleaming in the dim candlelight. That had been a quite interesting choice. Siena, too, had decided to keep her hair loose. She preferred it and as this was a masquerade ball, there were less rules to obey. Yet most women still had their hair pinned up, probably for the sake of propriety. But the Viscountess did not seem to care.
Siena then noticed how tall she was – as tall as him, appearing rather graceful and sophisticated. There was a wide, beaming smile on her face and what Siena could see of her skin seemed to be completely flawless.
Perhaps it was a good thing that she was wearing a mask. She could still be ugly, after all.
Oh for God’s sake, she damned herself, irritated at her own thoughts. Who cared? It should certainly not matter to her. They both seemed quite happy – and that was a good thing. His misery would not give her any satisfaction either way. She should feel glad for him.
Then, Anthony leaned closer – so close that for a moment, Siena feared they would kiss. Yet their lips did not touch. Instead, he whispered something into his wife’s ear, making her laugh, as he was gently brushing along her arm.
Siena took a deep breath then. She should not have come here. She had always known that she would meet him again at one point, but those were probably the worst circumstances. She was intruding his home – his life.
And Siena knew quite well why her heart felt so heavy: because he was happy and she was not.
Suddenly, she noticed a man approaching her. Terrified that he might ask her for a dance, she immediately turned around and left the hall. She could not stay here either way. What she needed the most right now was some fresh air to clear her mind.
*
Kate was standing by the side, observing her ball. Everything was going well, but she could not completely get rid of that anxious feeling inside her heart. For a short moment, she had felt rather calm while dancing with Anthony. But now, her worries were back.
“How about another dance?” Anthony asked then with a smile – as if he knew exactly what she needed. Yet she could not allow it.
She returned the smile, saying, “We already danced two times. I’m the hostess – I cannot be on the dancefloor the entire time. Let’s save one last dance for later.”
“Alright,” he replied, clearly disappointed. He examined her for a moment then before he added, “But perhaps it might be good for you to catch some fresh air.” Kate raised her brows and he gave her a smile as he gently brushed along her arm. “You seem quite exhausted. Just take a moment to yourself. I will ensure that everything remains perfect – and so will my mother.”
Kate glanced past him at that – to where Violet was standing. She seemed to be in an excellent mood while sharing a conversation with a glass of champagne in her hand.
Kate had tried to ensure that alcohol would be sparse, as she did not wish for her guests to become too drunk. Yet some minutes ago, she had to reorder another round of champagne for the third time this evening. She had no idea why people were drinking so much tonight. But Violet was certainly part of the reason, as Kate had not once seen her without a full glass in her hand.
Kate was in no way blaming her for it. She was allowed to have fun at a ball inside her own home for once, and Kate had repeatedly encouraged her to simply enjoy her evening. And she knew quite well that Violet would never cause any trouble, no matter how drunk. But she was certainly in no state to take over.
Therefore, she merely replied by raising her brows and Anthony gave her a conceded smile.
“Alright, perhaps only me,” he corrected himself. “But I’ll be able to handle it. I will call you, if anything’s on fire.”
Kate chuckled, shaking her head. But in truth, she could use some fresh air and quiet. Therefore, she reluctantly agreed and went towards the garden.
The cool air and peaceful quiet immediately soothed her soul when she stepped outside. She took off her mask, breathing in and out. Immediately, she felt incredibly grateful that Anthony had convinced her to leave. A couple minutes out here might be exactly what she needed.
At first, she believed the garden to be deserted. But then, she suddenly halted – as there was a woman sitting on the swing, all by herself.
A quiet sigh escaped her lips – though, apparently not quiet enough.
Immediately, the woman spun around and jumped out of her seat, staring at her. A silver mask was hiding her face, but Kate could tell that she seemed quite shocked.
“I’m sorry,” Kate apologised, giving her a smile. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
*
Utterly speechless, Siena stared at the woman in front of her. So many people could have approached her tonight – yet here she was, caught in the worst scenario.
The Viscountess was not wearing a mask anymore and the pale moonlight illuminated her face quite well.
Definitely not ugly.
There was a sweet smile on her face. She seemed rather kind – though not naïve. She must be around Siena’s age and did appear just as sophisticated as earlier. This was not a woman that could be fooled into marriage. It was clear that he had been forced to fight for it. And for some reason, Siena’s heart eased at that thought.
“It’s fine,” Siena eventually replied with a small smile. “This is your home, after all. I merely came here for a short moment of quiet. I will return inside.”
She already wanted to leave as Kate Bridgerton suddenly held up her hand, saying, “Oh no, please don’t.”
Siena halted then – examining her face for a moment. She looked rather exhausted, Siena realised.
“Did you need to catch some fresh air as well?” she asked then.
Kate Bridgerton nodded, still a smile on her lips. “It’s my first ball as a hostess, so … there’s quite a bit of pressure.”
“Well … I believe your ball to be marvellous,” Siena told her then honestly. She might have not had the best night of her life, but the entire atmosphere was quite intriguing. Under different circumstances, it could have been a wonderful evening.
“Truly?” she asked then, surprise on her face.
Siena smiled with a nod. But then, she added, “Though I do have to admit that this is my very first ball as a guest.”
Perhaps her words had been too honest. Yet she was still wearing a mask and she had no interest in playing a role – she already did so more than enough on stage.
“Really?” Kate Bridgerton asked, quite confused. “I … I’m sorry if I seem surprised,” she added immediately. “I know you’re wearing a mask, but you voice just sounds quite…”
“Mature?” Siena asked with a smirk. “Well, I am turning twenty-eight this year.”
Now, her surprise grew even more – but soon, the smile reappeared on her face. “I’m the last one to judge,” she said then. “I made my debut at twenty-six, after all”
“Why so late?” Siena asked, now surprised as well – and rather curious. She had heard that Anthony had married his former betrothed’s older sister – and therefore not a young debutante. But she had never heard of his wife’s age or that she had not partaken in society before.
Yet Kate Bridgerton merely raised her brows and Siena immediately stuttered, “I’m sorry, that … that was a quite intrusive question…”
“Oh no, it’s not,” she assured her immediately. “I was merely surprised that you do not know. Seemingly everyone’s been talking about my family last season...”
Siena gave her a smile. “Well, as you know, I’ve not really engaged much with society until now.”
She could have easily learned more about her, as everyone at the theatre had been discussing the Viscount’s road to marriage in great detail. Yet Siena had been avoiding rumours about Anthony’s escapades as much as possible.
Kate Bridgerton’s eyes were examining her quietly for a moment until she walked over to the swing and said, “Last year was the first time I set foot inside this country.” She sat down and added, “I grew up in India as my Mama – well, my sister’s Mama – had been shunned by her family and society after choosing to marry my father.”
Now that story surely did intrigue her. Siena sat down on the swing as well, asking carefully, “So … your own mother died?”
Kate’s eyes widened at that, surprise appearing on her face. Perhaps, she had expected for Siena to be more curious about the scandal than her own past.
“When I was very young, yes,” she replied then. “Mary was the only mother I’ve ever truly known. And we were all very happy together. Occasionally, Mary had talked about us visiting England in the future, but there had never been any hurry – until the day my father died.”
Both parents dead. Siena did not have the easiest life either, but that was still shocking to hear. Yet all she could say was, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Kate gave her a small smile and said, “It’s been eight years. And well … we eventually ran out of money and used the last bit to travel here, so that my sister could find a good match and would be cared for.”
“But you were not interested in a match yourself?” Siena asked then, curious.
“Well, I believe we’ve already established that I was basically an old maid by then,” she replied with a smile and Siena chuckled. “And I was the one taking care of the family – ensuring that everyone would be safe. I always wanted to return to India and work as a governess, but … well, I guess this life had a different future prepared for me.”
There were still dozens of questions inside Siena’s mind, yet she did not wish to interrogate her, and therefore simply replied, “You must be quite glad.”
At that, Kate merely shrugged. “I believe I could’ve been happy in India as well. I certainly didn’t need to become viscountess. I would not change a thing about my life right now – and yes, I am more than glad to be here – but in the end, I chose to take this path; I chose happiness.”
Her voice had grown quiet and Siena believed she was partly talking to herself.
It was a nice thought though – to choose happiness. But for that, one had to know where to find it.
As Siena remained quiet, Kate gave her a smile and asked, “What about you?”
Siena stared at her. “What about me?”
“Well, I believe that I’ve been talking about myself more than enough,” she said with a smirk. “You are a twenty-eight year old woman at her very first ball – I’m certain there’s a good story to tell. And maybe I’m too intrusive, but you’ve been asking questions first,” she added. “And with your mask still on, I will never know who you are either way.”
She probably should have seen that coming – and should have definitely simply left without asking any questions to begin with. But she could hardly leave now.
And in some way, Kate was right. She was still wearing a mask. She simply needed to choose her words carefully.
“Well … let’s just say that I can understand your problems with money quite well,” Siena replied eventually. “I grew up with my mother in a small flat over in Bloomsbury. Money was always tight.”
“Did your father die?” Kate asked, eyeing her with sympathetic curiosity.
But Siena shook her head. “No – he’s alive as far as I know. But my parents were not married and I never met him.” A smirk appeared on her lips then as she added, “Is that scandalous enough for you?”
Kate chuckled. “Trust me, I did not grow up too sheltered. It needs a bit more than a child born out of wedlock to shock me.” Siena smiled as Kate added, “Then how did you acquire money? Was your father nonetheless providing for you?”
“He was providing for me and my mother during my childhood, yes,” she told her. “But … but you are mistaken – I never came into money.”
At her last words, Siena was examining her expression carefully. For a moment, Kate seemed confused. But then, a small smile appeared on her lips as the curiosity on her face grew.
“You’re not supposed to be here, are you?”
Siena smiled. “I’m not a lady, no.”
“Every woman is a lady.”
At that, Siena’s smile vanished as she stared at her, speechless.
“So that’s why this is your first ball,” Kate continued then. “And that’s why you’re still wearing that mask.”
“It’s not the only reason I’m wearing that mask.”
Perhaps it was foolish – yet Siena could not lie to her. She had no idea whether Kate Bridgerton knew anything about her, but she would find out in a moment – because after this conversation, secrecy felt like cowardice.
Slowly, she began untying the ribbon of her mask before removing it carefully.
When she revealed her face, she could see how Kate’s eyes widened as realisation dawned upon her – and there was no doubt that she knew exactly who Siena was.
“Did I shock you now?” Siena asked then with a reserved smile.
A baffled chuckle escaped Kate’s lips. “Admittedly – yes.”
“It was a friend’s idea – not mine,” Siena told her immediately. “In truth, I didn’t want to come here, but … well, my life feels rather dull right now, so I thought a little adventure might not hurt.”
“A dull life as an opera singer?” Kast asked, raising her brows.
Siena gave her a smile. “Yes – believe it or not.”
Kate returned the smile, asking, “And what exactly makes it so dull?”
Siena bit her lips then, looking down. “What you said earlier about choosing happiness … I honestly do not know how. At the moment, it feels like my future has already been written for me. Work is stable and I have a great gentleman by my side – and he even proposed to me.” She sighed, looking back up. “And the security of marriage should make me happy, but…”
“But you fear it won’t,” Kate finished her sentence and Siena nodded with a faint smile. “Well … I can hardly help you, but … I would say that – while caution and reason are important – security and stability will never bring you happiness, if you lose yourself in the process.”
Siena stared at her – feeling completely speechless yet again. But before she could find any words to reply, footsteps were suddenly approaching behind them.
Startled, they both turned around – and shocked, Siena had to realise that it was Anthony.
He was examining them – curious and silent.
A smile appeared on Siena’s lips. “My lord.”
“Siena,” he greeted her – with a smile, but clear confusion on his face. He narrowed his brows then, asking, “Does this mean that my house has been infiltrated by opera singers?”
Siena chuckled. “I’m afraid so.”
“Well … that does explain quite a few things I’ve witnessed tonight.”
“Like what?” Kate suddenly asked.
“Nothing bad,” he assured her immediately. “I promise, it’s all fine. Just quite … lively.”
Kate chuckled and relief appeared on Anthony’s face.
“I guess that’s why I had to order new champagne three times this evening,” Kate stated then.
“Yeah, I just had to order a fourth round…”
“I’m so sorry,” Siena told Kate before turning towards Anthony and adding, “It wasn’t my idea. A friend convinced me to come.”
“Must’ve made some incredibly convincing arguments,” he replied with a smirk. “As I recall you telling me last time how abhorrent the idea of attending a ball was for you.”
Siena gave him a smile. “Well, I consider them to be more fun with a mask – especially for me,” she said, holding out her mask as she stood up. “I guess I should return inside and collect the lot of them before they can cause any actual damage.” She reattached her mask before she turned towards Kate and said, “I had a wonderful evening though.”
“So did I,” Kate replied with a smile.
Siena turned around then and walked back towards the house. As she passed Anthony, she exchanged a quick a nod and smile with him before she went inside.
Surprisingly, this evening had turned out to be fine after all. Perhaps Kate Bridgerton had been right with her words: as long as she had a choice, she should use it.
And the mere thought immediately lifted a burden from Siena’s heart. She had her freedom – no matter how small, she could never give up on that.
*
Kate’s eyes followed Siena Rosso as she returned inside. The past weeks, her mind had been haunted by all possible scenarios of tonight – yet this had completely caught her off guard. Though somehow, the utter surprise had calmed her.
Shortly after Anthony had told her the entire story, Kate had seen a pamphlet for an upcoming performance with Siena’s face on it. She had considered her quite pretty – sweet, but mature. She had surely been able to understand why Anthony had struggled to let her go. Yet there was something the image had not been able to convey: the passion. She had seen it glistening inside her eyes and had heard it hidden behind her words.
Kate hoped that Siena Rosso would take her advice to heart. She would hate to see someone like her trapped inside a marriage.
Anthony was approaching her then – a curious smile on his face.
“Looks like I’ve just interrupted a rather deep conversation.”
Kate smiled. “You did.”
He bit his lips as he sat down on the swing next to her. “So … what have you been talking about?” he asked then.
His voice was nonchalant, yet the curiosity was still clear on his face.
Kate raised her brows with a smirk. “Are you worried?”
“No,” he replied immediately. “Just … curious.”
“Is there anything she could’ve told me that I don’t already know?” Kate continued asking, rather amused.
“Well, you tell me,” he retorted, apparently quite bothered by her reluctance to give him an answer.
Kate suppressed a chuckle and decided to tease him a little longer.
“I do have to say that it was rather nice to hear the entire story without self-pity for once.”
His eyes widened in shock and Kate had to laugh.
“I’m joking,” she chuckled. “We didn’t talk about you.”
“Truly?” he asked surprised.
“Is that so difficult to believe?” Kate asked in return. “Will your ego survive it?”
“My ego is fine,” he replied with the smile back on his face. “I’m just surprised my name wasn’t mentioned at all, considering how determined you are to vex me right now.”
“I’m always determined to vex you,” she told him as she took his hand and he chuckled. Then, she asked, “So a bunch of opera singers caused trouble at my ball?”
“I wouldn’t call it trouble,” he replied. “Though, there was one lady who’s been enchanting everyone tonight, and yet no one seems to know her name. Not even the man who – just a few minutes ago – decided to publicly propose to her.”
“Are you serious?” Kate asked with a surprised chuckle and he nodded. “Well, the gentleman will certainly be disappointed, once he finds out the truth.”
Anthony gave her a smile. “To be honest, he seemed so utterly enthralled by her that he might not even care.”
Kate laughed at that, shaking her head. Had someone told her this yesterday, she would have probably panicked. But somehow, it did not bother her in the slightest.
“Do you wish to return to the ball?” Anthony asked then.
Kate looked at him with a small smile as she gently caressed his hand. “Actually … it’s quite nice out here. Perhaps we could stay a little longer.”
A wide grin appeared on his face – and then, he suddenly stood up and went behind her as he pulled the ropes of her swing before pushing her forward.
“Anthony!” Kate laughed as she was swinging through the air. “This is not really what I had in mind.”
“Want to go higher?” he asked, pushing her again.
“Absolutely not!” Kate replied firmly – yet the faint chuckle betrayed her.
“Too late,” he said as he pushed her again.
“Anthony – stop!” she laughed as she jumped of the swing and caught herself with her hands.
She stood back up, turning around as she shook her head with a smile.
He was smiling as well – holding the rope of the swing in his hand as he stared at her silently for a moment.
Then, he went towards her and gently cupped her cheek before pulling her into a tender kiss.
Kate smiled against his lips as she closed her eyes and relished this moment of peace after so many days of pressure and worries.
As they parted, she said, “Let’s return inside. You promised me a dance, remember?”
“The last one?” he asked.
She gave him a smile. “The evening is not yet over – I’m certain we can dance a few more times.”
His smile widened as his hand wandered into her hair and he kissed her again. Kate gladly welcomed the kiss, wrapping her arms around him.
In the end, whispers and rumours were trivial. They had each other; they were happy. It was the only thing that mattered.