A Scandalous Agreement with an Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Henrietta Harding

Author:Henrietta Harding [Harding, Henrietta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Regal Quill Publishing
Published: 2024-10-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Vivianne couldn’t run fast enough. She felt as if her heart had been wrenched out of her chest. The sight of Edward with that woman had been one she couldn’t have expected or anticipated. It was a crushing blow to her burgeoning emotions, a betrayal that left her gasping for air as she ran through the corridors, back to the ballroom. Tears streamed down her face as she tried to calm herself down, to escape the suffocating weight of her heartbreak.

As she burst back into the ballroom, she hastily wiped her face. The cheerful chatter and lively music suddenly felt alien and distant. She struggled to steady her breathing, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her. Hands trembling, she clutched the edge of her gown, attempting to compose herself, although she could feel all eyes on her.

Fortunately, Aurelia was close by, immediately noticing her discomfort. Her face was etched with lines of concern as she took Vivianne by the hand.

“Viv, you look upset,” she said gently. “Is everything all right?”

Vivianne hesitated before responding. She wanted to share the burden of what just happened with her sister, but this revelation would bring no good. Someone might overhear them. Someone might already be constructing gossip about her, having seen her barge into the ballroom with a tear-streaked face.

No. She wouldn’t give them any more material with which to fabricate tales that weren’t true. She would tell her sister everything, but only once they were safely home, in the only place she knew she could reveal everything without any fear.

“I’ve been better.” She smiled nervously. “I think it’s just too chaotic in here. There are too many people, and I feel like I can’t breathe.”

“Let’s go out to the balcony for some fresh air,” Aurelia suggested.

Vivianne nodded. “That is a splendid idea.”

Her sister guided her through a side door and onto the nearest balcony. Fortunately for them, it was devoid of any people, offering comfort and at least a semblance of privacy. Hearing the doors close, Vivianne exhaled deeply. The night air was cool and soothing, especially after the hellish heat of the ballroom. Aurelia gestured for them to sit on a small bench in a quiet corner.

Vivianne sank onto it, her shoulders slumping forward as she did so. She desperately tried to gather her thoughts.

“Did something happen?” Aurelia asked tenderly. “You know you can tell me anything, Viv. I am here for you.”

Vivianne took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. Her heart was still racing, and she felt overwhelmed by the depth of her emotions. She shook her head, unable to articulate the full extent of her pain.

“It’s... it’s nothing,” she said finally, barely above a whisper. “Just… a lot to process. I want to tell you everything, but I just don’t know where to start, and I don’t want to talk here. I don’t know what I would do if someone overheard us…”

She threw a concerned glance around as if expecting to see a crowd of people listening in.

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