Awaken (Shadows of a Forgotten Past Book 1) by Marcia Armandi

Author:Marcia Armandi [Armandi, Marcia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: City Owl Press
Published: 2024-07-02T00:00:00+00:00

Every nook and cranny of Brockenhurst Castle glowed, the crystal chandeliers across the lengthy ballroom gleaming from multiple shines. And under its splendor, the staff was rarely seen now, some having receded to the grounds to welcome and direct guests, others to prepare the food they would soon serve.

Through one of the spotless windows, I observed the endless line of vehicles headed toward the entrance, headlights flickering like fireflies in the night. Before long, large numbers of guests flowed in wearing attire befitting the opulent occasion. The gentlemen sported tailored suits with crisp white shirts or crisply starched uniforms. In contrast, the ladies wore delicate evening gowns with iridescent and glimmering colors.

“Florence!” An excited voice extracted me from my contemplations.

“Thomas!” He reached for my hand to kiss it, though the gesture was rapidly disappearing from our world. “Oh, you are such a gentleman.” Dressed in a brown uniform, he looked quite dashing. “How are you?”

“I’m well, thank you. It’s wonderful to see you again.”

“Who is your friend?” Catherine joined us, accompanied by Arianna, George, and Samuel.

I introduced Thomas, and from the corner of my eye saw the orchestra conductor raise his baton. A hush of anticipation fell over the ballroom as the first notes of music flowed like a refreshing breeze over the summer night.

“May I have the honor of this dance?” Thomas asked me, and George asked Arianna, who more than happily complied.

While we moved to the soft rhythm of the music, I searched for Lieutenant Sterling. My anxiousness must’ve been noticeable, for when Arianna and George danced past us, she whispered, “He’ll come. Don’t worry.”

Thankfully, Thomas hadn’t heard. I didn’t want to explain. When the waltz ended, he asked for a second dance right away, a breach of etiquette, but I acquiesced. However, I soon realized that Thomas held me too close, too tight, and I wished I had said no.

“Why don’t you ask Catherine?” I suggested once the song ended, nodding toward her. She stood in the same spot we had left her with Samuel, who grinned at every girl that passed him.

“Maybe Samuel should ask her,” Thomas reasoned.

“Samuel is her cousin.”

“Oh. I see.”

“Go ahead. Ask her.”

“If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you wanted to dispose of me,” Thomas said, leaning uncomfortably close.

True, but I also sincerely worried for my friend. “It’s not good for a girl’s self-confidence to wait this long to dance, especially when she’s the countess’s daughter.”

“Right, then. We must correct that.” Thomas headed to Catherine.

I waded to the edge of the sea of moving bodies. My earlier excitement fled, and I avoided looking at any of the young men nearby. I had no desire to be asked to dance.

“He’s here!” Arianna’s announcement startled me out of the doldrums. George stood beside her.

“Lieutenant Sterling?”

“Who else? Come, I’ll show you.” Grabbing my arm, she pulled me into the foyer. Through the crowd separating us, I caught a glimpse of the soldier.

“He is not alone,” George said. Being taller, George had the advantage of a better view.

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