the stairs. We reach the ballroom—yup, Sebastian’s house has a ballroom, naturally—as Phoebe and Camille also arrive. I greet Phoebe with warmth, and nod a cool hello at Camille.
Together, we walk inside. They’ve lit it so it feels like candlelight, because of course it would be too much of a fire risk to have real candles. You can’t trust a bunch of contestants on a reality show not to start a fire, apparently. Thanks to Penny and her obsession with all things reality, I’ve watched a bunch of episodes of The Real Housewives, so I’ve got to agree.
I look up to see the most stunning row of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, glinting in the soft light. The walls are lined with old oil paintings of people and landscapes in between Roman-looking columns. There’s a group of musicians in the corner, dressed up in their Regency clothes, looking just the part.
The overall effect is breathtaking, and I can’t help but feel swept up in the occasion, like Lizzie Bennet herself at the ball at Netherfield.
Camille walks one way as we enter so Kennedy and I walk the other.
Reggie sails over to us. She takes a hold of Kennedy’s and my hands and tells us we look like princesses, ready for the ball.
“You look beautiful yourself,” I gush as I take in her red redingote and turban. Yup, you heard it right: Reggie is wearing a turban. And what’s more, it’s got a big brooch on it and pink feathers sticking out the top. It’s really quite something.
The weird thing is, she looks amazing in it.
“Nice hat, Regg,” I say as I reach out to stroke one of the feathers. “Ooh, soft and silky.”
She does a little shimmy for us. “I figured if I’m leavin’ tonight, I’d may as well go out with a bang, darlin’. Where else could I wear one of these in my regular life?”
“The laundromat?” I offer. “Or maybe Costco?”
“Oh, definitely Costco,” she coos.
“Who said you’re going home?” Kennedy says. “It could be me. I’ve had a grand total of one date with him, and I tell you, it was nothing to get excited about.”
“That’s one more than me, darlin’. I’m here as the eye candy, don’t you know?”
“Well, you’re doing that just fine,” I reply with a grin.
She winks at us. “And getting my Insta followin’ up too, with any luck.”
I hook my arms around both of their waists. “I don’t want either of you to go home. You’re the only thing keeping me sane on this show.”
“The only thing?” Kennedy asks, and heat burns through me at the thought of Sebastian.
“Well, I know one thing for sure, Emma, darlin’. You’ve got nothing to be nervous about tonight,” Reggie says. “Mr. Darcy wants to keep you.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” I reply. It’s weak and completely unconvincing. I know it just as much as they do.
Sebastian isn’t sending me home tonight.
“Yeah, you do,” Reggie replies with a wink. “But whatever happens, we need to have a good time tonight.”
Kennedy grins. “Amen to that.”
“Come on girls. Let’s get a drink,” I say. “No one should have to do those dances we had to learn today without alcohol in their bloodstream. It would be criminal!”
We amble across the ballroom and collect some drinks from the bartender. As usual, there’s no beer, only wine. Mine’s a glass of white, and Reggie and Kennedy both get glasses of red.
“To the dance,” Kennedy says as she raises her glass, and we all clink.
“Who do you think Sebastian will dance with first?” Reggie asks, and I feel quite silly at how much the mere mention of his name makes my heart rate rise.
Seeing him this afternoon in the woods was so unexpected, and meeting Zara was wonderful. Well, to be perfectly clear, Zara mentioning that Sebastian had talked to her about me was the wonderful part, although she did seem pretty great, too. Like someone I could be friends with. Not that Sebastian would approve of that, by the sounds of things. I smile to myself at the thought. Protective older brother Seb. I kind of like that.
“Oh, I think I know who he’ll choose first,” Kennedy says as she smiles at me.
Phoebe smiles as she arrives at our group, accompanied by Camille. “Hi, girls,” Phoebe says. “Isn’t this exciting?”
“It’ll be much more exciting when Sebastian gets here,” Camille says gruffly. “Where is he, anyway?”
“I’m sure he’s on his way,” Phoebe replies. “Do you think they’ll provide other men for us to dance