Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss - Bree Wolf Page 0,3
glistening upon the ice on the trees and roofs. It seemed magical somehow, otherworldly, and every once in a while, Leonora experienced a moment like those she had known long ago.
And yet, not much time had passed, had it? Not a year had passed since the night that had changed everything.
Leonora’s gaze swept over her surroundings, touching upon all the sights that had once brought her joy. Now, however, that joy no longer felt true and unrestrained. Now, there was something dark lingering upon it, something Leonora could not explain, something she could not put into words. Unfortunately, as much as she had tried to forget, her mind still conjured the night at the masquerade whenever it chose. She had no control over it. Images or sounds would pop into her mind without warning. Once again, she would feel hands upon her, rough and demanding. She could not help but cringe at the memory, cursing herself for allowing something that was far from tangible to hold such power over her. After all, almost a year had passed! Should that not have been sufficient time to master these lingering emotions?
“You cannot stay behind on your own,” Louisa stated rather vehemently, her blonde curls all but hidden in the fur-lined hood she had drawn upon her head. “Everyone is going. You will be utterly bored. Also, people might talk if you remained here all by yourself.”
Leonora knew that Louisa meant well. Still, her sister’s words cut deep. Leonora knew that she ought to move on—had she not promised herself that very thing? Nevertheless, it seemed that she did not possess the strength or perhaps the determination to do so. “I know,” Leonora mumbled, watching the cloud of her breath drift away on the icy breeze. If only she could follow it. “What am I to do?” She turned to look at her sister, one of only a few people in this world who knew most what had happened that night. “I cannot imagine attending and…and…and…”
Indeed, the mere thought of attending Lord Archibald’s Christmas house party threatened to send her into a panic. Leonora knew not why and hated that she could not find a way to rise above it. After all, what were memories if not simply thoughts? Unfortunately, the thought of mingling, of conversing with others, of others stepping closer…
Leonora closed her eyes, willing the panic back down.
Ever since that night, she had not ventured out into society. The Season had ended, and her family had retreated to their country estate soon after. At Whickerton Grove, Leonora had kept to herself, spending most of her time in her chamber or going for long walks through the countryside. Although her thoughts always turned back to that painful moment, she now knew how to bear it…at least when she was alone.
Lord Archibald’s Christmas house party was always well-attended. Leonora knew so from personal experience. After all, her family had been attending every year for as long as she could remember. It had always been great fun, seeing friends and family, exploring the outdoors, skating upon the frozen lake and chasing each other through the snow. Only last year, her cousin Anne had gotten engaged at that very house party. Today, she and her husband were happier than Leonora had ever seen her.
Before the masquerade, Leonora had secretly hoped that perhaps this year she too would meet someone special. Perhaps this year would see her under a sprig of mistletoe. Then, the thought had excited her and made her yearn. Now, however, it sent cold shivers down her back and fear into her heart.
Leonora felt her sister’s hands grasp hers tightly, giving her a quick shake. “You will not be alone,” Louisa promised her, her voice solemn and the look in her green eyes passionate and compelling. “I promise I shall not leave your side. Nothing will happen. Trust me.”
Looking into her sister’s eyes, Leonora wished that she possessed Louisa’s spirit. Indeed, the two sisters were like night and day. Louisa was fair and sparkling and full of light, her green eyes always shining with mischief. Leonora, on the other hand, always seemed to stand in her shadow. Her dark curls and pale blue eyes rarely drew anyone’s attention; neither did her curious mind, no doubt due to the countless questions that often flew from her tongue. In fact, more than one gentleman had regretted seeking her out, quickly bored by the thoughts that occupied Leonora’s mind.