Present
"Ah, finally. They are here," Lady Anne Ellingford announced, her voice light with anticipation as the maids entered, each carrying trays adorned with fine porcelain and delicate confections.
A gentle murmur of approval rippled through the gathering as the trays were uncovered, revealing an array of pastries, sugared fruits, and sweets dusted with fine sugar. The rich scent of spiced tea and citrus filled the air. Anne had spared no effort in ensuring that every detail of her first soirée was impeccable, every element carefully curated to impress. Yet, amid all the indulgence, only one opinion truly mattered.
Seated apart from the others, Queen Victoria Lyndor occupied a twin couch draped in embroidered silk, her presence a quiet but undeniable force. The deliberate distance between her and the other guests was a subtle yet unmistakable reminder of her rank. Behind her, two ladies-in-waiting stood in poised silence, their hands clasped before them.
Anne inclined her head with practiced grace. "Your majesty," she said, measured yet eager.
Vitoria's piercing green eyes flicked toward her.
"I had a special delicacy prepared for you—your favorite,honey almond tart." Anne said, her voice light, though her heart beat just a fraction faster.
A single brow lifted in response. "You shouldn't have," the queen murmured, her tone unreadable. "I doubt your cook has the appropriate ingredients or skill to prepare it properly. There is a reason I only partake of those from Belvaris. And I only food prepared by the royal chef."
Anne's smile remained steady, though the cool dismissal pricked at her composure. "Believe me, Your Highness, I took every precaution. I ensured it was made exactly as it is in Belvaris. Please, do give it a try."
Victoria held her gaze for a lingering moment, then gave the barest nod. "Very well."
Anne exhaled, her relief concealed beneath a polite expression as she gestured for her personal maid, Lilah, to step forward. With careful movements, Lilah knelt, lifting a silver tray. The scent of almonds and warm butter wafted into the air as Victoria reached for a delicate piece.
The hush that settled over the gathering was almost palpable as Victoria took a bite, chewing slowly, her expression giving away nothing.
Anne's fingers curled lightly against the folds of her gown.
"It is better than I expected."
The tension in Anne's shoulders eased, though she was careful not to let it show.
Victoria's gaze drifted back to the tray. "How was it prepared?"
Anne lifted her chin slightly, feigning casual ease. "I had my cook travel to Belvaris to learn the method firsthand."
It was not the truth. She had, in reality, paid a renowned chef to journey to Malveria and prepare it himself, but some details were better left unsaid.
"How resourceful," Vitoria mused. "The palace cooks have attempted it several times, yet they never get it right". She shifted slightly, her attention turning to the other ladies, who had been watching the exchange with curiosity. "Perhaps we should consider holding more of our gatherings here—since it seems someone takes the time to truly attempt to please me."
A murmur of agreement spread through the circle, though not all expressions were pleased. Some ladies, particularly those who had long vied for the queen's favor, wore carefully neutral smiles, their gazes sharp with unspoken resentment.
Anne lowered her gaze just slightly, offering a demure smile. "I am honored, Your Majesty."
She gave a discreet nod to the waiting maids, who moved with quiet precision, pouring tea into delicate cups and setting plates before the guests before retreating once more.
Lady Carlotta set her teacup down with a deliberate clink. "Lady Anne, I must say, you have done remarkably well for your first hosting."
Anne met her gaze with an easy smile. "Of course. I take great pride in ensuring everything is done to perfection."
Carlotta's lips curved in something between a smile and a challenge. "Even so, I believe you could have done better with the setting. Outdoors is hardly the scene for a proper soirée."
A few murmured in agreement, their words light but edged with criticism.
Victoria, however, tilted her head in mild amusement. "Actually, I rather like the change of scenery. It is warm, full of life—far better than the stifling drawing rooms we are accustomed to." She turned back to Anne. "I am half-tempted to make you the official organizer of all palace events. You think beyond the usual, and that, I find, is quite… refreshing."
The air seemed to shift.
Anne barely kept her composure as she inclined her head.
Vitoria continued, her voice as smooth as silk. "I will be hosting a gathering with Belvaris soon. I would like you there. Perhaps you could assist in its planning. If it would not be too burdensome, I would even consider you hosting the next soirée. You may, of course, come to me should you require anything."
Anne's heart quickened, though she kept her expression composed. "It would be my greatest honor, Your Majesty."
A dry laugh drifted from another lady. "Lady Anne, you should consider the cost before accepting such an offer. I imagine all of this"—she gestured vaguely at the lavish spread—"was quite the expense."
Anne turned to her with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "I can assure you, lord Baldric and I have more than enough that the cost of this soirée is of no concern."
The woman gave a small shrug. "I was only saying. It takes a great deal to host a gathering fit for the Queen."
"Then it is fortunate that I do not do things in half measures," Anne replied smoothly.
The tension in the air thickened, though no one pressed further. Instead, the conversation shifted.
"Where is Duchess Ophelia?" someone murmured. "She is not one to miss a soirée—especially one attended by Her Majesty."
A whisper behind a silk fan followed. "Perhaps she purposely avoided coming all the way out here to associate with the Ellingfords."
The hushed gasp that followed did little to quiet the remark.
"That would be terribly rude of her," another lady murmured. "Queen Victoria's presence alone should have warranted her attendance."
"Ah, but it is practical," another voice chimed in. "The Duke is a man of high standing. His wife associating with… lesser company may reflect poorly on him. Besides, I doubt many would have come at all had Her Majesty not attended."
Soft laughter followed, light but laced with concealed cruelty.
Anne's fingers curled slightly against her skirts. Lesser company. She took a measured sip of her tea before setting the cup down with deliberate care.
"Speaking of the duchess," she said, her tone mild but laced with something sharper, "have you heard? It is said that she is having an affair with the Duke's valet."
Gasps erupted around the gathering.
"That cannot be true!"
Anne merely lifted a shoulder. "I have it on good authority. A reliable source saw them in the gardens—alone."
Across the table, Victoria set her teacup down with deliberate slowness. "That is a rather scandalous accusation, Lady Anne. The Duchess would not take kindly to such rumors reaching her ears."
Anne inclined her head. "I would never spread falsehoods, Your Majesty."