Your pacing steps were muted by the thick carpet beneath your shoes. The swirling sea of thoughts in your mind mimicked the oncoming waves of nausea that festered within your gut. It didn’t take long for Anthony to find you and your anxious jitters in the hall outside the ballroom. The way your hands wrung together and the action of your teeth chewing at your bottom lip were tell-tale signs to him of your inner turmoil.

“My love, nobody has glanced at you in any way other than in admiration and awe.” His words were precariously chosen, spoken with a soothing timbre that attempted to null the restlessness inside you. The ballroom was glorious, elegantly decorated with the yellow hue of overhead lights and pictures of joyous, gossip filled fun painted on every being’s face. Chatter and music along with the sound of shuffling feet and laughter gave an overwhelming audio to Lady Danbury’s latest ball.

The honeymoon, you remembered, had been leaps and bounds better than any party a hostess in England could throw however. You had been wedded to Anthony only two months ago and for those past two months you had been enjoying the gracefulness of married life in the countryside—a place carefully picked by Anthony, chosen to keep you relaxed and safe from the Ton’s never ending gossip.

This night was your first back at Aubrey Hall and the ball gave Anthony ample opportunity to bring you back into the social atmosphere. Though you despised it, Anthony could either introduce his lovely wife or the Ton would make gossip that would eventually drive you out anyway. The first option seemed more suitable in Anthony’s eyes.

Anthony’s hands placed themselves on your waist his dark eyes focused entirely on you. “You mustn’t pace, it will only get you further worked up.” He murmured gently, tracing soothing patterns over the fabric of your dress. He held your gaze as his hands moved to still yours and stop them from their restless wringing.

You could imagine all sorts of ugly gossip spreading; “The undeserving Viscountess.”