Page 65 of The Girl Who Fell Through Time
Before she can fixate too long on the matter, Ophelia waves a hand, as if brushing away the topic altogether.
“But enough of that! I have far more pressing concerns.” Her entire demeanour shifts in an instant, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Lord Everton is here tonight, Selene.Everton!And Iknowhe means to propose.”
Oh dear,thinks Selene.This again.
Selene allows herself to be swept along, though the mention of the Duke lingers uneasily in the back of her mind.
The conversation with Ophelia that follows is almost word for word the one that they had a year ago. Selene does her best to play her part, unwilling to crush Ophelia’s dreams and knowing that it will turn out all right in the end for her friend… just not tonight.
It’s a relief to finally be permitted to leave to get ready for the ball.
Dorian is already in their room by the time she arrives, taking a cup of tea by the window and enjoying a moment of quiet. Selene knew that they would be sharing a room for the night. She knew it, he knew it… and it was still a shock.
Her eyes drift to the sole bed in the middle of the room.
“This chair is very comfortable,” says Dorian, not looking up.
“I’m glad to hear it?”
“I’m just letting you know that I have no qualms with sleeping in it.”
“Oh!” Selene bristles. “That’s not… I don’t mind—”
Dorian raises an eyebrow. “Wouldyouprefer to sleep in a chair?”
“Ah… no.”
“That’s what I thought.”
He returns to reading his book. “How was Ophelia?”
“Very excited. She thinks Lord Everton will propose tonight.”
Dorian laughs. “Unfortunately, the man has the courage of a soggy newspaper.”
“I am inclined to agree.”
The door opens, and Soren comes in with their trunks. Dorian groans. “Is it that time already?”
“I’m afraid so,” says Soren solemnly.
Marta arrives a moment later, and a screen is pulled across the room to give them a modicum of privacy while they dress.
“I hope your garments suit,” Selene says as she wriggles out of her dress. “Did you get to try them on before we left?”
“I confess, I did not.”
Selene grumbles under her breath. “If it doesn’t fit—”
“Yes, yes, it’s all my fault. You sound like Ariella.”
“That is not a bad thing.”
Dorian sighs, and goes quiet for a moment. “I have something for you,” he says, calling Soren over.
“What is it?”
“A gift. It’s customary, I believe, to gift your wife a piece of jewellery for your first ball together as a couple.”
