Will and Elizabeth were the first to descend the grand ballroom staircase.
A steward announced, "Now entering, the Lord of Games, Baronet William vont Ballard, accompanied by Lady Elizabeth vont Whitby!"
Following their entrance, Emili and Emma made their way down, and lastly, the duke and duchess. As the esteemed couple arrived, the entire ballroom erupted in applause. Midway down the staircase, the duke lifted his hand, signaling for silence.
"Countrymen, we are gathered here today to welcome our newest nobleman, Baronet William vont Ballard—our new Lord of Games!" Duke Francis vont Whitby proclaimed.
The ballroom was filled with a mixture of enthusiasm and reserved claps. Will noted the division among the noble factions. Mr. Murphy had warned him about a growing conspiracy against him. His rapid rise to baronet and his accumulating wealth had unsettled some.
"Now, let us hear from our new baronet," the duke said cheerfully.
"I am honored that the Duke and Duchess vont Whitby have welcomed me into their home and hosted this celebration on my behalf," Will began. He spoke about his first encounter with the Whitby family, offering them praise and gratitude while also acknowledging his own family.
As Will concluded his speech, the orchestra struck up a melody. With a courteous bow to Elizabeth, he sought out his parents.
His father beamed with pride, while his mother shed tears of joy. Nearby, Rebecca conversed with a woman who bore a striking resemblance to their mother—her silvery-blonde hair and green eyes unmistakable.
"Congratulations, son! I am so proud of you. Your future is now more secure. Strive to attain the rank of baron and choose a safe territory," James encouraged.
A landless noble led an uncertain life, which was why James urged Will to ascend further.
"My son, a baronet!" Helen wept, overwhelmed with emotion. In Fermion, women were largely excluded from court, save for special honors. Having a son achieve peerage was the highest honor a mother could hope for. Other than the queen, no woman had set foot in court for over a century.
"Little Will! Or should I say Baronet William vont Ballard?" The woman embraced him warmly.
"Thank you!" Will bowed in response.
"You don't remember me, do you? I left when you were so young. I'm Kathryn, your eldest sister," she said with a curtsy.
"Kathryn!" Will exclaimed, stunned. He hadn't seen his sister since her early engagement.
"Yes! The duke sent Rowan's family an invitation. How could I miss my youngest brother's introduction to society? It's been too long, Will," Kathryn said, her voice tinged with emotion.
"Alright, enough of that. It's my turn to congratulate Will!" Rebecca interjected, slipping into Will's embrace.
"Will, do you want to dance? Your first dance should be with the woman you love," Rebecca teased, hiding her blushing face behind her hands.
"I agree. Mother, may I have this dance?" Will asked, offering his hand.
As he and his mother finished their waltz, he found himself surrounded by noblemen. Many congratulated him and inquired about his auction, while some were more direct.
"Baronet, join my faction, and you can have my daughter," a viscount offered.
"You dare to hawk your daughter to the Lord of Games? Outrageous! My granddaughter is far more suitable—what do you say, Baronet?" another viscount interjected.
"You fools, seeking to recruit this child? 'Lord of Games' indeed—how fitting for one so young," sneered a vulture-like earl.
Will excused himself from the squabbling men, only to be intercepted by a group of noblewomen eager to dance. Seeing him free, they rushed forward with invitations. The duke whispered that these women were from powerful families, and knowing this, Will could not refuse.
As the evening progressed, the orchestra played lively tunes, and performers entertained the guests. After dancing with several women, Will sought respite on the terrace.
A voice interrupted his moment of solitude. "Are you having fun?"
"Of a sort," Will admitted.
"I don't recall seeing you inside. Did you dance?" he asked.
"No, I'm a bit of a social outcast. Few boys ask me to dance anymore. But I bet Emma and Emilia are enjoying themselves," Elizabeth said, gazing at the starry sky.
"Then dance with me—once I cool down," Will suggested.
"Are you enjoying the capital?" Elizabeth asked, turning toward him.
"It has its positives and negatives. Why do you ask?" Will was curious.
"I detest this city!" Elizabeth burst out. "Everyone is scheming, always trying to get ahead. The older I got, the more I saw and heard. People constantly plot, cunning men and women vying for power. You've just become a titled noble, and already they're recruiting you, offering their children, conspiring against you.
"In the capital, no one does a kindness without expecting a pound of flesh in return. Everything is done in the shadows, behind closed doors, or under cover of night. Worse still, it's considered rude to call out deceit. I hate this place, Will—I just hate it!" Elizabeth cried.
Will had never seen her so candid before. She was usually reserved around him. He wondered why she chose this moment to reveal her true feelings.
"Elizabeth, I understand. But know this—I, too, am a man who plots in the dark when necessary. Yet, I agree with you. More could be accomplished through honesty and openness," Will said.
"Do you remember what you told me in Death Valley?" Elizabeth asked.
Seeing Will shake his head, Elizabeth reminisced, "You said, 'Actions don't lie. Words mean nothing until coin is spent.' Those words helped me understand you better. Unlike the power-hungry nobles who bring misery, you bring joy, laughter, and camaraderie."
"You may not know this, but some nobles mock your title. They think it childish. But I disagree. Games bring people together and create cherished memories. I think that's lovely!" Elizabeth confessed.
"Thank you, Elizabeth. That means a great deal to me. Most see merchants and think greed. I see merchants as servants—helping people fulfill their wants and needs," Will replied sincerely.
"Are you ready to dance, Lady Elizabeth vont Whitby?" Will asked, bowing.
"Why yes, Baronet William vont Ballard," Elizabeth said, placing her hand atop his.
As they stepped onto the dance floor, all eyes were on them. At the duchess's command, the orchestra played a sonata. Will and Elizabeth waltzed gracefully, exchanging whispers and laughter. Their chemistry was undeniable, leading many nobles to assume intimacy.
The duke and duchess exchanged knowing glances, while Helen wept once more, convinced her son had chosen Elizabeth. She silently offered a prayer of gratitude to the goddess Gaia.
"I didn't know you were such a good dancer," Elizabeth admitted as Will spun her.
"Don't tell anyone, but I practiced for two weeks before coming to Yorkshire," Will said, his voice soft as he gazed into her eyes, counting steps in his head.
Elizabeth let out a delicate giggle, her laughter light and airy. Glancing around the hall, she leaned in slightly, whispering, "People are staring, Will."
Will held her closer, a warm smile playing at his lips. "Let them stare," he murmured, his voice laced with quiet confidence.
Elizabeth's breath hitched as she met his gaze, her cheeks flushing. She laughed again, her heart fluttering as the music swelled around them, carrying them effortlessly across the floor.