it comes and goes in waves

Kate tried not to think about Ezra finding a bride. Over the last few weeks, the woman had grown feelings for the Lord, even knowing how impossible this was. She was a maid, certainly not the perfect candidate for him. The consequences would be terrible for her: she would be accused of gold digging, would lose every single job opportunity in London. She would have to run away, in an unknown direction with no more family. Instead, the young woman preferred suffering in silence. At least, she could have a few moments like this one alone with Ezra.

When he asked his question, her cheeks turned slightly redder. "Well.. I registered that you often like to have a moment of peace in the evening before retiring to your quarters. I believe a woman who's caring, a very good listener and most importantly loving should be a good match for you. You deserve a kind a loyal woman, a discreet one who should not take part of gossips. After all, rumours can be harmful and if she truly loves you, she will know that. She should protect you, your private life and yet, grace the ton with her presence." Pausing, Kate smiled at Ezra before shrugging. "At least, this is how I see your perfect match, my Lord."

There was a bit of irony in the list of qualities Kate rattled off. She possessed them all. If she were a lady, Erza would have courted her ages ago. She would already be his. "Well, that sounds like quite the woman. I don't think it will be so easy to find someone of such high standard. Be sure to keep an eye out for me if you happen to meet a lady of such caliber."

“A fine choice,” he said, executing a smooth turn that brought a glimpse of the starless ballroom ceiling before returning to the candlelight. “It is a land of stark and profound beauty. I sailed the Norwegian coast once. The fjords are like scars on the earth, but filled with impossible blue water. And the lights…” He paused, considering. “They are not merely a sight. They are a feeling. A silence that hums. It makes one feel very small, and yet… curiously connected to everything.” He studied her, this woman who dreamed of silent, celestial phenomena while surrounded by chattering glitter. “It is a brave thing, to return to a world that has moved on without you. Braver still to speak of dreams beyond it. I find both qualities far more compelling than the latest gossip from the modiste.”

The music began its final crescendo. Luther slowed their steps, preparing for the closing bow. “I have monopolized you for this dance, Lucy. But I would be a poor student of geography indeed if I did not seek to further explore a most interesting and beautiful landmark. Would you permit me the honor of fetching you a glass of punch? The view from the terrace is surprisingly clear tonight, though the stars, I regret, are no match for those in Norway.”

With a slight pinch of hesitation, Lucy stepped back from Luther when their danced was finished. She didn't have the nerve to speak the words aloud, but Lucy would have been perfectly content if Luther ended up being the only Lord she danced with tonight. An enthusiastic smile graced her rosy lips. "That would lovely. I could use a refreshment and a little fresh air."

Kate smiled at Ezra as she took the glass in front of her. As a maid, she rarely had access to such drinks so it was always a joy to taste it. A small privilege that she particularly cherished, kept it as a secret. The ton had eyes everywhere and Kate certainly didn't want Ezra to be the source of rumours that could hurt his reputation. Her loyalty was strong and she would often brush rumours away in town.

As he spoke about the ball, Kate smiled and nodded. "I can imagine that this must be a burden to you, my Lord. I am sure that the perfect woman is hiding there, waiting for you to find her." Her heart sank at the idea of seeing Ezra marrying a woman that wasn't her. Kate had grown feelings for Ezra despite her status. She was seeing beyond the title, beyond his wealth. She was simply seeing the man he was, a kindhearted one who truly had values no one else possessed within the ton. "I do understand your point here." Kate smiled, feeling that both had a real connection. "I would hope the same for you. You deserve a good match, my Lord." Her green hues watched him longer than she should have as well. Her heart raced, her medallion shone through the firelight. If only Kate was part of his world, things would be easier. She would certainly want to be his wife and love him with all her heart and soul.

"I'm sure you're right." Maybe Ezra was incorrect, but he swore there was a sense of sadness in Kate's words. Why would the idea of him finding a bride stir up that sort of feeling within her? It was questions like that Ezra had no business pondering. He needed to believe that his feelings towards the beautiful maid were strictly one-sided. The temptation would be far too great if proven otherwise.

"Do I? Tell me, Dear Kate, what kind of woman would be a good match for me? Perhaps your insight will guide me in the right direction," he flashed a teasing smirk. Ezra stole a small sip of brandy, peering at Kate from over the rim of his glass. Her green eyes illuminated like emeralds against the soft glow of candlelight. Was it his imagination, or was he catching glints of affection in her gaze? He quickly pushed the thought away before it rooted itself any deeper.

“Please, just Luther is fine,” he said, his hand at her back offering a subtle, reassuring pressure. “Titles feel cumbersome in a waltz.” He guided her smoothly through the other dancers, his own steps measured to give her time to find her rhythm. “And I meant it as a compliment. There is a difference between being looked at and being seen. You were doing the latter.”

Her confession about observing to learn resonated with him. “A wise strategy. Though, from my own recent observations, I believe you’ll find society has learned very little in your absence. Its rules remain rigid, and its memory for scandal, unfortunately, long.”

He noted the shift in her question, a tactical retreat to safer ground, and he gladly followed. “My primary holdings are in the Caribbean. Sugar, mostly. A demanding master, but a fascinating corner of the world. The sea is a different blue there, and the air smells of salt and cane bloom.” He studied her face, seeing the genuine interest in her bright eyes. “And what places have captured your interest from afar, Lady Lucy? Where would you travel, if maps were not just for dreaming?”

"I see. I feared that would be the case." Luther's admission was a reminder to Lucy to always procced with caution when it came to the ton. One misstep and her hopes of finding a love match would be dashed.

There was something wonderfully soothing about Luther's voice. Lucy hung on his every word as he spoke of his travels. "I've read about the Caribbean. It sounds quite exotic and intriguing." How small her world felt after hearing about Luther's travels. So much of her life had been spent hidden away in a dreary manor with no one to share her dreams with. Even returning to the ton was like visiting a foreign land for the widow. "Anywhere?" Lucy pondered the question for a brief moment. "Norway, My Lord. I've read that the landscape is breathtaking. I'm also greatly fascinated by the Aurora Borealis. I can only imagine it would be a grand sight to see."

To avoid war the royal family did everything they were able to appease their greatest rival and their terms weren’t contested. After delivering all that was promised her family was surprised with their last demand; the family’s youngest daughter. The demand was non-negotiable and her family agreed to it with little to no protests and before she knew it she was sent off with more gifts to the foreign land. The reason why her was never explained but everyone knew the possibilities and Laura was going to go with pride knowing she was protecting her family. The road was long and by the time they’d reached the end of the journey nothing looked familiar and she got escorted inside the palace by strangers who she could not understand except perhaps one who spoke her language with very broken pronunciation. Soon she found herself inside the quiet main hall, listening to the whispers of those around her. It wasn’t until he entered the room that the entire room fell completely silent and all showed their respects to him including her. She was introduces or so it seemed, among the other t gifts brought with her, making it seem as if she was just another chest of valuables between the others for him to take and use as he wished.