Billionaire Flawed 1(329)

When Emily came down the stairs, Peter was in the hallway putting on his coat. When he looked up and saw how beautiful his wife looked, a ripple of guilt ran through him. Very nice, he said. Emily was taken aback that he had noticed.

The journey to the Sutherland's home, was a short one. When Emily and Peter's carriage arrived, they found themselves in a queue of carriages, all waiting to deliver their occupants to the front door. Emily sat patiently and looked at the house. The Sutherlands were an aristocratic family. The family had owned Staveley Hall since it was built two hundred years previously, and they had built extension after extension, until the house was almost as big as Sir John's.

Emily was helped down by the driver when it was finally their turn to alight. She took Peter's arm, and walked through the front door, into a magnificent entrance hall. The floor was made of local stone and had a warm yellow glow. There was a huge fire which welcomed guests on this cold winters evening, and it seemed no expense had been spared on flowers. Each column was adorned with large bouquets of imported red roses.

A groom took their coats, and showed them down a corridor and into the ball room.

Lord and Lady Wallace, the announcer shouted as Emily and her husband entered the hall. It was very full indeed. In front of them, Emily saw many people dancing to the tune of the small orchestra, which was located off to her left, on a raised stage. Both sides of the dance floor were packed with onlookers. Peter and Emily pushed their way through the crowd, and stood at the back of the hall, next to the tea room entrance.

I'm going to the card room, it's far too full in here, Peter said.

Very well, I will stay here. I know some of the ladies here, I will talk with them a while.

Peter strode off and left Emily standing by herself. She nodded at some ladies she knew from previous parties at the Sutherland's, and looked at the dancers. There were six ladies and six men lined up for a new dance. As the music started they bowed to one another, and began to move to various positions where they would dance around each other. It was quite a spectacular scene. The men were dressed in tail coats and brightly colored waistcoats, and the ladies in a variety of dazzling gowns. Emily began to feel a little more at ease when she saw some ladies had chosen to reveal even more bust than she.

Lady Emily, how nice to see you here.

Sir John, Emily said, as she stood back from his whiskey laden breath.

Would you dance with me?

Sir John, it is kind of you to ask. Unfortunately I shall not be dancing this evening. Thank you all the same. Prey tell me, are you quite well, you look rather off color.

I've had a nasty shock. You're husband called to see me and I'm afraid he did not come with good news. I stand on the verge of financial ruin, and it is likely I shall have to sell my home.

Oh, Sir John, it pains me to hear that. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.

It is below a man of my standing to accept help from a woman, although I do thank you for your kind offer. Please excuse me, my glass is empty.

Emily stood alone again and looked around. She didn't recognize anyone she knew, so she decided to try her luck in the tea room. It too was very full, and quite stuffy. This time however, Emily did recognize some ladies and they beckoned for her to come and join them. Each of them was older than Emily and they were all married. Emily drank some very hot tea and listened to them talk of the exploits of their respective children. After a short time, she suddenly became quite faint and her complexion turned milky white.

Are you quite well, dear, asked one of her conversation partners.

No, I feel quite faint. I am very hot, I think it is a mixture of the tea and the stuffiness of this room. If you will excuse me ladies, I need some air.

Emily walked out of the tea room, down the side of the dance floor and out of ballroom. In the corridor, it was slightly cooler but she was still far too hot. Instead of walking all the way down the corridor, and out through the official entrance, she opened a door in the side of the corridor and stepped outside. She began to feel better as the cold December air filled her lungs. She was standing on a path that seemed to run alongside the house. In front of her, there was a large oak tree and beyond that, a high hedge. Emily was mindful that she was dressed only in her ball gown and that she mustn't stay outside for too long, but she was enjoying the cooling effect of the cold air. She walked a few steps and leaned against the trunk of the oak tree.

When she heard voices, she listened to see where they were coming from. It appeared there were people behind the hedge. She could hear the voice of a man and a woman. She listened more intently as the woman spoke.

And what will I get out of it, if I assist you?

I will make sure you never want for money ever again. Emily is rich beyond measure. When Emily heard her name, her heart began to race. Who were these people, and what were they talking about, she thought.