Cora stood behind Evelyn as she smoothed a comb carefully through her mistress's hair. "Your Grace looks beautiful," Cora murmured, arranging one last glossy curl so that it draped gracefully over Evelyn's shoulder. "I dare say none of the other ladies will outshine you tonight."
Evelyn caught her own reflection in the vanity glass. The emerald gown was a masterpiece of rich satin and delicate silver embroidery. It shimmered with every graceful turn. Tiny sapphires gleamed like morning dew at the hem. Her hair was pinned up in an elegant chignon threaded with dark green ribbons that matched her dress, and around her neck glimmered the emerald necklace Nathaniel had given her, a piece that had already become one of her most cherished treasures.
"Shall we go?" Cora prompted gently.
Evelyn took one last breath to steady herself and rose. Her shoes clicked softly on the floor as she left the sanctuary of her chamber and walked toward the grand hall.
Evelyn paused at the top of the staircase, one gloved hand gliding lightly over the carved bannister. Cora, standing at her side like a protective shadow, gave a quiet, encouraging nod. The bustle of servants hurrying about had finally diminished as all eyes were now fixed on the grand hall.
When she reached the bottom of the staircase, Cora moved respectfully to one side as Evelyn faced the waiting Wycliffes.
Juliana, already dressed in a flowing buttercream gown embroidered with tiny embroidered roses, clasped her hands together in delight. "Evelyn, you look absolutely radiant," she said warmly. Her blue eyes shone. "See l was right. The green color suits you perfectly."
Lord Nathaniel stood just a few paces away in a dark charcoal tailcoat that accentuated his broad shoulders and stern bearing. His shirt was crisp white, his cravat tied simply yet immaculately. The gold cufflinks at his wrists glimmered under the chandelier light.
He regarded her in his usual quiet way, his gaze lingering a heartbeat too long on her face. Something softer than his usual reserve crossed his features as he inclined his head to her.
"You do," he murmured, his voice pitched low so that only she could hear. "Enchanting."
A flush crept up her neck at the simple word of praise.
Emilio, hands tucked behind his back in a plum-velvet coat and starched white cravat, glanced up with a brief, grudging look before turning away as Lady Rosalind adjusted the lace shawl draped over her dark green silk dress.
"You're finally here," Lady Rosalind said with a small, tight smile.
Evelyn answered politely and moved to join the family as they prepared to leave. A few maids rushed to fetch cloaks and hats before Mrs. Carroway opened the doors to reveal the waiting carriages outside.
Evelyn held her breath as their carriage rolled smoothly into the heart of town. Even before the wheels had fully stopped, she could hear the hum of life outside: shop doors swinging open, locals hurrying along the cobbled lanes, and above it all the delighted shouts of townsfolk preparing for tonight's harvest festival. Banners of orange and gold crisscrossed the narrow streets, and the smell of baking bread and roasted meat lingered in the crisp autumn air.
"Looks like the whole town is celebrating," Cora murmured, leaning a little closer to peer out the window. "You can practically feel the excitement."
Evelyn offered her maid a small smile, though her hands were damp against the folds of her green velvet gown. Before they attended the public festivities in the town square, there would be a more intimate gathering at Mayor Belling's manor, a pre-festival reception where the prominent lords and their families exchanged polite conversation and drinks before stepping into the grander revelry outside.
When the carriage finally stopped before the mayor's imposing house, a servant rushed to open the door. Evelyn paused, drew a quiet breath, and took the Duke's offered hand as she descended.
The Mayor's house was draped in garlands of dried herbs and autumn blooms. Lanterns framed the broad double doors, which were already swung open to receive the distinguished guests. Inside, a murmur of easy conversation and gentle laughter spilled into the marble-floored hall.
"Your Grace," Mayor Belling himself greeted warmly, bowing with enthusiasm. "And Your Grace," he added to Evelyn, his smile kind. "How pleased we are that you could join us tonight." Evelyn offered a graceful nod and stepped inside with Nathaniel close at her side.
Beyond him, nobles and their wives moved gracefully across the marble-floored hall, dressed in an array of silk and lace. Familiar faces turned toward the Wycliffes, offering murmured greetings and practiced smiles as they were led inside.
Juliana brightened immediately at the sight of a lively girl in a pale blue dress just across the hall.
"Lucille!" she squealed, breaking from her mother's side.
"Juliana!" Lucille Belling, the mayor's only daughter, rushed to embrace her old friend. A pearl comb glinted in Lucille's auburn hair, pinned up in glossy spirals. Her hands held Juliana's warmly as she looked her up and down.
"You've grown even more lovely since I last saw you," Lucille teased.
Juliana laughed, delighted. "And you've been to London without me. You simply must tell me everything."
As their conversation sparkled, Evelyn stood gracefully at Nathaniel's side, drinking in the grandness of the mayor's hall and wondering what tonight would hold.
As she moved into the crowd, Evelyn became acutely aware of the eyes that followed her; curious, appraising, yet mostly friendly. Juliana appeared at her elbow at once, her cheeks pink with excitement.
"Isn't it lovely?" Juliana whispered. "Everyone's dressed so finely. And just wait until you see the market square tonight. Music, dancers.... the whole town will be there!"
Evelyn smiled, relaxing just a touch. "I can hardly wait," she replied. "It's my first harvest festival here as Duchess. I want to see all of it."
Together they drifted among the guests, exchanging pleasantries with Lady Marlowe, greeting the local magistrate and his wife, and admiring the mayor's collection of fine wines. From time to time Evelyn caught sight of Nathaniel across the room: his tall, assured figure leaning in to speak with a few prominent landowners. Though his face was unreadable as always, she felt his gaze return to her every so often, brief and possessive.
Before long, the mayor himself raised a glass and called for a toast. "To this year's harvest," he declared. "And to our most honored guests. May tonight be the start of a prosperous season for us all!"
A chorus of "hear, hear" followed, glasses lifting to the light. The soft tinkle of crystal and gentle applause filled the manor.
Evelyn took a sip of the spiced wine and let the warm taste settle on her tongue. Beyond the manor windows, the town bustled with anticipation for the festival to come. Surrounded by new acquaintances and guided by Juliana's easy chatter, she began to feel a sense of belonging that had once felt so far away.
And tonight was only the beginning.