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Enjoy Chapter Sixteen!
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Hermione loved Draco's flat, stepping out onto the wide balcony gave her the perfect view of Muggle London.
The London eye seemed minuscule in the distance.
They were so far up; she braved a look down and at once stepped back.
Leaning into the cool weather of the night, she felt the goosebumps rise under her thin white nightdress.
The wind lightly blew around her causing the wild strands of hair to move around her face.
Gathering the strands between her fingers Hermione pinned it on top of her head, the smooth skin of her neck glistened in the generous rays of moonlight.
She heard the footsteps, her eyes closed she felt him lean against the protective railing of the balcony.
Draco watched his beloved enjoying the cool breeze and ran a long finger along her jawline and down her throat.
Smiling in content, Hermione opened her eyes to look at the handsome man to her side.
He offered her a warm butterbeer, she grabbed it eagerly and took a long swig of the foamy satisfying liquid.
Minutes later, Draco realized he was staring at Hermione, his eyes ran hungrily over her firm jawline, the little bob of her throat muscles as she swallowed, down to the valley between her rounded breasts and her long smooth legs.
"Ahem, Mr. Malfoy if you are done ogling," Hermione teased, her eyes sparkling playfully.
"Hmm…what?" Draco mumbled trying to figure out whether she was wearing a thong or G-string.
"Astoria is definitely going to bid on you," Hermione said with a bitterness that was unlike her.
Draco snapped out of his little fantasy and snorted, "No darling, she's engaged."
Hermione stared ahead, she had seen the Prophet and frowned at the fact that Rita Skeeter was back at the scandalous newspaper.
The last line of the front-page article stuck with her.
Has she forgotten her past beau?
"Yes, I saw the article. He looks like a good man," she replied hoping Astoria was genuinely happy.
Shrugging his shoulders, he pulled her close to his body and warmth, "I do want her to be happy Granger, she's one of my oldest friends."
Unable to stop herself, Hermione replied, "Astoria is settling for him because she can't have you."
Sighing exasperatedly, Draco answered sternly, "Hermione, I really don't wish to talk about Astoria."
"I'm more concerned about who will bid on you, maybe I can convince Potter or Weasley to bid in my stead," he told her seriously a dangerous glint to his eyes.
Obviously, he had given it some thought.
She was the Gryffindor Golden girl and war hero. Despite her naivety to the feelings of men around her, most would jump at the opportunity to spend even a few minutes in her company.
He frowned at the thought. It really upset him that he had no control over the outcome.
Making a mental note to speak with Potter, Draco left Hermione standing at the balcony and went back inside.
After she had her fill of fresh air, she reentered to the warmth of the luxurious flat.
Letting her hair down, she pulled back the covers and slid in between them.
Draco was engrossed in the new edition of Potion Mastery; he hardly noticed the warm body next to him.
There were discoveries he never thought possible.
Fondly, he remembered Theo. He had been a talented Potion Master and gifted at creating his own concoctions.
You would love this month's edition mate.
Hermione pouted at his lack of attention towards her, for once it was someone else who had their nose buried in a book.
Turning over, she switched off her bedside lamp and slid into a content slumber.
The alarm went off, Hermione groaned, and Draco cursed, burying his head further into the crook of her neck.
He had stayed up half the night finishing the book and trying to create a few of the simpler potions.
Placing a soft kiss to Draco's lips, Hermione got off and stretched, unaware that her nightdress rode all the way to the top exposing her rounded bottom.
Eyeing her appreciatively, he quickly reached over and pulled her onto his lap.
Hemione squeaked at the abruptness.
His morning wood dug into her butt cheeks, she rubbed against it and let out a small moan.
Placing airy kisses to the nape of her back, his hand buried itself between her thighs.
Tossing her head back, she leaned against his shoulder.
"Babe, I have an early morning meeting," she whispered, feeling his fingers part her cunt lips.
"We have time," he replied throatily between kisses.
Draco increased his finger movement within her eager pinkness, feeling the wetness accumulate.
When she was good and wet, he turned her around and placed her on the bed. Pushing the nightie above her head, he threw it on the floor.
Releasing himself from the cotton boxers, he worked his cock to hardness.
Biting down on her lip, Hermione parted her legs allowing him to slide in between them.
Mornings like this ensued a fabulous day.
Cupping his face, she pushed her lips against his, deepening the kiss as she felt his head push into her tight cunt.
Her legs went around his waist urging him to push into her harder and deeper.
Holding her hands captive above her head, he built up a quick beautiful rhythm.
She felt the swelling of her clit under his urgent movements against it.
"So close darling," she muttered against his ear.
"Scream for me love," he demanded huskily, speeding up his thrusts.
Hermione saw stars as the room blurred and she exploded against his girth.
"Draco!" she cried at the overwhelming feeling of pure sweet ecstasy.
"Good girl," he praised unable to hold back longer.
Burying himself deep within her walls, he let go with a guttural growl.
His teeth grazed the skin of her neck and he sucked on deep, leaving a bruising mark.
"Do you want to take the day off?" Draco asked hopefully, his softening cock slipping out of her wetness.
Hermione laughed and pushed herself off the bed, "Don't I wish!"
Draco rolled onto the side and watched his witch.
"We have an American dignitary visiting us," She informed bitterly.
Spending another day with Ryan made her stomach clench unpleasantly.
She had found out from Harry that the annoying, arrogant American would grace their presence for three months.
Hopefully, she would survive the dreaded months without hexing him into a pile of dogshit.
"That must be fun," Draco replied, pulling up his boxers and oblivious to the true nature of their visiting monstrosity.
Oh, darling! if he knew the new guy was trying to get into her knickers, the conversation would have taken a rather drastic turn for the worse.
But no! She had promised herself that she would handle it, so she kept quiet on the matter.
Showering double-quick, Hermione came out towelling her hair vigorously.
Pulling up a tight navy-blue pencil skirt, she matched it with a long sleeve white blouse and pulled her hair back into a neat professional bun.
Slipping on her heels, she hopped into the kitchen.
Draco watched her movements while biting into a piece of buttered toast, he pushed the plate of breakfast he had prepared towards her.
Being the boss meant he could breeze into the office whenever he felt like it and today, he felt like midafternoon especially since his morning was uncharacteristically free of meetings.
Hungrily, Hermione bit into a piece of toast, holding onto it tight with her teeth while she attached a pair of dainty teardrop earrings to each ear.
Quickly finishing off the toast, she drained the cup of sweet tea, she closed her eyes and sighed.
Her whole face relaxed as the hot tea made its way down her throat, warming her from within.
Draco made the best bloody cup of tea.
Grabbing her files and handbag, she went to apparate but remembered something.
Rushing over to her boyfriend, she placed a kiss his lips and his hold on her tightened.
He had remained silent until this moment.
"I'm meeting up with Blaise tonight, will you be waiting for me?" Draco asked, smiling at her beautiful face.
Her flat was a shoddy mess, "I need to clean my flat love, I'll see you tomorrow."
Placing a quick kiss to her forehead, he let her go.
"Have a good day!" Hermione called out before apparating.
Glancing at her watch made her frown, she was cutting it close.
Dumping her bag carelessly onto her desk, Hermione headed for the meeting room on the lower levels.
She walked in to find everyone already at their seats and an annoyed American staring her down.
"Good of you to join us, Hermione," He greeted her sarcastically.
Fighting the urge to flip him off, she slid into the chair next to Harry and took out her notes.
Harry was staring at her oddly.
Leaning over but still focused on Ryan, she hissed out of the corner of her mouth, "What is the problem?"
Shifting in his seat uncomfortably, Harry replied, "You have a hickey the size of a peach on your neck."
Shit!
At once her hand went to cover it up. Hoping for a quick solution until she got to the bathroom, she discreetly pulled up the collar of the blouse to cover it momentarily.
Harry stifled a laugh and gave her a thumbs up.
Playfully, she shoved his shoulder and Ryan turned to stare at them.
"Care to share your thoughts?" He asked them seriously.
Hermione felt like she was back in school at one of her more boring classes.
Locking eyes with the fuming American, she cocked her head to the side and politely declined.
She sunk further into her chair, hoping to not draw more attention to herself.
The meeting droned on and by the end of two hours, everyone looked like they were about to hex the living shit out of Ryan.
Thoroughly fed up, Kingsley rose to his feet and declared sternly in his loud booming voice, "Can we please finish this!"
With a curt nod, Ryan hurried through the rest of the presentation.
Witches and wizards sighed in relief as he concluded, getting to their feet at once they all shuffled towards the exit and out of sight.
Harry hung back while Hermione gathered her notes and files.
A voice interrupted them, "Granger, a word please."
Harry took his seat once again waiting for Hermione to finish speaking with Ryan.
Ryan frowned, making his displeasure obvious he said, "I need to speak with her alone if you don't mind!"
Unhappy with the turn of events, Harry pushed back his chair roughly and exchanged a look of caution with Hermione before heading out of the large meeting room.
The minute she got close to him, he boldly pulled down her collar exposing her now bright purple love bite.
Grinding his teeth together, he hissed, "This is the Ministry of Magic and not a brothel, keep your bedroom antics where it fucking belongs."
Defiantly Hermione stepped back and replied stubbornly, "Mind your own business Ryan, you are not the Minister of Magic."
The absolute arsehole. Not like she intended to bloody flaunt it; she had not even known it was there.
Ignoring his continuous scolding, she turned on her heel and hurriedly left the room heading straight for the toilet.
Taking out her wand, she surveyed the purpling damaged area.
Merlin, it stood out like a sore thumb.
Fondly cursing Draco, Hermione muttered a spell to hide it.
In the comfort of her office, she took out her Muggle phone and punched in a message to her boyfriend.
Thank you for the surprise, half the Ministry saw it.
It is a wonderful shade of purple.
Ryan stayed clear out of her way and she enjoyed an animated lunch with Harry and Justin.
Ginny had sent a threatening message through Harry and he recited it word for word;
"Harry tell Mi that it has been fucking ages since I saw her and for her to put her shag fest on hold and spend time with me!"
Justin roared with laughter almost falling off the small wooden chair.
Hermione and Harry joined the laughter, holding onto their sides till it hurt.
Draco saw Hermione's message and grinned.
Making a mental note to reply later, he hurriedly pulled up his trousers.
Though his morning was clear, his afternoon was not.
Meeting after meeting had his mind spinning by five pm.
Buzzing his assistant, he spoke when she picked up, "Helen cancel the last meeting, I've just about had it for the day."
A small laugh followed, and her reply came swiftly, "Consider it done sir."
Pulling out his Muggle communication device, he remembered Hermione's earlier message.
Fuck, he had forgotten all about it.
Hoping it was not too late, Draco punched in his reply: -
Bloody meetings, sorry for the late reply
You belong to me
I miss you love.
Hermione was working her way through a complicated proposal for the Department of Mysteries when the beep in her phone distracted her.
Glancing at it she smiled as Draco's name popped up next to the small closed envelope.
Rolling her eyes at his reply, she punched in hers: -
I belong to you, so you brand me like a bloody cow.
I miss you always.
Leaning back, he opened her reply and laughed aloud.
Typing his message, he pressed send.
A very pretty cow.
Frowning at his attempt to be funny, she typed in her reply.
Kindly FUCK OFF Malfoy.
Smiling to himself, he pocketed the phone and got up, reaching for his black coat, he slipped it on and strode out of his office.
Draco brushed the dust from the busy London street and scanned the crowd at the Leaky Cauldron for Blaise.
They locked eyes and Blaise signalled him over to the bar.
Smiling at the usual bartender, Draco slid into the bar chair next to Blaise.
A tumbler with a rich amber liquid was placed in front of him and he raised the glass to cheers with Blaise.
They both took sips and let the warm liquid travel down their throats.
Draco spoke first, patting his best friends' shoulder, "Mate, I'm sorry about Sarah."
Blaise waved him off, "Ah don't be, it was complicated from the get-go."
His eyes sparkled and he added with a wink, "We meet up for a good roll in the hay occasionally."
Draco snorted into his drink and then said apologetically, "Sorry I haven't been around much."
Blaise let out a loud laugh, his deep voice echoed through the bar, "I understand that you want to hang around Granger and make up for lost time."
Clinking tumblers again, Draco retorted, "Let's get pissed."
"I'm on board with that mate," Blaise replied enthusiastically.
A few pretty witches walked past them and eyed them flirtatiously. A blonde caught Blaise's attention and he sent over a round of drinks to their table.
She came over, thanked him for the drinks by dropping a lingering kiss to his cheek and slipped her number into his hand.
Their conversation flowed.
"This auction idea is insane, I fucking love it," Blaise boomed excitedly.
He looked over Draco's head and his eyes darkened menacingly.
Quick to catch on, Draco turned to see Marcus Flint his old Quidditch Captain and four other cronies coming towards them.
All men wore washed-out black robes, looked drunk, sleazy, and dangerous.
"Fuck," Draco heard Blaise curse under his breath.
"You ok mate?" He asked, perplexed by his best friend's behaviour.
Draco felt a firm hand on his shoulder, "Mate, haven't seen you in a while!"
"Flint, when did you get back from Russia?" Draco greeted stonily taking the stretched-out hand in a firm grip.
Flints beady eyes sparkled, and his breath reeked of Firewhisky, "Few months, good to be back on English soil."
His shifty eyes did not move from Blaise.
"Blaise how you doing son?" Flint asked grabbing onto his shoulder, his fingers digging in aggressively.
Blaise broke free of Flints hold and threatened in a low growl, "Get your fucking hands off me."
Flint cleaned his teeth with his tongue and narrowed his eyes, "You sure you want to do this?"
Draco was on his feet, placing a firm hand on Flint's chest, he glared, "Step away Flint."
"I owe you, Blaise, how about I make good on that," the ex Slytherin spat out through clenched teeth.
Without a reply, Blaise spun around to face Flint, his robes swished, and he pulled out his wand directly pointing it at Flint's chest, "Make your fucking move."
Plunging his hand into his robes, Draco joined him in seconds
Flint narrowed his eyes and laughed, "You are fucking outnumbered."
"Try us you fucking piece of shit," Blaise replied low and menacingly.
Tom hurried forward and stood between them, "Gentlemen please take your differences somewhere else."
With a reluctant but curt nod, they lowered their wands and Flint turned to leave but then stopped dead in front of Draco and said, "Give Granger my regards, I hear she has a tight little box."
Without hesitation, he grabbed his old Captain by the filthy black robes and his punch landed square on Flint's nose.
They heard a faint crunch and blood spurted out, Flint fell to his knees holding his broken nose, blood spilling profusely from it.
Blaise had his wand out hexing the group of men that accompanied Flint, they charged at them after seeing their leader fall.
Bending over, Draco grabbed Flint again and smashed his fist into the already broken face.
"Who the fuck do you think you are?" He bellowed, continuing his assault on the man now covered in blood.
Tom appeared with security wizards.
A stern look from Blaise had Tom backing away from them. He would not dare say anything to a Malfoy and Zabini.
Instead, the security wizards closed in on Flint's men and immobilized them.
Getting to his feet, Flint wiped the blood gushing out of his mouth and nose and yelled, "Malfoy, we all know that you are sleeping with Nott's wife."
Draco closed the distance and raised his bruised fist to strike him again when he muttered viciously, "Were you guys having a bloody affair? Nott was a good man."
He felt his blood run cold at the declaration, a shiver ran up his spine.
Is this what the wizarding populace believed?
Flint spat blood at Draco's feet in disgust, "You disgrace the great house of Slytherin and brotherhood."
Grabbing him again Draco whispered darkly, "You know nothing about brotherhood."
The men left the bar and Draco and Blaise returned to their drink, the other patrons stared at them and quickly averted their eyes when they turned to look.
Draining his drink, Blaise explained calmly, "He came by the store and he asked if you were fucking Granger. I pushed him against the wall and threatened to blow his head off."
Draco clenched his teeth in anger. Pure rage was seeping through his body and spilling fire into his blood.
Tapping his tumbler, Draco requested another drink and replied, "I see."
Turning to his best friend, he asked seriously, "Blaise, what is your honest opinion about Hermione and me?"
His face split into a warm smile, "I think she is your soulmate," and then added surprisingly, "Theo believed it too Drake."
He ran his fingers through his platinum blonde locks and muttered, "Hermione and I have a long way to go right?"
Blaise sighed, unfortunately, it was the truth, "Yes you do be strong for her, she's going to need you more than ever."
Draco nodded confidently. Those had been Theo's last words to him.
He would be by her side every step of the way.
Nothing mattered but her and their love.
Hermione…. the need to be with her was compelling
It was late but cars whizzed by, the cool London air nipped at his nose.
He was feeling the effects of alcohol.
Blaise put his arm around his companion for the night and left with the pretty blonde.
Without much thought, Draco apparated to Hermione's flat.
Darkness greeted him; she was asleep.
Reaching for his wand, he illuminated the way to her room.
Discarding his clothes, Draco pulled down the sheets and slid in next to Hermione's warm body.
He felt her stiffen and quickly reach under the pillow for her wand.
The room flooded with light and he shielded his face at once from the bright unwelcome intrusion.
Fear in her eyes, her chest heaving with the rapid intake of air, she turned to face him.
Looking him over, she cupped his face lovingly and softly asked. "What's the matter, darling?"
He buried himself in her hair and desperately sobbed, "I love you so much it hurts."
Flint's words however untrue had a deep and profound impact on him.
Theo mate...I'm sorry but she's my everything.
We never betrayed you mate...except once...it was our weakest moment.
It hurt him that people would believe they would betray Theo.
He hated that she was being portrayed as a heartless two-timing bitch.
Bringing his face to hers, she stared into his beautiful grey swirls, "Draco…."
Taking her hand, he pressed it to his chest and pleaded, "Feel me, Hermione."
Claiming her lips, he growled, "Touch me. I want your hands on me."
She moved her fingers across his taut chest, stomach and back, she whispered against his soft lips, "You're drenched in sweat."
In alarm, Hermione pulled back and took his hands in hers and asked with growing concern, "Why are your knuckles red and bruised?
Touching his face again, she coaxed desperately, "What happened?"
Ignoring her pleas, Draco gently pushed Hermione down and got on top of her.
His fingers were already pulling down her plain white panties, "Let me make love to you slowly."
Rising above her, he hooked his thumbs on the band of her underwear and gently pulled it down her long legs, kissing each area that got exposed.
Her breathing hitched at the movement of his tongue and lips on her skin.
He sucked on her delicate belly button, sending rippling shocks throughout her body.
What started off as slow and sensual was quickly turning into hard and urgent.
Kissing the exposed top skin of her cunt, he used his fingers to spread the plush pussy lips apart, stretching them wide and bringing her clitoris out to show.
He groaned against the pulsating little bundle of nerve endings and plunged his tongue inside her growing wetness.
Lapping up every drop she offered ardently, fervently, greedily.
Hermione squirmed under him, her fingers inching up towards her breasts, she twirled a nipple bringing it to life.
She was so close…. he found her spot effortlessly and he worked it efficiently.
He ran his finger around it, gently sucking on it, and releasing it only to fuck her tight hole with his tongue.
Her fucking orgasm was upon her and she almost screamed out his name.
Mercilessly, Draco withdrew and stood up.
Overcome with pleasure, Hermione sat up and yanked his boxers down roughly and without warning, took him fully in the mouth.
The move threw him off and he grabbed onto her head, thrusting into her warm mouth seeking the salvation within.
She worked him nice and good, his length and girth suffocating her as she deep throated him.
His increasing groans and urgent tightening of his fingers in her hair told her he was close.
Not giving him the satisfaction, she withdrew, and he groaned aloud in frustration.
Turning her back to him, she got on all fours and gave him her arse.
Using a pillow as a cushion, she placed it under her stomach.
Grabbing her creamy cheeks, Draco spread them apart, her juices dripped down towards her thighs.
His eyes lingered momentarily on her pert little arsehole.
Would she allow him? Pushing the thought aside, he widened her cheeks and pushed his head into her drenched, cock hugging cunt.
Hermione almost fell forward at the intensity of Draco's first thrust into her.
Firmly gripping her by the waist, he moved in as close as possible until only his balls were hanging pressed up against the cheeks.
Draco started his onslaught of hard fucking. He needed this, he needed her.
Her skin rippled at the brutality of his throbbing cock plunging into her with all his might.
She loved it. Her moans grew louder.
Closing his eyes, he dug his fingers into her waist further and drank in her sounds.
It sounded like sweet fucking music to him.
Bringing one hand off her waist, he whacked her hard across a full cheek.
The skin rippled back and turned red.
She groaned, he did it again to her other cheek, harder this time.
Blood rushed to where he assaulted her.
"Baby, please don't stop," Hermione cried out from under.
Her whimpers and moans filled the room.
The pleasure she felt spread across her body in tiny little waves of heat.
They were panting against each other.
He stood over her tenaciously plunging his dripping cock down her throbbing cunt.
Again and again and again.
The sounds of their raw flesh colliding fueled their need for release.
He wanted her to come against his shaft, he felt her muscles clench and unclench with her pending orgasm.
"I want to feel you release around me, fucking drown my cock Granger," Draco growled at her.
Those few words pushed her off the edge and she flew off into the world of heavenly bliss.
Wave after wave after wave tore through her small body.
Her fingers dug deep into the pillow to steady herself, he held her firmly by her waist and with a final groan, he whispered, "This is for you love."
He hissed low, as he pulled her tight against his chest and unloaded his thick spurt of semen into her waiting passage.
Like her orgasm, his was intense.
Wave after wave after wave of his warm seed filled her up.
She tightened around him milking him for each drop.
Thoroughly spent he withdrew and looked at her glistening cunt dripping with her juices and his.
Her arms and knees gave out and Hermione fell face first on to the bed.
Holding his softening cock in his hands, he walked towards the bathroom.
When he came back, she propped herself against the headboard staring at him through glazed eyes.
Draco gave Hermione an exhausted smile and ran his long fingers through his hair.
"Are you going to tell me what that was about?" She demanded closing her legs tightly.
"Hold that thought," she said, no longer able to contain the steady dripping.
Pushing herself off the bed, she quickly headed to the bathroom.
Looking in the mirror, she saw her flushed face, messy hair, and dilated pupils.
Washing, Hermione stepped back into the room to find Draco fast asleep.
Frustrated that he gave her no answers, she pressed up against his back and fell into a night of tired but deep sleep.
Draco woke to find Hermione staring at him.
"The fuck you doing babe?" He asked trying to turn over to get more sleep.
His head pounded unpleasantly, and his mouth felt itchy and scratchy.
The more he tried to force sleep the more he realized that he desperately needed a drink of water.
She had expected this and handed him a cool glass of water.
Struggling to sit up, he leaned against the headboard and drained the glass in one gulp.
Next Hermione held out the hangover cure potion, sheepishly but eagerly Draco took it and downed it.
The potion took instant effect and he felt the dull throbbing in his head ease.
Unable to keep quiet any longer, Hermione asked, "What happened last night?"
Draco had no intention of telling Hermione the whole truth, it would needlessly hurt and upset her.
She was still coming to terms with being with him and he did not want to do a damn thing to fuck it up.
He yawned and stretched.
His muscles felt sore and overused.
"It was just a pub brawl love," Draco replied nonchalantly.
He grinned at the memory of his fist connecting with Flint's face.
"A pub brawl?" She repeated suspiciously.
Placing a kiss to her head, he got up and pulled up his boxers.
"You should see the other guy," He smirked confidently.
Hermione frowned uncertainly, while he slept, she had magically lessened the bruising on his knuckles.
"Aren't you late for work?" Draco asked glancing at the clock.
Work! Shit!
Rushing to the bathroom, Hermione got dressed in a hurry.
Narcissa Black Malfoy sat in her exquisitely decorated living room sipping tea with Annabelle.
They were going over the list of invitees and the list of people they planned on auctioning.
Dotty appeared and bowed before Narcissa, "Madam, Dotty has a message."
Turning her attention to her favourite house-elf, she asked, "Yes darling what is it?"
"Mrs. Olivia Parkinson and Mrs. Nancy Macmillan are waiting to meet you, Madam," the elf informed, its eyes darting nervously towards the entrance.
Narcissa raised a quizzical eyebrow, "Please show them in Dotty."
Moments later, two regally dressed women walked into the foyer, their heels clicking against the marbled floor.
Dressed in purple and peach flowing dress robes with expensive jewellery and bejewelled fingers, they walked in with an air of elegance and importance.
Narcissa got to her feet and Annabelle followed suit.
"Cissy darling," Olivia cooed coming close.
Nancy smiled warmly at Narcissa.
"Please have a seat, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Narcissa asked curiously, gesturing to the plush chairs before her.
The two women exchanged a look and spoke, "We missed you at the last two gatherings."
Smiling Narcissa replied, "Well you can hardly blame me for keeping my distance, my son is my life and I won't tolerate an unjustified ill word about him."
"Of course, we understand completely, we are here to make amends Cissy," Nancy chimed in eagerly.
"Due warning has been given to the ladies who did you the dishonour," Olivia added with an air of superiority.
Narcissa eyed the women before her and made a quick decision. The group had their benefits and even though she loathes them, they could be put to beneficial use.
Dotty served everyone tea and delectable pastries, Narcissa smiled, "I will be present at the next soiree."
"How wonderful!" They declared together.
Out of the corner of their curious eyes, they caught the design of the pamphlet that Annabelle tried to hide.
"Are you planning a Ball Cissy?" Nancy asked, stirring sugar into her cup of tea.
"Yes, we are actually, it is a fundraiser for the Foundation," Narcissa replied politely.
"Oh, do tell!" Olivia asked excitedly. The aristocratic woman lived for the next function.
With a poised laugh, Narcissa explained the details of the upcoming fundraiser and the auction they had planned.
Their eyes sparkled brightly as they listened intently to the details.
"What an absolutely marvellous idea, I would be honoured for my son to take part," Nancy offered eagerly. Ernie was home and it would be a perfect opportunity for him to meet some lovely young ladies.
"I would love all the noble families to take part in this event," Narcissa added shrewdly.
"Of course, let us discuss this at the next get together," Olivia agreed earnestly.
They rose to their feet and smoothed their dresses for any wrinkles that might have gathered while sitting.
Narcissa bid them a fond farewell and turned to smile at Annabelle triumphantly.