The coaches soon stopped in front of a grand manor house. A servant helped Lucy out of the coach and then helped me out. After Lucy presented her invitation, I presented mine and then we went inside. The inside of the house was elegantly decorated for the evening nicer than I could have imagined. I listened to everyone chatting about our mysterious host, an American gentleman named Alexander Grayson. Nobody seemed to know much of anything else about him and we were waiting for the first glimpse of him.
Just then, a gong sounded and the orchestra stopped so a well muscled gentleman could speak and he finally said "Ladies and gentleman, I present our host this evening; Mr. Alexander Grayson." Right then; a very sharp dressed gentleman with an angel like face appeared. He had hair black as night and neatly kept mustache and slight beard. He was truly very handsome, even more handsome than my intended husband. I tore my eyes off the host for a moment when I noticed Daniel's father was present. He walked up to me and bowed before asking "Skyla, where is Daniel?"
"He sent a note through a carrier that he had business and couldn't join me tonight. He asked that I enjoy the evening" I answered. "I will have a word with him tonight when he comes home. I had planned to have society see you two together to start announcing your engagement" he told me. "I hate this arrangement and I will never forgive you or Lord Browning for killing my father. I don't care what oath was made. Killing goes against all I believe in" I replied, walking away.
Alexander's P.O.V
I knew there were huntsmen and members of the Order of the Dragon present but I had to be certain they would never suspect who I really was. I did hear a female arguing with Lord Davenport and I heard her talk to him about the death of her father. That confirmed to me that Skyla was present. Now it was time to make myself known to her.
Carefully, I made my way across the floor and found an angel dressed in a pale dress with black details standing next to a blonde woman in red and a brunette in blue on the arm of a gentleman I would guess to be her boyfriend. The brunette did remind me a little of Ilona but I wasn't worried about that now even though loss of a first love did hurt. The promise of a new love would be worth it.
"Good evening" I greeted the four. "Lucy Westernra" the blonde replied. "Mina Murray" the brunette added. "Jonathan Harker" the gentleman with Mina added. "And you my good lady" I asked, turning to the auburn haired beauty. "Skyla Everwood" she answered, a slight blush rising to her soft ivory cheeks. I took her hand and kissed it softly before asking "Skyla, would you grace me with your presence for a dance?"
Skyla's P.O.V
I was surprised I was being asked for a dance especially with a gentleman that was not my intended. Lucy and Mina both gave me subtle smiles and nods of encouragement. "I would be honored Mr. Grayson" I answered. He led me on to the floor as a new minuet began playing. At that moment, our eyes were locked on each other and he held me close to him.
His passionate blue eyes held me captive as he led me in that minuet. "Trapped in an unhappy engagement" he whispered gently. "Yes and there's something I don't trust" I replied in a whisper too. I didn't want to be overheard speaking ill of my intended. "Skyla, you don't deserve to be unhappy. No angel does" he whispered in that gentle voice that made my heart melt. We continued dancing until that well muscled gentleman who had introduced Alexander walked over and said "Sir, it's time."
"Of course, thank you Renfield" Alexander replied to the gentleman he called Renfield and then turned to me. He softly kissed my lips and said "I am sorry about cutting this short Skyla but business calls. However, I do hope you might grace me with your company again soon." "It would be my pleasure Mr. Grayson" I answered. "Please call me Alexander" he told me, giving me one last kiss on my hand. I blushed again as I joined Lucy, Mina, and Jonathan at the base of the stairs where everyone had started gathering.
"Alright, I saw you two were clearly smitten" Lucy commented with a giggle as we were handed a light bulb. "He was quite the gentleman and had a hold on me I can't describe" I told her. "That very much sounds like you were smitten with him" Mina whispered. Just then, Alexander started talking about wireless energy and right then, every bulb lit up and I was in awe of what I had seen.
Later that evening, it was nearing time to leave. Lucy and I were on our way out the door when Alexander came up to me. "Lady Skyla, may I have a word with you a moment" he asked. I looked at Lucy and she nodded. I finally followed Alexander to another room and he asked "Will you consider having supper with me one evening?"
"I don't know and it might not be proper. I would take the invite right now if I weren't engaged. Right now, I worry what my fiancé's father would do if he found out" I replied. "Very well but please know that the invitation is always open" Alexander told me, walking me to the door. I smiled a little and then walked down the stairs to the carriage.
Once Lucy and I were in the carriage, she asked "What was that little conversation about?" "Mr. Grayson asked me to have supper with him one night. I declined out of fear but he told me that the invitation was always open" I answered. "Hmm, I think he wants to see you again. If it is meant to be Skyla then you two will be together" she told me. I nodded and then looked out the window, thinking of that dance I had shared with him tonight. I had no clue what would soon come to light.