It was a glitter of gala and jokes as well, but the atmosphere under the sparkling chandeliers was heated like a volcano. Ethan stood next to Sophia and received the guests as he was asked to, but his eyes were roving--searching, always seeking...after Christiana.
She was at the opposite end of the hall, close to the great staircase, still holding a glass she had not touched. She was surrounded by the crowd, and their polite glances and interested looks made her feel petite. She attempted to hide behind the shadows, but she could not get rid of the glimpse of Ethan and Sophia together, an ideal image in the eyes of all.
Sophia noticed. She always noticed.
She had just excused herself out of a party of guests, and was floating across the hall, her crimson dress like flame in her wake. She smiled sweetly and spoke poison when she got to Christiana.
You are pretty to-night, pretty to-night, she started, in a silky voice. It is a shame... no one appears to take notice of you.
The hold of Christiana on her glass was made tighter. "I don't need their attention."
Sophia's smile widened. "But you need his, don't you? Ethan." She was leaning in, and speaking in an ominous whisper. Eh!, Christiana... how long do you imagine you may have his loyalty? How soon will he stop to notice that he is worth more than an orphan girl, who has nothing to offer?
Her breath stopped, and her chest was sore. She wished to say something, to retaliate, but her tongue could have no words.
Sophia drew herself and smiled elegantly. "Watch closely tonight. He'll choose me. Everyone will see it."
After a few seconds, Sophia grabbed Ethan by the hand and dragged him into the middle of the hall. The music changed to a waltz, couples full of the floor. The involuntary gasps gave way to Sophia touching Ethan on the shoulder with this unfreezing of her eyes to stare at him.
"Dance with me," she whispered.
Ethan hesitated. His eyes were whipping and spotted Christiana in her tearful eyes. His heart wavered.
Sophia pressed her lips closer to his ear. "Do not humiliate me as in front of everybody.
He laid his hand on her waist unwillingly, and they went into the dance. They were succeeded by applause...what an admirable couple!
On the outside, the vision of Christiana became blurred. Turning her back, she ran up the wide stair.
Ethan saw her go. His legs stump, his heart hurt.
This was something Sophia felt and her smile faded away when she knew he was not in her heart.
I am sorry, very much, I said withdrawing himself out of her hold. As he stepped back, the crowd gasped, and he was loud enough to be heard by everyone. "I can't do this."
Silence fell over the hall.
His voice was level and he looked at the staircase in which Christiana had vanished. I do not fit here... here with this deception, with you, Sophia. My place is with her."
There were gasps and whispers and mortified glances in the air. Sophia was motionless, with a humiliated face.
And Ethan...and that was all...walked out of the dance-floor, and in the direction of the one man that ever really counted.