The halls of Beaumont Hall rang with new life that evening, its rooms aglow with warmth and laughter. The arrival of the Greystones brought a stir not only to the household but to Eleanor herself.
It felt strange, seeing them not within the towering walls of Greystone Castle, but in her own home. Strange, yet comforting in ways she had not expected.
That first supper was lively, thanks mostly to William.
Seated across from Eleanor, he launched into stories that tumbled from his lips with the same playful ease as his letters. He spoke of a falcon that had refused to return to its perch, of a hunting dog that stole a loaf of bread from the kitchens, and of how the steward nearly fell into the moat during one of his inspections. His laughter was infectious, and soon even Lord and Lady Beaumont were smiling at his spirited accounts.
Eleanor found herself leaning forward, eyes bright, answering him with equal enthusiasm. The years apart seemed to have vanished in an instant.
Theodore, by contrast, remained composed. He listened more than he spoke, his replies brief but measured. His gaze flickered toward Eleanor at times, but whenever her eyes met his, he looked away with a politeness that carried its own weight.
After supper, the families gathered in the drawing room. Eleanor sat beside William on the settee, her embroidery forgotten on her lap as he eagerly questioned her about her own life.
"And your brother," William said suddenly. "Where is David tonight? I had thought he would be here to greet us."
Eleanor's expression softened at the mention of her elder brother. "David is away at training with the King's guard. He has always dreamed of serving, and Father finally agreed to let him begin last spring." She lowered her gaze with a faint smile. "He writes when he can, though not as often as I would like. Still, when his letters arrive, they are full of encouragement. He has always been my dearest confidant."
William leaned closer, his grin wide. "I hope he writes you more than I do. I would not wish to be replaced so easily."
Eleanor laughed, swatting his arm lightly with her handkerchief. "Do not be ridiculous. He is my brother. You—" She caught herself, her cheeks warming. "You are my friend."
Across the room, Theodore's fingers tightened around the book he had been idly holding. His eyes lingered on Eleanor's flushed cheeks, the easy comfort she shared with William. Something unreadable flickered across his face before he returned his gaze to the fire.
The next morning was filled with strolls through the gardens and polite visits to the stables. William remained faithfully by Eleanor's side, offering his arm as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Theodore walked with them at times, but more often drifted just a step behind, his silence saying more than words might have.
At luncheon, Lord Greystone announced, "We shall remain here only two nights, for on the third we must all attend the Grand Assembly Ball at Fairbourne Hall. It is to honor the Marquis of Ashworth's fiftieth year as master of the county."
Lady Beaumont clasped her hands with delight. "Indeed, Eleanor's brother David will be in attendance as well. It will be his first public appearance since beginning his training."
Eleanor's heart leapt at the thought. "Then I shall see him again! Oh, how proud I am to watch him stand among the King's men."
William offered her a smile full of warmth. "Then you must promise to save me one dance at the ball, before your brother steals all your attention."
Eleanor laughed, though her heart fluttered unexpectedly. "Perhaps I shall."
As evening fell once more, Eleanor stood at her chamber window, watching the Greystone carriage lamps flicker in the courtyard below. The visit, though brief, had already begun to stir something within her — a strange mixture of joy and unease.
For William's nearness felt like sunshine, familiar and safe. Yet whenever her eyes strayed to Theodore — his quiet distance, his gaze that never seemed to linger long enough — she felt an ache she could not name.
The ball awaited them all, and with it, a turning of fate none of them could yet see.