The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Eleanor's guest chamber, casting golden patterns across the polished floor. Her father had departed after their brief one-night stay, leaving her in the capable care of the Greystones' household.
Lady Greystone greeted her warmly at breakfast. "Eleanor, make yourself at home. The estate is yours to explore, and I trust you will find comfort and charm in every corner."
After breakfast, Eleanor spent the morning with Lady Greystone, admiring the well-kept lapdogs — two elegant King Charles Spaniels resting on embroidered cushions, their coats glossy and meticulously groomed. Servants attended them quietly, ensuring they were comfortable and properly cared for. Eleanor laughed softly as one dog nudged her hand for attention, feeling a lighthearted ease settle over her.
Later, she wandered through the estate grounds, exploring the manicured gardens and open fields. She paused to observe the training grounds and orderly arrangements, noting how disciplined and precise everything was. Though she enjoyed the calm of the estate, her thoughts often drifted to the previous day's events and the weight of expectation that lingered.
As the afternoon faded into evening, William arrived, his bright smile immediately lifting Eleanor's spirits. "Eleanor!" he called as he entered. "I feared I might miss you entirely today."
"I was beginning to wonder if you had hidden from me," she replied lightly, closing the distance between them. "I have spent the day exploring and meeting the household, but I am glad to see you now."
William laughed, his easy charm filling the room. "I could not let the evening pass without greeting you properly."
The household prepared a small celebratory ball for the evening. William's cousins, already present and delighted to see Eleanor, welcomed her warmly. Together, they explored corridors and gardens, sharing playful remarks and small discoveries, while the lapdogs quietly followed under the careful watch of the attendants.
The merriment of the evening was briefly interrupted when Theodore arrived. He entered the hall with a composed, distant air, greeting only his parents. Eleanor's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, but he gave her no glance, no acknowledgment, and proceeded inside with a purposeful stride, leaving her momentarily unsettled. The subtle tension of his presence was felt by all, though he remained a study in control, his eyes never meeting Eleanor's.
Shaking off the sudden unease, Eleanor returned to the company of William and the cousins. Music, laughter, and gentle conversation filled the evening, creating a comfortable balance to the grandeur and expectations of the estate. Though Theodore's distant presence lingered in her mind, the warmth of William and the playful cousins offered a sense of charm and ease, even amidst the formalities.