Chapter 111: Founder’s ball V

Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Founder’s ball V

The final notes of the waltz lingered through the ballroom.

One by one...

The couples slowed to a graceful stop.

Anthony released her hand first.

Then stepped back the proper distance.

As etiquette required.

He offered a slight bow.

"Thank you for the dance, Lady Beaumont."

Vivienne answered with a curtsy.

"The pleasure was mine."

And it truly had been.

For one beautiful song...

She had been able to stand beside him.

Dance with him.

Laugh with him.

Even if only in her heart.

Anthony straightened.

For the briefest moment...

Vivienne wondered if perhaps...

Perhaps they might share another dance.

Or simply remain together a little longer.

Instead...

Anthony spoke with the same composed courtesy as always.

"I must apologize."

"There are still several matters requiring my attention as Student Council President."

His gaze shifted briefly toward the faculty table, where another committee member was already waiting for him.

"I hope you’ll excuse me."

The tiny hope inside her chest quietly wilted.

...

But only for a moment.

She smiled.

Warmly.

Genuinely.

"Of course."

"You’ve worked very hard preparing tonight."

"Please don’t worry about me."

Anthony inclined his head.

"Thank you for your understanding."

With that...

He took his leave.

Vivienne watched him disappear into the crowd.

Until the sea of gowns and tailcoats swallowed him from sight.

Only then did she lower her eyes to her still-gloved hand.

The one he had held only moments ago.

...

A small smile found its way onto her lips again.

It was worth it.

Just one dance...

And somehow...

She felt as though she could treasure the memory for years.

"You’re hopeless."

Vivienne blinked.

She turned to find Claire, Amelia, and Eleanor approaching with expressions that ranged from amused to outright exasperated.

Claire folded her arms.

"You’ve been staring after him for a full minute."

"I have not."

"You absolutely have."

Amelia laughed.

"If President Ashford turned around right now, I think you’d still be looking at him."

Vivienne’s cheeks immediately warmed.

"I-I was just..."

Eleanor smiled gently.

"You were happy."

Vivienne hesitated.

Then...

Unable to help herself...

She nodded.

"...Very."

The three exchanged knowing glances.

Claire sighed dramatically.

"Honestly."

"One dance."

"And you’re smiling like you’ve conquered the world."

Vivienne laughed softly.

"I know."

"It sounds silly."

"No," Amelia said, linking an arm through hers.

"It sounds exactly like you."

Claire clapped her hands once.

"Now then."

"The opening dance is over."

"Which means the rest of the evening officially begins."

Eleanor nodded toward the increasingly lively ballroom.

Students were already beginning to mingle once more.

Laughter echoed beneath the chandeliers.

Fresh music drifted from the orchestra.

"The three of us aren’t letting you spend the entire night watching Lord Anthony from across the room."

Claire pointed toward the dance floor.

"Tonight..."

"We’re going to enjoy ourselves."

Vivienne cast one last glance toward where Anthony had disappeared.

Then she smiled.

"...alright."

--

Claire slipped her arm through Vivienne’s.

"Come on."

"Let’s not stand in one place all evening."

Amelia nodded in agreement.

"The opening dance is over."

"Now everyone is free to dance with whomever they wish."

Almost as if to prove her point...

The ballroom grew noticeably livelier.

The formality that had accompanied the opening ceremony gradually melted away.

Groups of students gathered beneath the chandeliers.

Laughter drifted from every corner of the ballroom.

The orchestra transitioned seamlessly into another elegant waltz as new couples stepped onto the dance floor.

Committee members finally relaxed after weeks of preparation.

Even several professors could be seen chatting amongst themselves with glasses of champagne in hand.

The Founders’ Ball had truly begun.

Vivienne allowed herself one last glance around the ballroom.

She could no longer spot Anthony.

No doubt another responsibility had claimed his attention.

She smiled to herself.

He’s probably busier than anyone here tonight.

That thought somehow made her feel oddly proud.

Claire caught the expression immediately.

"...You’re thinking about him again."

Vivienne looked away.

"...Maybe."

Amelia laughed.

"I don’t think there’s been a single minute tonight when you weren’t."

"I have!"

Claire and Eleanor both looked at her.

Vivienne hesitated.

"...Perhaps not."

The three burst into laughter.

Before Vivienne could protest further...

A young man approached them with a polite smile.

He stopped before Eleanor and offered a courteous bow.

"Miss Eleanor."

"May I have this dance?"

Eleanor blinked in mild surprise before returning the smile.

"I’d be delighted."

She glanced apologetically at the others.

"I’ll be back in a little while."

Claire waved her away.

"Don’t worry about us."

"We’ll survive."

Eleanor laughed softly before allowing herself to be led toward the dance floor.

Vivienne watched them disappear among the other couples.

"They look good together," she murmured.

"I was thinking the same thing," Amelia admitted.

Claire folded her arms.

"Let’s not start matchmaking after one dance."

"Oh?" Amelia grinned.

"You’ve changed your mind?"

"I didn’t say that."

Before Claire could defend herself any further...

Another student approached.

This one stopped before Amelia.

"Miss Amelia."

"I’ve been hoping I’d get the chance to ask."

"Would you honor me with this dance?"

Amelia blinked.

Then smiled.

"I’d love to."

She turned back to the two of them.

"Don’t go anywhere."

Claire snorted.

"Where exactly would we go?"

With a small laugh, Amelia accepted the offered hand before joining the growing number of couples on the dance floor.

Vivienne smiled as she watched another friend disappear into the crowd.

"They’re having fun."

"As they should."

Claire smiled.

"It’s Founders’ Ball."

"Nobody wants to spend the whole evening standing around."

Almost as though fate had overheard her...

Another student approached.

He cleared his throat nervously.

"Miss Claire?"

Claire sighed dramatically.

"I knew this was coming."

The young man looked momentarily flustered.

"...Should I come back later?"

Claire immediately laughed.

"No, no."

"I was teasing."

Then, Claire smiled apologetically at the young man.

"If you’ll excuse me for just a moment."

"Of course."

The young man nodded politely, taking a small step back.

Claire leaned toward Vivienne until only the two of them could hear.

"You’ll be alright?"

Vivienne nodded.

"I’ll be fine."

Claire narrowed her eyes.

"...Don’t spend the whole evening looking for Lord Anthony."

Vivienne’s cheeks immediately warmed.

"I wasn’t going to."

"Mhm."

Claire looked thoroughly unconvinced.

She reached over and gently squeezed Vivienne’s hand.

"Just enjoy yourself."

"If someone asks you to dance..."

She smiled knowingly.

"Say yes."

Vivienne blinked.

"But—"

"For one night," Claire interrupted gently.

"Stop thinking so much."

"Just have fun."

Vivienne looked around the ballroom.

Students laughed.

Music drifted through the air.

The dance floor had grown even more crowded than before.

She smiled softly.

"...I’ll try."

Claire’s expression softened.

"I know you will."

Only then did she turn back to the waiting student.

"My apologies."

"I kept you waiting."

The young man smiled.

"Not at all."

He offered his hand.

Claire accepted it with an elegant smile before allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.

--

Tbc