Chapter 20: Noble Affairs
Despite his earlier enthusiasm, Ember found the celebratory ball to be painfully boring. They had spent two days preparing him, his sister teaching him how to dance, his mother dressing him up, and yet he still felt inadequate among the high-profile people. Perhaps it would have been different if they were with Cliff, but he had to leave them in order to entertain guests.
There were simply too many people that Ember didn't recognise. At least the food was good, though his mother made dishes just as delectable every day.
Meanwhile, Rain seemed to be enjoying herself. She was at that age where dancing and socialising were of the highest importance to her. Ember had seen her dancing for over an hour, while he remained by his mother’s side, largely forgotten by the crowd.
Every now and then, one of his uncles or cousins would approach them, reminding them to remain on their best behaviour.
They didn’t even try to strike up a conversation with anyone, while Cliff remained occupied entertaining high-profile guests. Ember swore that if anyone else came to remind them one more time, he would punch them straight in their nuts.
The worst of them were those finely married women who came to greet them and only returned after adding some backhanded compliments or veiled insults.
If only he could smack their painted cheeks with a resounding slap.
I really need to work on my vocabulary, he let out a pained sigh. He had to learn to return those backhanded compliments to survive in this high society. Finally, he understood why his father was so against the ball.
Cliff came to check on them from time to time. Since it was his big occasion, Rosanna didn’t make a scene out of all the snide comments she had to endure. Honestly, Ember would have already told him, but she stopped him, explaining that it would only make it worse for Cliff.