Chapter 203: Liar
"I apologize; I ruined your first ball," Lady Delphine said, turning to look at Rose with sad eyes. She brought the pipe to her lips and took a deep drag at the end of her words.
"You didn’t ruin it," Rose said softly as she studied Lady Delphine. "This is the best one ever."
Lady Delphine chuckled with her throat as her mouth was full of smoke and slowly let the smoke out. Rose’s eyes were drawn to the white cloud that the smoke formed before dissipating.
"This is the only ball you have ever been to," Lady Delphine smirked and turned so her front was to the railing.
"It doesn’t mean I don’t know what fun is," Rose quickly replied. She wanted to ask more questions about what had happened and who the lord was that came to them, but it felt rude—and not just that, it was clear Lady Delphine didn’t like that Rose had seen her in that state.
"True," Lady Delphine said and turned to look at Rose but quickly turned her gaze back over the balcony without saying anything more. She flipped the pipe, and the ashes came pouring out of it. She lightly hit it against the railing to make sure it was empty.
"You should go before the dancing is over," she said after emptying the pipe.
"I don’t think I should leav—"
"I am fine. I am quite calm right now. I will only stay here for some time, then leave the ball. I have stayed long enough."
Rose didn’t doubt Lady Delphine’s words. Her expression was back to normal, and there was a sharpness in her eyes, even with the drowsy look in them.
"Slade came with me," Lady Delphine said when she noticed Rose’s stare. "He will make sure I get home safely."
Rose nodded and curtsied.