Chapter 1 - One
"This ring is beautiful," Delia whispered, her breath forming a small cloud in the cold night air. She stood on the grand balcony, a quiet escape from the lively music and chatter of the anniversary party inside. In her palm rested a delicate ring. A deep red ruby, cut into the shape of a heart, sat at its center. "He must have spent a fortune to get this for our marriage anniversary."
A faint, sad smile touched her lips as she traced the smooth, cool surface of the stone with her thumb. "Too bad it doesn’t fit," she murmured to herself. Earlier, in the privacy of their room, she had eagerly tried to slide it onto her ring finger, her heart fluttering with anticipation. But it had stopped stubbornly at her knuckle, a perfect circle too small for her. She had felt a pang of disappointment but had quickly dismissed it. It was a simple mistake, one they could laugh about later. She carefully placed the ring into the pocket of her velvet dress.
Deciding the solitude had served its purpose, she turned to go back inside. Her plan was to find her husband, George, and perhaps persuade him to join the sea of dancing couples on the polished ballroom floor. The thought of being held in his arms, swaying to the romantic melody, sent a shiver of warmth through her. As she reached the doorway, she collided with a man she didn’t recognize.
"Oh, I’m so sorry, pardon me," she said, quickly stepping back to give him space.
"No, the fault is all mine, my lady," the man apologized, his voice gentle. He was tall and handsome, with kind eyes that now held a look of concern. "I hope I didn’t hurt you?"
"Not at all, I am quite alright," Delia replied, offering him a reassuring smile. It was then that she recognized him. He was the Duke of Northwood, the very man who had been the subject of countless whispers all evening. Everyone believed he was courting her younger sister, Anne. "If you are looking for Anne, she should be in the garden."
A fleeting, melancholic expression crossed the Duke’s face. "I’m actually looking for the exit to leave," he said quietly.
Delia was taken aback by his words. "Oh," she managed, a little surprised. She pointed towards the long, winding driveway that led to the estate’s main gates. "The exit is just down that way."
"Thank you, my lady," he said with a polite nod of his head. He then turned and walked away.