The Bet

Chapter 19: The Charity auction, Brent Castle

The Charity auction was held in the ballroom of Brent Castle. Frances was in awe to see the size of the ballroom, it could fit a large cathedral easily. There were more than a hundred people milling about, but it hardly felt crowded.

The auctioned items were displayed on one side, which included famous paintings, jewellery, artefacts from India and Africa, ivory dolls. Each item held a note with information about it and the largest amount of the bid.

Information about the donors and bidders were anonymous. At the climax of the ball, donors and winning bidder will be announced.

There was soft music and the lighting was perfect. It almost felt magical.

Frances saw the program mentioned in the invitation, the party started by 6 PM, where guests could view the items in auction and place their bids. A formal dinner by 8 PM, followed by auction results and opera by Carmella.

Frances didn't know many aristocrats in the guest. To her great relief Mr. Antony Bennet was in attendance.

He walked straight to her and said, 'It's been so long since we met, how are you?'

'I'm fine Mr. Bennet, How are you? You are always welcome at the Chestnut house,' replied Frances.

'Call me Antony,' said Antony with a smile.

Antony offered his hand to Frances and asked, 'Shall we take a turn.'

Frances took it and they moved around viewing the items. When Antony made to go in a way Frances stopped him and said, 'Antony let's not go that way.'

He didn't ask anything but let her pull him away. They retreated to a corner, Antony whispered, 'Will you tell me why we are to avoid that side?' He examined the place carefully like he was scanning to find if someone was about to attack.

'Antony,' Frances called. But he didn't respond, he had his hand clasped behind his back inside his jacket; Frances had a suspicion he held a pistol.

'Antony, It's really nothing,' said Frances. He looked at her dubiously.

'Well If you must know, there is an item I have donated. I would rather not go that way.' Antony relaxed.

'Why are you so jumpy today?' Frances asked.

'It's nothing, ' replied Antony

Frances noticed Lady Matilda, daughter of the wealthiest merchant from Liverpool looking at them. Frances smiled at her. But she glared at Frances with such vehemence; Frances was taken aback. Lady Matilda turned her back on them and walked away. Antony chuckled.

'What was that about?' asked Frances.

'Ho, don't mind her, the glare was meant for me,' said Antony.

'You know Lady Matilda?' asked Frances.

Antony just nodded and said, 'Come on, I am curious to see what you donated.'

'I would rather not come, I will wait here,' said Frances.

Marcus only managed to get a few glimpses of Frances as he was busy greeting guests. Frances had smiled radiantly, the few minutes he managed to see her. Marcus was left wondering whether she was alright.

Antony had kept her company, Marcus had meant to ask him to look after Frances. Antony knew him so well, when Marcus saw Frances next time Antony was accompanying her.

Antony came back exclaiming, 'Frances that work is exquisite! Where did you get it? It must have cost you a dear lot.'

Frances said in a small voice, 'I made it, you don't have to lie to me. No one is going to bid for it.'

Antony replied 'Frances! why would I lie, it's the best I've seen so far.'

Frances flushed at the compliment and said, 'You should see my father's work, he is even better.'

Each guest invitation had dinner seating information. Dinner was formal, so the seating was by ranking. Which meant Frances and Antony were at the far ends of the hall.

All three guests in Frances' table were female. Frances noticed a nerve twitching in Antony's cheek when he walked her to the table. Antony helped Frances to her seat. He turned and walked out of the door, his posture emanating anger.

Frances was left wondering what had made Antony edgy today; he always was calm and under control.

Frances smiled at them warmly, all of them returned an identically curt smile and appraising stare as though sizing her up for a fight. Frances was taken aback; was there something amiss with her hair or dress. Why the hell did everyone keep frowning at her?

Deciding she better check her reflection in the Ladies' room. But before she could move however, the lady next to her said, 'We have never been introduced. I am Dowager Viscountess Davies,'

'Hello, I am Miss.Frances Hill.'

The atmosphere around the table suddenly changed, the appraising stare turned downright cold. Frances wanted to flee, but she couldn't move.

Lord Winston came in first, followed by Marcus escorting Lady Martha inside the dining room. Frances sat up straight in her chair, and everyone in the table followed suit.

Marcus' eye caught Frances, she smiled at him. But Marcus' face flushed red, his eyes flashed in her direction.

Frances shrank in her seat, she didn't know why Marcus was angry with her. Why was everyone angry with her? Marcus was angry, no he was furious. Frances could feel her finger trembling as she clutched her dress.

Did she cause some offence? Was her dress offensive? Was it because of the item she submitted for the auction? Was he angry because she didn't meet him for the past two days?

Frances cursed herself, she should have listened to her mother. Marcus should have been embarrassed to learn, she had donated a wooden carving while others donated diamond jewellery and expensive painting.

Unbitten a voice inside her said, 'Maybe it's because of your problem, Marcus must now come to believe you have a problem too.'

Even though Frances didn't show it, she was hurt whenever her mother mentioned 'Frances' problem.' It was twice as hard to think Marcus thinks so too. Her vision was blurry due to the unshed tears and there was a numbing roar in her ear.

Antony walked back in, he was livid with anger. Antony had given Marcus his chance, Frances was Marcus' fiance not his. If Marcus couldn't protect her, Marcus had no right marrying her.

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