A week after the dance, a glossy, gold-engraved letter arrived at their doorsteps.

Earl Edmund Aughust cordially invites Lady Helen Rosewood, Lady Juliet Rosewood and Lady Titania Rosewood to a formal dinner at the Chateau this coming evening. A horse carriage would be sent ahead of time to transport the guests.

Juliet Rosewood traced her fingers over the fancy invitation. She wondered if she would meet her mysterious dance partner there. It had been a week since the dance but she still dreamt of his emerald green eyes at night. Although Mrs Rosewood demanded time and again who the mysterious man was, Juliet was unable to give a satisfactory reply. She was only told to "keep her eyes open" as he might be a potential bridegroom.

"Sister! Are you ready?" Titania's musical voice chimed from the other room.

"As always," Juliet answered, gathered her skirts and prepared herself to go out of the house where the horse carriages awaited them.

*******

"Do I look radiant?" Titania demanded as she swished her ice-blue gown.

"You look wonderful, as usual," Mrs Rosewood snaps. "Juliet, stop slouching. Give a more presentable image. We are meeting an earl, for goodness sake."

Juliet looked down at her plain maroon gown and echoed dutifully, "Yes, madam."

Juliet knew she couldn't resent her sister but given their state of finances at the moment, Mrs Rosewood couldn't tailor silk dresses for both of them and since it was wasted on her, most of the new gowns were given to Titania. Still, she wished she looked half as pretty as her beloved sister. It was shallow indeed but she couldn't help it.

"Welcome to Aughust Manor," a frilly housekeeper in her late fifites called Mathilda greeted as they arrived at the doorsteps. "Earl Aughust awaits you."

She led them into a grand dining room where most of the guests have already been sitted. Sitted right at the end of the dining table was Edmund Aughust himself. Juliet longed to catch a glimpse of him but since he was too faraway and probably wouldn't waste a look on her, she resigned herself to a long night of chatter and dining.

"It's delightful to see all of you here. Let the feast begin!" Lady Irina Aughust, Edward's mother, chimed merrily and everyone picked up their cutlery at the same time.

"Wonderful, wonderful wine," Mrs Rosewood announced loudly and everyone laughed.

"Indeed, Lady Rosewood, it's the finest Bordeaux wine," a deep voice sounded out.

Juliet looked up in surprise. The voice sounded familiar. It belonged to Edmund Aughust himself. Was he the one who danced with her? Impossible. An earl would never ever fancy her. It must have been her own imagination playing tricks on her.

Meanwhile, Titania whispered, "Is he not a good catch, Sister?"

"Come again?" Juliet asked. "Who are you referring to?"

"Earl Aughust!" Titania's eyes glowed. "He seems like a fine gentleman."

"Oh, really?" Juliet's face paled. She knew the signs. Titania was interested in Edmund Aughust and no man so far had managed to resist her charms. She knew she shouldn't have spent her time thinking about Edmund Aughust who was better paired up with another beauty like Titania.

In other words, she had no chance against Titania. Still, her sister's happiness mattered more to her than anything although she felt pity for Sir Bernard who was still deliriously in love with Titania.

"Maybe you should approach him later," Juliet replied weakly.

"Yes, I should," Titania mused while darting furtive glances at Edmund Aughust who was calmly drinking his red wine and remained a silent observer of the chatter and conversation.

As if sensing their thoughts, he instantly looked in their direction. Titania blushed and touched her beautiful brown hair awkwardly. Juliet looked away sadly. Edmund Aughust must have been instantly smitten by Titania's looks. She should delude herself no more.

****

After the dinner, as the guests mingled in their small groups, Titania whispered to her excitedly, "Sister, will you do me the favor and accompany me to approach Earl Aughust?"

"Why?" Juliet asked quizzically. She didn't want to see Edmund Aughust and Titania fall in love right before her eyes. It would pain her indeed. Not that she hadn't experienced worse pain.

"Why, so that I won't appear as too direct in my intentions," Titania answered confidently.

"If you wish," Juliet muttered.

Together, they crossed the room to where Edmund Aughust was standing alone and silently observing his guests.

His face softened when he saw them. Juliet's heart sank. He was in love with Titania already. That was quicker than she thought. Yet, she couldn't help but notice that he had startling green eyes, much like her dance partner. Was it possible....

No, Juliet, stop having fantasies about him. Why would an earl ask you for a dance?

"Good evening, my ladies," Edmund Aughust's deep voice was soothing yet smooth.

"Good evening, my lord." Titania lowered her voice huskily. "I thank you for inviting us to your home."

Edmund Aughust shrugged. "I had a lovely time as well. It's wonderful to be reintroduced back to the haute society."

Juliet lowered her eyes. This always happened in every single situation. While Titania worked her charms on the man she wanted, she would remain as an ornament, forever in the shadows, always ignored by everyone.

"It's lovely to see you again, Lady Juliet," Edmund Aughust said softly.

Juliet's head snapped up. "What-?" she croaked out. Was it possible....Was he the dance partner....?

"It has been several years since we met." Edmund Aughust gave a small smile and Juliet couldn't help but smile back although she felt the crushing disappointment.

Of course, he didn't meant the dance, you foolish girl.

"Do you remember me as well, my lord?" Titania interrupted. "We were such good friends!"

"Pardon me?" Edmund Aughust frowned. "Were we acquaintences?"

Juliet threw her sister a dirty look. Why on earth would Titania put up such a pretence? It was a well-known fact that Edmund Aughust, being the second son, had never been much respected in society until his brother died. Titania had never spared the pale sickly boy a glance when he was young until he turned up today as a handsome, rich lad. Was her sister truly that pretentious?

"Of course, back when you were enrolled in Eton, we played together," Titania laughed. "We had such fun! You even promised that you would wed me when we grew up," she added teasingly.

Edmund Aughust's face darkened. "I apologise, my lady, but you appear to have mixed up my deceased brother and me. I've never promised to marry another except for one person." His face flickered to Juliet and she instantly flushed.

He remembers. Juliet thought in delight as the events in the past started flowing back to her.

"Edmund." A young Juliet smiled sweetly. "Do you fancy anyone?"

"I do," the young Edmund answered solemnly as they laid down on the grass in his father's garden. "You."

"Don't tease me!" Juliet laughed, her dimples deepening. "Why would you marry me? You are the son of an earl!"

"The second son," Edmund answered in a voice that was matured beyond his age. "You're the only one who would care to talk to me," he answered sadly. "I bet nobody would marry me when I'm older."

"Don't worry!" Juliet grabbed his hand and smiled. "If nobody marries you, I will!"

"Pinky promise?" Edmund asked, holding out his little finger.

"Pinky promise!" Juliet laughed.

Those were the innocent days. Juliet cringed. Did he remember all those promises she had made? She had forgotten all these happy memories but now that she had seen him again, they came to her in a rush.

Edmund's eyes twinkled as if he could read her thoughts while Titania grew redder and finally excused herself before storming off in a huff.

"Bit of annoyance, don't you think?" Edmund Aughust murmured and came over to stand close to her. "I wonder how you can stand such a vain sister."

"Oh really?" Juliet challenged. "I thought all men didn't look beyond the exterior."

"Not me," Edmund Aughust answered and turned to look at her. "You've changed," he observed.

"Look, I know that I looked different from when I was young and I offend you with my looks but do you have to be so blatant about it?" Juliet retorted defensively.

"What are you talking about?" Edmund Aughust stared at her. "I was just saying you changed. I never said you became uglier. Is that what you perceive yourself to be?"

"Well." Juliet flushed. "Why do I need to voice out other people's perceptions? It's the truth."

"I don't think so," Edmund Aughust muttered quietly and nodded at her. "If you will excuse me, I have some matters that I need to settle at hand."

He departed without so much as a backward glance.

That infuriating man. Juliet huffed. He was an enigma to her.