469. The Sweep of Victory

Without further word or a backward glance, Duchess Charlotte swept Lady Susan out of the ballroom. Her hand firm on her niece’s arm, she led her through the sea of guests, the fabric of Charlotte’s gown trailing gracefully behind them. The merchant, standing frozen in the center of the room, was left humiliated and stunned. The moment hung heavy, a palpable silence hanging around him.

The nobles who had witnessed the exchange began to murmur, their gossip swelling like the tide around him. Whispers of the missing husband, the apparent missteps of the merchant, and Lady Susan’s sudden shift in demeanor spread quickly through the crowd. The merchant’s face reddened, caught between frustration and disbelief, as Charlotte and Susan made their departure from the scene.