Allure Of The Night

Eve quickly replied to Marceline's words and said, "Unfortunately, I couldn't fit into your beautiful gown, Lady Marceline. I hope you don't mind it."

With Lady Marceline who had given her gowns that were of poor condition, Eve learned that she should be careful while treading with her.Â

"I would never," Marceline smiled, "I was only trying to help you as it wouldn't be right to invite you to attend the ball when I know you don't have suitable gowns for such occasions. After all, you don't run in this circle," her words were polite, but her eyes continued scanning Eve.Â

It seemed like her brother was paying well for this human's job as a governess to afford such an expensive-looking gown. Marceline inquired, "Such a lovely gown, where did you buy it from?"

"From Hollow Valley, Lady Marceline. You look lovely," complimented Eve, but Marceline's mood had already been spoiled, not liking another pretty woman in the same room as her. But Eve was not another pretty woman. She was the prettiest one in the room.Â

"Thank you, Ms. Barlow," replied Marceline, without complimenting Eve. She then asked, "Are you enjoying the ball? I see you brought company along with you," her eyes shifted from Eve to look at the male, who stood next to Eve.Â

Mr. Humphrey offered his profound bow and was about to pick the vampiress's hand. But Marceline raised her hands to stop the servant, who was walking past them with a tray of drinks. He quickly fixed his expression, as it seemed like he was having difficulty greeting the women—first Eve, and now this woman.Â

"I am Patrick Humphrey. A pleasure to meet you, milady," the man smiled, and Marceline only humoured him by saying to Eve, "Your companion is a handsome man, Ms. Barlow. It is good to see that you brought him here today."

"I didn't bring him, Lady Marceline. Mr. Humphrey was invited to the ball, and he lives in Meadow," replied Eve, and Marceline lightly clenched her teeth. Another lowly person from Meadow? She wondered if it was Vincent who had sent out the invitation or if it was a mistake that this man even got to see the invitation scroll.Â

"How lovely!" Exclaimed Marceline, and she said, "Maybe you and Mr. Humphrey can go join others at the dance floor."

Mr. Humphrey was more than eager to go and raised his hand for Eve to place her hand in his. But Eve said, "Maybe after I am done with my glass." Eve had no interest in going to dance with the man.Â

Mr. Humphrey's face fell, and he coughed before putting down his hand.Â

"If you say so," Marceline chuckled coyly, bringing her hand up before saying, "I have been having a wonderful time. Duke Noah and I have been enjoying our time together, and he said he wants to look at the back garden. To think he would ask me so soon, it makes my heart skip beats." The vampiress placed her hand on her chest while watching Eve's expression.Â

Eve smiled at Marceline, "I hope you continue to have a good time, Lady Marceline. Noah is a good man."

Marceline's eyes subtly narrowed, "I didn't know you two were close. Calling him by his first name. Don't tell me that you both…" her voice trailed.Â

"No," Eve shook her head, "There's nothing as you think."Â

Marceline breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, Ms. Barlow. I like the Duke's company and would like to see where this goes. Preferably something more.. concrete. You know?"

Eve managed to smile at Marceline's words. It wasn't like she and Noah were in a romantic relationship… But at the same time, somewhere in the back of her mind, she thought Noah would dance with her.Â

Marceline moved closer to Eve and spoke in a low voice, "I have a few questions to ask about him and was wondering if you could help me with it later? I would really like to know and get close to him."

Eve smiled politely and said, "If I know the answer to it, of course."

"I knew you I could count on you," Marceline's lips pulled into a wider yet shy smile. "I will come find you later. You should enjoy your time with this man next to you," saying this, she left the place with slight satisfaction on her face.Â

The night had only begun, and if Marceline wasn't shining, she wouldn't let another woman steal her limelight. Obviously, the governess felt something towards the Duke, but the Duke was smart enough to keep the woman to his arm's length, just as an acquaintance. With that thought, she walked away to speak to people who were of her status.Â

Back where Eve stood with Mr. Humphrey, the man said, "Lady Marceline is a beauty, isn't she? She and the Duke would make a good match."

The man looked at her from the corner of his eyes, where she held a sombre expression. He wasn't too fond of the Duke talking to Eve in their town and wanted to eliminate any competition.Â

Mr. Humphrey then offered, "How about we go dance until your 'company' arrives?"Â

"I am not done with my glass yet," Eve reminded him, and the man was quick to nod his head in eagerness.Â

A minute passed, but Eve hadn't even raised her glass near her mouth. She continued to hold it, and Mr. Humphrey stopped a servant, picking up a wine glass, "Get something to eat here. Preferably something with less salt," he shooed the servant.Â

Mr. Humphrey continued behaving as if he was part of high society, bringing the glass of wine to his lips and taking a sip. But when he took a sip, he found the taste strange, yet he gulped it down.Â

Eve's eyes scanned the crowd, wondering where Rosetta was, before noticing Vincent, who continued to mingle with the guests. When their eyes met, her eyebrows furrowed in worry, and she silently asked him for his help. Vincent tilted his head and resumed talking to the guests.Â

"You have barely touched your drink, Ms. Barlow. Why not keep it at the side? You can pick another glass later," Mr. Humphrey said impatiently, who was tired of waiting. He had finished his glass and had picked another glass.Â

Eve's eyes shifted to look at Mr. Humphrey, and she said, "I don't like wasting food or drinks. I do not forget where I come from, Mr. Humphrey, no matter where I am."

Mr. Humphrey chuckled, "You have such a small thought. It is customary that when you are at a certain place, you have to behave that way, and blend in. Look at people waste things here, that's how the rich behave. But it is alright, I will be there to guide you."

"Thank you for your concern, but I will be perfectly fine without it," said Eve, knowing well that Mr. Humphrey would never be the man for her. She said, "There are families, who aren't blessed like us, and we should respect what we have."

When Eve turned behind, looking at the people, Mr. Humphrey asked, "What are you looking at?"Â

Eve gingerly turned back and tried not to offend the man as she said, "Mr. Humphrey, you should go and talk to the people you know while I finish my drink."

"It would be rude to leave you by yourself," replied Mr. Humphrey as if he was the finest gentleman Eve could ever find.Â

Before Eve could reply to him, Vincent appeared next to them, towering over Mr. Humphrey by more than five inches in height. The vampire said,Â

"You can leave."

Eve thanked the Gods that Vincent was here because she doubted she would be able to deal with Mr. Humphrey sticking this close to her, without a minute going by him not asking her where she was looking or why she wasn't finishing her drink.Â

But Vincent's words didn't go well with Mr. Humphrey, as his pride was hurt after being told to leave. He raised his eyebrows at the fancy silver-haired man and demanded, tipping his chin, "Who are you?"

"Seems like you are quite new here," Vincent's lips twisted. "The ground upon which you stand right now belongs to me, if that answers your question. Human," the word human was uttered in disgust, while looking at Mr. Humphrey.Â