The girl was taken aback for a moment.
Then she straightened up.
She offered a "Thank you" in her broken English.
Her eyes never left Kearney's face, her interest was apparent and intense.
The maids and servants following her caught up, their worry for her evident on their faces.
Agnes pondered for a moment.
She had a hunch about the girl's identity.
She was probably Bella, Count Alexandra's only daughter.
They were all here for Bella's coming-of-age soiree.
The maids were trying to talk to Bella, but her attention was on Kearney.
She was speaking to him in her broken English.
Kearney remained his usual gentle, humble self.
He tried to leave, but Bella kept him engaged.
Bella was lively and playful, like the morning sun.
Kearney, although always wore a faint smile, was reserved and aloof.
Agnes was surprised to see Kearney furrow his brows at a girl for the first time.
If it were anyone else, Kearney would have excused himself.
But Bella was of noble descent, he couldn't risk offending her.
Agnes could tell that Kearney was stuck for the time being.
So, she turned to the buffet for some food.
Agnes grabbed a pastry and took a few bites.
Even in that small break, a few men approached her for a dance.
Of course, she declined them all.
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