Lucinda at the Ball

The two began to dance, and Joaquim admired Lucinda's beauty as she smiled, her happiness was infectious.

"What's your name, Miss?"

Joaquim asked, eagerly awaiting her response, in stark contrast to Helton, who hadn't even bothered to ask the girl anything.

"Lucinda Forth... and you are Lord Joaquim, correct?"

She replied with a smile.

"Yes, I'm glad you know my name."

He replied, a bit shyly, with a corner of his mouth turned up.

"You're the Lord's son... I think everyone must know your name, my lord."

Lucinda said, laughing, noticing that Joaquim's cheeks had turned rosy with embarrassment. He was completely different from his brother,...