Biltmore Estate Ballroom, 1907
The grand ballroom at the Biltmore Estate was a dazzling spectacle, filled with swirling gowns and polished shoes gliding across the ornate marble floor. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the lively crowd, where laughter and music intertwined in a harmonious celebration.
As the harmonious celebration continued around them, Gevherriz playfully nudged Lyanna from behind, causing her to tumble forward. With a gasp, she collided into a broad chest, her breath momentarily stolen. Startled, she looked up to find a pair of striking brown eyes gazing down at her, filled with a mixture of surprise and amusement.
Lyanna's face brightened as a spark of recognition flickered in her eyes. "Hi," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
William, equally surprised, replied with a grin, "Hi."
Gevherriz, sensing the chemistry between them, stepped forward with an enthusiastic gesture. "William, meet Lyanna!" Lyanna, this is William. You two will get along just fine."
William, feeling a warmth in the introduction, added, "It's an honor to meet you, Lyanna."
With a gracious smile, Lyanna replied, "The honor is all mine, William."
Then Gevherriz said, "I'll leave the two of you alone," giving them a knowing look before stepping away, leaving William and Lyanna to continue their conversation.
William stepped closer to Lyanna, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Would you do me the honor of this dance?" he asked, extending his hand toward her.
Lyanna's eyes sparkled with delight as she accepted his gesture. "I would love to," she replied, taking his hand. Together, they moved to the dance floor, where the music swelled around them, creating a perfect backdrop for their blossoming connection.
As the music enveloped them, William and Lyanna began to sway gently, their movements perfectly in sync. The melody's rhythm and their warmth were all that remained. William's hand rested on the small of Lyanna's back, guiding her effortlessly across the floor, while her free hand delicately intertwined with his.
Their laughter mingled with the soft notes of the song, and with each step, they shared more than just a dance; they exchanged smiles, glances, and unspoken words that deepened their bond.
"You dance beautifully," William complimented, his voice barely above a whisper, as he twirled her gracefully.
Lyanna blushed, her cheeks glowing as she responded, "It's easy when I'm dancing with you."
As they twirled and spun, the connection between them grew stronger, igniting a spark of romance that neither had expected. The music played on, wrapping around them like a warm embrace.
As the last notes of the song lingered in the air, William took a step back, still holding Lyanna's hands.
"Could we talk outside? Just the two of us?" he asked, his eyes searching her for a response.
Lyanna nodded, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The moment felt charged with possibility, and she couldn't help but wonder what he wanted to discuss. Their dance had brought them closer, and now, the prospect of a conversation suggested deeper emotions awaiting exploration.
The other side of the ballroom is where Gevherriz, Şadiye, Joren, and Luthor are located.
Luthor turned to Gevherriz, a sly smile playing on his lips. "You know, my dear, you are truly a matchmaker at heart," he said, his tone light but filled with admiration.
Gevherriz raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his comment. "What do you mean?" she asked, glancing over at Lyanna and the way she moved, her excitement palpable.
"Just look at them," Luthor continued, nodding toward Lyanna and the other guests. "Their chemistry is undeniable, and I can't help but think that your knack for bringing people together has played a role in this."
Gevherriz smiled, a hint of pride swelling within her. "It's all about creating the right environment," she replied thoughtfully. "A little encouragement can make a significant difference."
As they spoke, Joren and Şadiye exchanged knowing glances, fully aware of the magic that Gevherriz had a unique ability to weave into their conversations.
On the other side of the room, George Vanderbilt and Edith Vanderbilt were present.
George turned to Edith with a curious expression. "Do you know who William is dancing with?" he asked, scanning the room for his son.
Edith glanced around, trying to spot William amidst the crowd. "I believe he's with Lyanna, the woman I told you about," she replied, a smile spreading across her face as she spotted them twirling together on the dance floor.
George's eyes brightened as he watched the pair, his curiosity turning to pride. "They make quite the charming couple," he remarked, feeling a sense of joy at seeing his son beaming.
"Indeed, they do," Edith agreed, her heart swelling with warmth. As the music swelled around them, she couldn't help but wish for moments like this to last forever, where laughter and love intertwined seamlessly.
George then wondered who brought William and Lyanna together. As he observed the couple twirling gracefully on the dance floor, his curiosity deepened. He recalled the various gatherings and events they had attended, trying to piece together how their paths had crossed. "It's fascinating to think about how fate works," he mused aloud.
Edith, noticing his contemplative expression, nodded in agreement. "Sometimes it feels like the universe just aligns perfectly," she replied, reflecting on the serendipitous nature of relationships. Their thoughts lingered on the magic of connection, and George felt a wave of gratitude for the joy that William and Lyanna had found in each other.
"I have a good guess about who brought William and Lyanna together," she said with a knowing smile.
George raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, really? "Who do you think it was?" he asked, leaning in slightly.
Edith chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I suspect it was fate, but if I had to name someone, I'd say it was probably Gevherriz," she replied, remembering how Gevherriz had always been a matchmaker among their friends.
George nodded thoughtfully, considering her words. "That makes sense. Gevherriz does have a knack for bringing people together," he agreed, feeling the warmth of their shared memories.
Then Lyanna and William left the ballroom to go outside to talk in private.