Red

The Day I Lost My Balance

"Auntie! Be careful! You know what Doc Jenkins said about lifting things like that." I berated my aging aunt and took the heavy bucket of water from her.

"Oh pish posh, that man is so dramatic. I am in perfect health."

"Is that why you are always in pain?" I teased, earning myself a soft smack on the arm. "Would you like me to help with breakfast, auntie?"

"No dear, I want you to go put on that new dress we made for you. I will be up in a moment to help with your petticoats."

"Auntie! Do I have to go? I feel like a prized pig at these events, being paraded around for all the eligible men in town."

"No, dear. You know how important this one is the Duke invited the eldest son of King George, Prince Levi."

"Oh, please, auntie. Don't you think that he is a little high up for me? It is not socially acceptable for him to wed me. A prince and the orphan girl."

"You never know dear. But that is not what I am talking about. With the prince attending, all the bachelors will attend in like. And, Katherine, You are 16 years old. It is about time you found a husband to care for you. You do not want to end up a spinster like Georgia in town."

I sighed and went up to my bedroom. They seemed to be having this conversation with increasing regularity. And it always went the same way, by bringing up Georgia the spinster. I opened my closet and pulled out my new emerald green dress along with all the petticoats and additional skirts to go underneath it.

The next few hours was spent in my bedroom with a sheet over the mirror, while auntie helped me with her dress hair and makeup. Then auntie left to go get herself ready, leaving me in my bedroom in front of the covered mirror. I removed the cover and gasped at the reflection staring back at me.

The corset hugged my torso tightly with slight, yet modest, cleavage peeking out. Flowers were beaded all over the corset creating a sparkle that shone like stars when the light hit them. The corset ended in a V shape at the bottom which gave way to a flow of beautiful dark green satin that puffed out to an estimated four feet around me. Dainty golden slippers adorned my feet, which even though they couldn't be seen beneath the dress when standing still, they would definitely be seen while dancing.

My shoulders were topped capped sleeves and then chiffon wrapped tightly along my arms. The only jewelry was the necklace around my neck, a simple ruby pendant that used to be worn to balls by my beloved mother.

My hair was done into a half up do with braids circling the crown of my head, making it look like I was wearing a tiara, and then leaving the rest of my long hair to cascade down my back in natural waves.

I walked down the stairs to where my uncle was waiting, already dressed in his best outfit a grey suit with a red tie, to match auntie's dress.

"Oh my darling niece." Uncle started looking taken aback, "I swear the mythical goddess Aphrodite could not look more beautiful."

"Uncle, you flatter so, any would think you were trying to court me."

"I flatter no one, I only speak truth. I shall have to bring my hunting rifle to ensure you do not become swarmed with men."

My cheeks became as crimson as my hair. Auntie came down the stairs in a more conservative dress than my own seeing as she was already a married lady. "Hush, husband, you make our beautiful niece blush. Do not embarrass the girl." Auntie playfully berated her husband, giving him a loving smile.

"I would speak only truth, my wife." He opened his arms to his wife and gathered her in them for a loving hug. The love that these two displayed for each other after years of marriage was something I had always been wishful for. Someone to love me until the end days.

"Now come," Uncle exclaimed, "We shan't keep the prince waiting." We all huddled into the carriage that uncle had made specifically for going to balls and parties, and we went off to the duke's estate.

We arrived at the estate and handed our invitations to the man who would announce us to the ballroom. Auntie and uncle were announced first. I would be announce independently because I would be eligible for courting.

I waited behind the door for my turn. Knots twisted in my stomach as I smoothed my already perfectly straightened dress.

"Miss Katherine Abbott!" Said the bold voice as the doors opened by the two butlers who were waiting for the announcer.

Inhaling deeply, I stepped forward to the staircase and delicately lifted the front of my dress to prevent myself from tripping down the steps. As I started down the staircase, I looked out onto the many faces I noticed one face staring at me intently. I did not recognize him, but I did notice how tall and handsome he was.

Coyly, I averted my eyes as was expected of me, and continued down the stairs. Nearing the bottom, I looked around at where the gentleman had been standing. He was no longer there. Trying to push the disappointment away, before it could show on my face, I reached the bottom of the staircase.

Suddenly, my heel caught on the final step and I came fast towards the floor. I squeezed my eyes shut, awaiting the pain that would surely follow. Instead I felt strong hands grasp at me and bring me into their chest.

I looked up into the greenest eyes that I had ever seen. A gasp left my mouth when I realized that it was the tall stranger who had caught my eye earlier. A blush covered my face.

"I-I am so sorry." I stammered.

"I am not sorry." He said with a smile, "I like the idea of ladies falling for me."

My jaw dropped, never had a man been so forward with me. "I-I..." No more words left my mouth.

"May I have the pleasure of your company on the dance floor later?" he asked.

"You would have to find me, good sir." I replied coyly.

"I have no doubt about that, my dear." He replied and then he bowed and lost himself in the crowd.