Red

The Day I Lost Myself to the Night

The next hour was a whirlwind of dancing and laughing. Four gentlemen had been my dance partners and currently I was dancing with Richard, the third son of the Earl James Abbott.

"You really are a wonderful dancer, Sir Abbott." I said politely as we twirled around the floor, my poor feet now beginning to ache, "But I fear I must disappoint you, for I am in desperate need of something to quench my thirst."

"Of course, my lady, may I accompany you to the Tea Area?" He offered me his arm.

"How kind of you, however I feel as if I have monopolized too much of your time already. I do believe that if we continue to waltz, I might be set on fire by the gaze of Lady Charlotte who has been watching you all night." I jested with him, bobbing my head towards the aforementioned Lady.

"Lady Charlotte? Are you certain? She is the second daughter of the wealthiest lord in the country. I highly doubt she would be interested in me" He scoffed.

"That maybe so, however my eyes rarely deceive me, and my eyes currently see a very pretty blonde that has not kept hers off you all evening. Thank you for the enjoyable dance. Good evening, my lord." He took my hand in his, bowed and then walked in the direction of Lady Charlotte.

Stifling a laugh behind my hand, I made my way to the Tea Area and poured myself a piping hot cup of tea, added two sugar cubes, then turned around and watched the couples dancing with smiles on their faces, before spotting my dear friend helping herself to a carrot. As if this beautiful woman needed to eat so healthy.

"Lady Bellatrix! How do you do? I am trusting that you are well?" I called to the lady of the house, holding out my hand.

"I am indeed, Lady Katherine. I am scrumptiously delighted that the Prince was able to join our party. I hear that there is no man more handsome than him." Simpered Lady Bellatrix, grasping my hand tightly in hers and grinning a cheeky smile.

I grin thinking about my mystery man, I doubt the prince could be as handsome as he is. "That would be quite a feat, considering half the gentlemen here are looking quite dashing."

"That is the truth. And yet, here I am, married to one of the best of them." Lady Bellatrix simpered as her eyes darted over to the Lord Bellatrix who was holding court with his tales.

"I am truly delighted for you. Is it not your first wedding anniversary soon? What shall you do for that?" I gushed.

"Why, a party of course! And darling, you must attend! We will be inviting many eligible gentlemen from around the country!" Lady Bellatrix looked so delighted at this titbit, I couldn't help but just say:

"That would be a blessing. Thank you so much. I will definitely make an effort on my outfit for that night."

"Oh my dear, please allow me to dress you! I have this friend of mine who is a new designer and looking to build her portfolio." Lady Bellatrix's eyes lit up with delight.

"I fear I may not be able to afford such a luxury." I faced the floor, embarrassed to be admitting to that, it was commonly know that I did not have a substantial dowry to begin with.

"Nonsense! It will be our treat. Consider it a thank you for helping so much with our wedding, please?" Lady Bellatrix grasped my hand in her own, her eyes pleading with me.

"That would be lovely. We can get ready together. Thank you so much! When shall I come over?" Excitement had started building in my stomach

"On Thursday evening would be grand. I will send James to let my friend know."

"James? Who is James?" A puzzled look adorned my face.

"Oh yes, you haven't seen him yet, he is our new butler."

"What happened to Marc?" I asked, referring to the gentleman who used to be her butler.

"Oh dear, Marc. We found some of my necklaces in his quarters. We just couldn't trust him after that." A vastly irritated look graced her face.

"My, my. That is such a pity, he was a lovely gentleman."

"I thought so too. Oh well these things happen." She looked behind me, "I am sorry dear, but I must go. My dear husband is coming over for a dance. Enjoy the party. I shall see you on Thursday."

Lady Bellatrix whisked off to her husband and gracefully as only one who can been brought up in the lap of luxury, can, they waltzed across the floor. Bless her, I thought to myself, She may have been born with all the luxuries in the world, but she has always been there for me.

I saw an open door, picked up my tea and walked outside to sit on a bench and allow the cool breeze to make my hair dance delicately around my shoulders and lower my body temperature brought on by the amount of dancing I had done tonight, plus the multitude of people that were also working up a sweat indoors.

I brought the teacup to my lips as I thought about my disappointment in not having seen the mysterious gentleman again. A sigh departed from my lips as I looked across the rose garden that was just below the balcony where I sat. This was the type of garden I wished that I would be able to grow. A rose bush, maybe even some blue dahlias to compliment. Maybe one day, when I am married with my own house and garden, maybe then I will be able to plant rose bushes and carnations. I hope my husband is as nice as Lord Bellatrix is. Uncle is allergic to roses. Such a pity. Auntie loved gardening.

"I do believe you promised me a dance, my lady."