By the River

Chapter 4: Lady Alexandria sat on the bench next to the pond while listening to the two male’s converse on God knows what as she had tuned them out long ago. She glanced to her left and whispered to her friend, “Lily so tells me what you think of Lord Jackson. He seems so nice, and you have had a permanent smile on your face since he asked you to dance.” Lily looked at the ground as her face turned bright red. She placed her hand directly on her cheeks before answering. “Do I really Dria? Oh goodness I hope no one has noticed, especially Lord Jackson. He is so handsome and polite but with a quick humor and an open mind if you know what I mean. I could defiantly see myself with him. Though I would very much like for him to court me so I may learn if we would be a good match in truth. Not just because of one enjoyable evening we are having tonight. You never know if tomorrow he could be a total troll. I must keep an open mind and consider the matter more before deciding.” Dria giggled and shook her head at her friend. “My my Lily, I did not know you had already thought that much into it. I simply was curious if you liked him. A simple yes or no would have sufficed. But now that we have opened that door, we will most assuredly be delving into its further tomorrow. You are still joining me for afternoon tea are you not?’ “Oh, gracious me not again! I always do that. I let my mouth runaway with me before I stop to think.” An embarrassed Lily replied. “Lily that is why I love you! You had best never change who you are because you are simply too wonderful to ever lose. Do not even fret. It was only me and I was only teasing you.” Dria smiled at her friend. “Oh you! I swear we are a team unlike any other. What do you suppose the men are talking about? My mind simply shut down and I am afraid I am in the dark. Do you think it is time we rejoined them? After all we have been sitting here alone for a good amount of time without their attention. If they wish to speak, they can join the men for cigars and brandy. Not take a stroll and abandon us to our own pleasures.” “To be blunt I did not care either and tuned them out also. So, I am at a loss, do not ask me. But yes, let us join them. I am sure by now my aunt is wondering where we have disappeared to. Do you think my brother made an appearance? He said he would be home in time for the ball. I miss him dearly and cannot wait to see him. It has been two years since I last saw him. I have not seen him since. . .. Well, the funeral of our parents. He will be home now and perhaps we can move back home. Though I am loath to leave my aunt and uncle’s. They have been most gracious and wonderful caring for me these past two years. I am torn. But if he takes a bride perhaps, he will want to have a home for them and then I would hate to intrude. I could stay here until my time I suppose. Oh goodness I hope he has not changed much! Do you think he has?” Dria questioned. “Dria I am sure all will be well. Let us not worry overly much about it until it comes to light. No sense in making one upset over a what if right? I am positive that all is going to work out in the best interests of all. You will see. Now let us join the gentleman and see if we cannot find your wayward brother, shall we?” Lily encouraged. Dria relaxed and smiled at her friend. She was right about worrying over nothing. It truly was a huge waste of time and energy. She would take things as they come and do what needed to be done at the time. They stood and walked over to the men catching a part of the conversation. “............should be here. I did see his sister.” Said Lord Jackson. “Ah ladies enjoying the night?” asked Lord Maxwell. “Oh yes. We had been sitting for so long wondering when our companions would join us. But seeing as you were so deep in conversation, we had to come to you and try to gain your attention again.” Said Dria looking directly at Lord Maxwell, still very much annoyed with him for his rude behavior. Strike two she thought as she watched him. “Please forgive us ladies. We were talking about my friend and his sister whom I had invited as my guest. I saw his sister, but I did not see him, and we were simply wondering where he could be. I beg your forgiveness for our slight to you.” answered Lord Nicholas with an apologetic expression upon his face. “You are forgiven Milord. But do not make it a habit,” laughed Lily as Dria smiled and nodded her head in agreement. “I promise you this I will not do so again. I am your humble servant Milady’s,” grinned Lord Nicholas. “Shall we return to the ballroom? We have been gone longer then probably is acceptable and I am loath to hurt anyone’s reputation.” “I strongly agree Milord. Let us return now,” agreed Lord James. The ladies joined arms with their respectable companions and began the walk back into the ballroom. “So, who are these new friends that you spoke of earlier Milord?” inquired Lily. “Oh, pardon me. It is the Duke of Zaragoza and his sister Isabella Alvarez. They are here from Spain. Their parents shall be joining them in a few months. They are exceptionally good friends of mine, and I was slightly peeved not seeing Enrique. Perhaps he is running late or not coming. But his sister is here. Would you like an introduction? She is a lovely person. Though I must admit I am biased. She is just like the litter sister my parents wouldn’t give me,” Laughed Lord Nicholas. “We would love an introduction. We love meeting new people do not we Dria?” Lily said as Dria nodded her head in agreement. “That sounds lovely. Yes, please introduce us. She is correct we love new people,” replied Dria. They continued their walk back into the ballroom. They entered it just as a waltz began playing and people took to the floor to dance. Lord James tilted his head towards the dance floor and asked, “Milady would you care for another dance?” “Oh no thank you. I am probably good for the rest of the evening. My poor feet are done with dancing the night away. But I would love to meet Lord Nicholas’s friends. They sound interesting,” replied Dria. Lord James nodded his head as they continued their search for the new arrivals. Soon they spotted Duchess Isabella dancing not far from them. They stood waiting having a small conversation until the dance ended. Duchess Isabella curtsied and then turned to walk away when she caught sight of Lord Nicholas. She hurried over to them smiling as she approached. “Good evening, Nicholas. I was trying to find you and was having a demanding time with all the dance inquiries. You would think that dancing was all that you needed to do in life. I am over it. My feet are positively killing me. I am also parched. Have you seen my brother by the by?” said Isabella. Dria and Lily suppressed giggles but held grins upon their faces. Dria glanced at Lily as Isabella reminded her so much of Lily. She said she is just like you. Lily nodded her head with a large grin on her face. She had a feeling they were going to become great friends. “I was going to ask you the same thing as I have not seen him. Did he come with you?” asked Lord Nicholas. “Yes, he did but the minute we stepped inside he was gone. I fear he is not his usual self with everything that is going on,” Isabella raised her brows indicating something was not right with her brother to Nicholas. Nicholas sighed knowing what she was referring to and was loath to have to find him before he did something stupid or created a scandal that would do damage to not only himself but also his sister. He shook his head then realized how rude he was being once again and snapped his gaze back to the lovely Lady Lily. “I apologize! I have once again been more than rude to my companion and have not introduced my friends. Please forgive me everyone. Lady Lily and Lady Alexandria, this is my lovely friend Duchess Isabella. Isabella, this is Lily and Alexandria. And this gentleman to my left is Lord James Maxwell,” introduced Lord Nicholas. “Oh, my and here I am rambling on about my missing brother that I did not even realize you were with others. I was just worried about his disappearance. Please forgive me everyone for my rudeness also. I tend to speak before thinking and also travel in my own world sometimes and do not notice others. It is a bad habit I am trying to break. Once again please forgive my rudeness,” apologized Isabella. “It is no worries, Milady. Apology accepted,” replied Lord James as he took the mystery ladies, whose identity he knew her identity, hand and kissed it. Dria and Lily stood watching the exchange with wide eyes and mouths slightly agape at the slight he had just done to Dria. They looked at each other composing themselves so as not to be caught, mouths hanging open. Dria was in awe as she thought strike three you are done with. Dria nodded her head and gave Lily a look letting her know she was done with him. Isabella stood with her mouth slightly opened in utter shock at the man’s behavior that had clearly been with the other lady and did not know what to do. She looked over and caught the shocked looks on the two other ladies’ faces and had a sinking feeling she had just made two enemies instead of friends. She looked helplessly at Nicholas, and he shook his head at her. She withdrew her hand and tried to mask her face. “Do not worry about it. Lily tends to do the same thing and we love her anyway,” Dria smiled at Isabella knowing it was not her fault that Lord James had snubbed her. Isabella relaxed and sighed, seeing as the other two were not holding it against her. Lord James smiled excitedly at her totally unaware he had just committed a huge snub and had lost his chance with both ladies. He was feeling like he had just been given the golden opening he needed to try and court the lady and see if she was a good fit for him. He smiled at her then turned back to the rest of the group. His smile wavered a little when he realized what he did in front of the others. He knew he had done a major snub and was hesitant to acknowledge it. He was afraid he had lost plan b. Dria turned to Lily and tilted her head towards Isabella and Lily nodded her head. “Isabella. Is that okay if we call you that?” At her nod Lily continued. “Would you care to join us tomorrow afternoon for tea? That way we can get to know each other better.” Isabella smiled widely and nodded her head while saying, “I would be delighted! Thank you so much for the invitation.” The girls smiled then turned to the gentleman. “Please excuse me gentleman and Isabella, Lily. But I must find my aunt.” Dria turned on her slippers and went in search of her aunt. After a few moments of searching, she was able to locate her aunt. She slowly approached her and stood by listening quietly. Her aunt looked over at her and smiled. “I was wondering when you would return my dear. You were gone for some time. Did you enjoy yourself?” “Oh yes, I greatly did. I was also able to meet Duchess Isabella. I think we will get along splendidly. She is a lovely person. Lily agrees with me as well.” Replied Dria. “That is wonderful to hear my dear. Yes, I met her, and she does seem to be a delight. You should invite her to have tea tomorrow.” Said Cecilia. “Auntie I have already done so. She said she would join us tomorrow. I am extremely excited. You know how I love meeting new people. It is always fun. But enough about that, could I please be excused for the evening? I am becoming tired and feel a headache coming on. I beg of you.” Dria asked. “Oh no my dear of course go right ahead. Do you need me to send Molly up to your room to help you retire for the evening? Do you need anything to help with the headache?” asked Cecilia. “No auntie I shall be fine. I greatly appreciate it. I am going to retire and lay down and get some much-needed rest. I appreciate it auntie.” Smiled Dria. “Alright my dear have a good evening and I will see you in the morning.” Her aunt hugged her and shooed her off. Dria sighed and made her way out of the ballroom and started heading upstairs. She paused and thought maybe she would go to her special spot and get some air away from people music and enjoy the peace and tranquility her special spot by the river brought. She turned on her heel and made her way back to the door, looking around before slipping out. She kept glancing around to make sure no one saw her escaping or attempted to follow her. She wanted to be alone while at the river. She breathed a sigh of relief once she had reached the outskirts of the lawn then began moving quickly down the path to her special spot. Soon she reached her spot, and she sat down breathing in the cool air and listening intently to the sounds of nature and smiled because she did not hear a sound coming from the party back at the house. She smiled excitedly and slipped her shoes off and dipped her toes in the river. She took her hair down and let the breeze ruffle her locks while closing her eyes and enjoying her few moments of peace easing the oncoming headache. “Well, well well what do we have here? A sweet siren calling to me to join her?” A voice slurred coming from the trees to her right.