Westminster 1822

The Ball

The night had finally arrived, the sun had set and glistening carriages graced the grounds of Westminster. Emily waited in her room like a princess trapped in a tower anticipating her prince to arrive and rescue her. In her case the emblem on the Bentley carriage.

Ella sat on Emily’s bed fanning her face. Her face was unreadable. Emily didn’t want to speak. She didn’t want to be the victim of the explosion that would come out of Ella’s mouth. Her attempts to stop her engagement to Harris Kelly had died prematurely.

Now she had to watch the man she wanted dance with her sister. The doors to Emily’s room opened. Furlong stood in a dark blue gown wearing long black gloves and a glittering green mask that only hide her eyes. She nodded at the girls.

‘It is time.’

Emily took one look out the window, hoping to see Elton arrive. She spent two days at the Bentley home in Elton's fine company. He was everything Emily didn’t expect. Qualities she thought she’d find somewhere else given the chance to roam the world for love. A feeling grew in her gut that just maybe love had found her. He was a mountain of a man, but like a gentle breeze on her rosy cheeks. He was a man of authority, but cared not for his posts.

‘This is what we’ve waited for. This is what we’ve been preparing for girls, you must not disappoint. Remember yourselves and it’ll be a successful night.’

‘Yes, Madam Furlong.’ Emily said.

Ella bit her tongue. She would not have attained success if her wedding day would arrive and the man are the alter was Harris Kelly. She lifted her mask to her face as did Emily. Furlong fell behind and allowed the women to enter.

Emily stood by her sister, whose red and gold dress shimmered under the chandelier. Her purple gown glistened. Together they stood on the on the steps descending into the ballroom. The music quieted to a whisper, the chatter died and heads turned to them, eyes fixed on two masked women.

They were introduced as Oscar, The Marquess' two daughters and their soon to be husbands. Elton had not yet arrived. The room burst into applause and reflections of approval and delight.

‘You must be happy Emily.’ Ella finally spoke.

‘It’s a beautiful ball everyone looks lovely.’ Emily whispered.

‘Hm, that isn’t what I mean Emily. You’ll have one over me.’

‘Enough Ella.’ Emily scolded quietly. ‘Enough of this nonsense. Harris Kelly is a charming man who will no doubt give you all your desires because you will demand nothing less.’ They began their descent, most eyes never left them.

‘Why don’t you marry him then?’ Ella spat.

Emily rolled her eyes. She scanned the crowd of people in search of the man slowly stealing her heart. It might hurt a little too much if Ella managed to change Father’s mind and she married Elton.

‘I can’t do that Ella.’ Emily whispered.

She found her Father conversing with dignitaries. He spotted his two elegant daughters. He excused himself and wobbled with his cane over to them.

‘You both look stunning.’ He said.

Emily returned his smile. ‘Thank you Father.’

‘Charming.’ Ella said.

A gentleman walked up behind the Marquess and smiled at Ella.

‘Excuse me Sir. Would you mind if I asked Ella to dance?’ The young man held stars in his beautiful blue eyes.

He wore a brown suit, his brown hair combed back. Ella scrutinized the top of his head to the shine of his brown shoes.

‘Of course Harris! Spend sometime with your future bride.’

‘Thank you Sir.’ He held his hand out for Ella.

Ella sneered at it, turned and walked to the centre of the room. Harris nodded at the Marquess and Emily before following Ella. They watched to see if Ella would actually agree to dance with him. She let Harris place his hands on her waist and placed hers on his shoulders. Together they swayed to the violins and harps.

‘And where is your young Lord Bentley?’ Her Father asked.

‘I don’t know, I expected him to be here by now.’ Emily said.

‘Hm... after what happened to you last week I hope they’re alright.’

Emily shook her head. ‘Oh Father, now you have me worried.’

The Marquess scanned the room then his eyes lit up.

‘No need to fret, Countess Lucia has arrived. I’m sure Lord Elton will be with you shortly.’

Emily placed her hands on her chest and exhaled. ‘Thank goodness.’

The Marquess excused himself to welcome Countess Lucia. As her Father disappeared, Emily swayed through bodies of people draped in lace and silk. Many of which nodded and smiled at her. She was sure many asked each other who she was. They barely knew who the other young lady getting engaged was. On her trek through heavy fabric she finally came to the person she really wanted to be around.

He picked up her gloved hand and pressed it against his lips. Elton was dressed in a black suit, his medals from the King sat proudly on his chest.

‘You’re late. Was anything wrong?’

Elton swayed his head. ‘Mother needed to be sure everything was perfect.’

Emily giggled. Elton offered his arm as the band started their next song. Faster than the last, couples gathered to grace the dancefloor.

‘Dance with me?’ Elton asked.

Emily chuckled. ‘I’m sorry about your feet.’

Elton grinned. ‘I’ll take my chances.’

They pressed their hands together, Emily used her other hand to lift the skirt of her dress. Elton tucked his other hand behind his back. A scared part of her wanted to know where Ella was, though Elton demanded her attention.

The music drowned out, everyone in the room disappeared and it was the two of them alone. The only this that mattered was the other person.

‘I’m not used to this...’ Emily said.

Elton smiled, he took hold of Emily’s waist. ‘Neither am I. I don’t care for balls, but with a Mother like mine made escape impossible.’

Emily giggled. ‘My Mother insisted I not attend.’

On the other side of the ball room, Ella attempted to burn hole in her sister’s dress with her eyes. The way she swayed so ruggedly, such an elegant disgrace. Despite growing up with a strict governess such as Furlong, Emily was a disappointment. Elton was everything Ella ever wanted, wasted on her sister.

Harris twirled Ella and brought her back to his arms, she hadn’t lifted her eyes from the couple for a second. Harris chuckled in her early, yanking her back to her present situation.

‘I would love to spend more time with you Ella. I presume your Father won’t mind. Would you like to visit Kelly Manor?’

Ella rolled her eyes. One of the smallest Castles in the countryside. Harris followed Ella’s gaze to Emily and Elton.

‘Oh, you know I didn’t even know you had a sister.’ Harris said.

Ella smirked, ‘she is rather unpopular.’

‘Surely that’ll change when she marries Lord Bentley.’

Ella’s smirk faded. She broke free from Harris' hold and stormed toward the exist. ‘If she marries Elton you mean.’

‘Wait Ella! Where are you going?’ Harris chased after her.

‘To be alone Harris!’ Ella yelled. They were alone outside the ballroom walls.

‘But why? It’s our engagement ball. We should be spending time together.’ He took a step forward and attempted to grab her hand.

‘Honestly there are a thousand things I’d rather do than spend time with you at this charade.’ Ella turned on her heels and disappeared, leaving Harris pink and pinched.