The Wrong Time

Peridot is the most captivating colour

The evening so far was not off to the best of starts. So far I'd been cramped into a dress the weight of a house but as slim as a twig. Not only that but my head had now be donned with a long, heavy, hot wig that made my natural hair itch. And to top it all off I was now in the process of having my face caked in war paint like I was some savage about to slaughter a family as they slept.

I believe its more than fair to say that if the preparation was anything like the rest of the night I was not in for a good time.

"How in God's name do you do this all the time? I can barely breath and I'm as flat as a plank. And my face feels as heavy as this dress, which by the way no wonder you can throw a good punch walking around with a house on your body all the time. It's not worth all the effort." I had started rambling and I realised it, but it's hard to stop myself once I start.

A bad habit I should really get rid of.

"Hold still for just a moment will you? You'll ruin my master piece. And the reason we always go through so much trouble is too impress men so we can get a husband, obviously." Her tone resembled that as if she were talking to a simpleton who knew nothing. I might have been more offended were I not currantly in this particular situation or if I did not accept that I would never understand women and I'd just have to live life taking their word for everything.

"Okay, but don't men just throw themselves at you? I thought you were supposed to be pretty?" I joke and flash a smile at her. She pouts and hits my arm.

"Well I don't see you throwing yourself at anyone so what do you think?" Again, she had a point. I've come to realise that often Victoria does make some good points and had valid opinions. I've more than once considered convincing our mother to leave all the wealth and such to her. However, society is insistent on a male heir.

Our family has a bit of a history of not giving a rats arse about what society wants but that's more so our fathers side. Mother is very much a social butterfly and our history of 'outrageous' behaviour simply appauls her.

"There, my masterpiece is complete. You may now gaze upon your new self." She moves herself out of the path of the mirror. It takes me a moment to realise it is me I am seeing. I don't recognise myself much. It's like seeing a distorted imagine that is constantly moving, I know it is me but I can't really believe it.

"I'm impressed. You do have some skills after all, not that they're actually useful but a skill is a skill none the less." She scoffs and rests her hands upon her hips.

"Are you capable of being serious for even a single second?" I pretend to take a moment to think about it only annoying her further.

"You know I dont think I can. And don't scoff it's unlady-like." She shoves me lightly with her shoulder as I stand up, causing me to almost fall over due to the dress I am still trying to get used to.

"Oh don't trip, it's unlady-like." Victoria grins as she walks off most likely to get herself ready for this evening.

I glance at myself in the mirror again, giving the image a once over. It would be a lie to say I don't look good in the dress. It would also be a lie to assume I'd ever wear the death trap known as a corset again after this night. It may be pretty but a corset is not dissimilar to my sister. They both try to charm you in with their looks but as soon as you get too close you realise your mistake only it's too late and you're now stuck with it for the whole night.

*

Soon enough Victoria was ready and we could finally leave. It honestly felt like she spent more time on herself than she did on me.

"Alright, everything's set. Ready to go Erasmus?" I open the door and follow her as she makes her way downstairs.

"You know we can't call Erasmus all night. People might start to suspect something is a tad off about me." She hands me a shawl which I wrap around my shoulders, following her as to how it should look. She gives me a long look before humming and poking my shoulder with her finger.

"For one night and one night only you will be Emily, our cousin from the country who likes music and poetry. Doesn't seem too bad does it? Think you'll be able to keep it up all night?" I scoff at her and turn up my nose in mock displeasure.

"You dare question my acting skills?" We share a light laugh between ourselves and head out under the dark cover of night.

The carriage ride doesn't take long and I soon find myself standing beside my sister at a large door. She takes my hand and gives me a reassuring squeeze before all but dragging me inside trailing behind her in her excitement. It's understandable considering that these 'underground balls' dont happen as often as she would like and they tend to be more exciting than normal balls which are filled with small talk and light background music.

Of course my sister enjoys a good gossip as much as the next lady but she has acquired a bit of a taste for a more lively and youthful atmosphere.

We reach the main hall to find it already fairly populated. The music quickly fills my senses and threatens to carry me away only being quenched when Victoria thrusts a mask into my hands and says she's off to scout her potential dance partners. I feel sorry for any man unlucky enough to catch her eye. I slip the mask onto my face, welcoming its cool feel on my slightly warm face. I shake my head thinking of my sisters rather unorthodox methods of choosing a dance partner and suit myself against a pillar to watch the ball go on from the side lines. There's something that makes you feel good about yourself seeing others enjoying thus type if atmosphere seemingly without a care for the outside world. An almost magical quality.

I happen to glace back at the door where we had entered from and my heart immediately stops. My breath catches in my throat and I find myself a bit stuck to the spot, my body unable to turn me away and my eyes locked onto the most dashing pair of peridot eyes I have ever seen.

And I notice that the man in possession of thise eyes is staring right back at me. And I pray to high heaven that time stops and I never have to leave this moment.