The Risk of a Kiss

Chapter 3

That night all dressed in the confection of green satin and white lace Sarah entered her aunt’s neighbor house. It was larger still and the many candles reflecting off the marble floors gave it a dreamlike glow. She stood with her family as an elegant older lady in a soft blue dress that was almost gray walk up. The diamond sparkled off her as a necklace as if they were stars. She walked and grasped Aunt Annie hands and kissed her on both checks. “How is it you get lovelier every day?” 

Aunt Annie beamed. She turned to the rest of the family and made the introductions. She reached Sarah and she performed a prefect curtsey in which she practiced for hours with her aunt the night before. “This is my niece Miss Sarah Douglas. Sarah, this is Lady Dimple.”

As Sarah rose from her curtsey Lady Dimple looked her up and down and smiled, “You have your aunt’s smile.” She turned and linked her arm into Aunt Annie’s and led the group into the ballroom. “You are still a little early, but do not worry about. Many of the other guests have arrived early as well.” Lady Dimple turned back to look at Sarah and her parents, “You have created a quite a stir in the neighborhood, William. Everyone is curious to see how the periodical son has fared in the New World.” She continued chatting as she led them to a small grouping of chairs in the front of the ballroom. Sarah felt as if she was on display. Her father excused himself with Aunt Annie husband and they disappeared to the card room or where ever gentlemen go to escape the gossip and lace. Sarah half wondered if the escape had more to do with avoiding his brother than the ladies gossip.

As the night began she turned at her aunt groan. She looked up to see a man that resembled her father. Yet he was older and held himself very differently. His hair was combed over to hide the balding spot and it appeared to be dyed in a very unnatural black. He was heavier than her father and his shirt had more ruffles and lace than Sarah’s evening gown. The waist cost was black with a rainbow of colors weaving in and out and the black pants were probably silk. His shiny black shoes sparkle with gems placed on the shoe tongue and the gold chains that hung from his coat contained many dangling charms. Aunt Annie shook her head and whispered to Julie, “Can that man be any more of a fop? Our father would turn over in his grave if he saw him.” Sarah’s mothers hide her smile behind her fan.

The lady on his arm was older than Aunt Annie or Julie Douglas. She was thin and her spine was fixed in the most prefect line known to man. She had a hawk like nose and small dark eyes that were pulled back by her tight bun. Her thin lips puckered forward as if she ate a lemon before walking into the ballroom. She had on a crimson dress with gold thread around the neck line, which was much too low for a lady her age. The look was finished with multiple feathers in her hair and diamonds on her neck, ears, wrist, and fingers. 

They walked up to the ladies and Sarah’s uncle bowed, while his wife gave a simple curtsey usually reserved for the “lesser people”. Aunt Annie stood and extended her hand to her brother who barely touch it with a kiss, “Dennis, darling, I do not believe you have met our sister-in-law or her daughter.” Julie and Sarah rose and curtsey to him. He cleared his throat and evaluated them from head to toe.

“Americans,” He stated it as if it was a bad taste in his mouth. 

“Yes,” Aunt Annie stated as she watched her brother and told him with her eyes not to say anything embarrassing.

He began a small jig as he tried to figure out what to say, “Where is that brother of mine?” He finally asked.

“In the card room with the other gentleman, I believe,” Julie said.

He humped, bowed and quickly turned and left leaving his wife standing there. She watched him leave with a sick scared look on her face.

Aunt Annie took pity on her and said, “It is lovely to see you again, Joanna.” She step up and kissed her quickly on the check.

“Yes, it has been too long.” Joanna Douglas said. Sarah noticed that she was not looking at them but had turned a little so she could see the other guest. Joanna never made any attempt to speak to Sarah or her mother. Before Aunt Annie could say another word she raised her hand and gave a sharp “woot who” to an older lady who was looking for her own hiding place from Joanna. She turned to Aunt Annie and stated, “Please forgive me, there is Lady Anglem and I must speak to her.” She barely bent her knees in a make shift curtsey and walked away.

Aunt Annie shook her head, “I am so sorry. One must not meet relatives in public they are so disappointing.”

Sarah smiled at her aunt, “I do not think I would like to meet them in private either.”

“Sarah!” her mother exclaimed.

“No Julie, she is right. We should be happy this is all the time we have to spend with them. She was always a petty person. She looks down her noise at everyone as if she was born royalty instead as a shop keeper daughter.” They ladies giggled and watched as Joanna Douglas bobbed and weaved her way through the mass of people only to find Lady Anglem had disappeared.