Dominion

    Growing up in a large family of noble birth was always a challenge, although the family was close and we all loved each other I couldn't help but feel a bit behind on the workings of a lady. For instance, I rather disliked playing the pianoforte and I couldn't stand to sit idly and paint the gardens any longer. I longed to feel free in my own life, I couldn't bear to be a burden to my family but a marriage proposal only meant a life of serving another man. My sisters and brothers would always tell me that I would change my mind when a proper dowry would arrive and a suitable man could offer his hand in courtship. I believed that my mind and heart could never be swayed, I had wished so many nights that no man would ever ask to sign his name on my dance card.      "Lady Addington?" a cool voice asked, my back was turned to the gentlemen and I did not dare turn around. I had left the ballroom with my youngest brother, Josiah who had just turned sixteen, for some fresh air away from the music and dancing. My brother turned himself around when he realized that I would not. "How can I help you, my Lord? My dear sister seems to need some air to clear her head." Josiah always knew how to cover form e when a gentleman tried to speak with me. Josiah and I were the youngest and therefore grew up closer as most of our other siblings were either already married and gone from our estate or engaged and could no longer be bothered to help their youngest siblings.  "I would love to sign Lady Georgiana's dance card for this evening." He replied to my brother, I could hear a smirk in his deep Scottish voice when he noticed I had yet to turn around and acknowledge him. I took a deep breath and spun on my heel to turn my attention to the supposed Lord and refuse his offer of signing my card. When our eyes connected the breath I had held in to refuse him suddenly flew out of my chest. The lord standing in front of me was tall and chiseled. His beautiful green eyes shone under the light of the moon and my voice caught in my throat. I looked him up and down taking in every inch of him, he had an unruly mess of ginger hair and slight stubble along his jawline.     I lifted my fan from my wrist where my dance card was attached and there were no names. Josiah raised his brow at me as I would never let anyone stating that it was always full. He grabbed my wrist and the second his hand touched my glove I knew it was the end. This man would change my life for the better. He smiled at me as he released my hand. I glanced at the name written on my dance card for the first time Laird Tulach was written twice. Even his writing was mesmerizing and I could not believe myself allowing him to sign the card. Laird Tulach bowed and walked back into the ballroom, I expected the dance to occur the moment he signed, but watching him walk away to let me know I was mistaken. "Georgie, are you ill?" my brother turned his attention incredulously back to me. I could not see his face but I assumed that his eyes were in a state of shock. My attention never faltered from the place Laird Tulach had just stood. "No, I feel quite well. Laird Tulach, do we know him?" finally turning my attention to my brother I tore my eyes away from the ballroom. "I do not believe we do Georgie. I know I have heard his name but I did not know that he would be here for the season. Laird Tulach is not known to come to social events. He is usually in Scotland at his family estate. I do not believe he has ever made it here to London." Josiah turned his attention now to the ballroom to find the Lord speaking with our father. I adjusted my posture and took a deep breath as I made my way back to the ballroom. Lord Blackbourne was a Scottsman, it explained his almost rugged appearance and ginger hair. My heart began pounding as I stepped into the ballroom, I could see the Laird smile as he saw me walking towards them. My heart melted at the sight of his smile and at that moment I knew all my fighting to never be wed was over.  "Ahh! Georgiana have you had the chance to meet Laird Tulach?" My father's obvious excitement at the opportunity to meet the Laird made me slightly uncomfortable but the Laird was just smiling at me. MY father wrapped his arm around my shoulder and brought me closer to him. I could tell the smell emanating from him that he was intoxicated.  "Laird Tulach" I whispered bowing my head, I felt at any moment my heart would beat from my chest and he would sense my infatuation. "Please, call me Caelan my Lady." He said as he approached me and lifted my chin with his finger. "I do believe it is my turn for a dance." Caelan quickly took my hand into the crook of his arm and led me to the dancefloor. I could no longer hear the music or the festivities that happened around us. It was as if he and I were the only ones, and I could not help but wonder if he was feeling the same. "Lai-" I began to speak but stopped the second he gave me a stern look. "Caelan" I breathed realizing he did not wish for me to call him Laird anymore. "Why did you ask me to dance?" His eyes never left mine and as he was spinning me throughout the room it only felt as if the world was spinning and he and I were standing still.  He smiled at me again, "I saw you as soon as I entered and had to ask many people around the hall who you were. Your smile had me stunned, but your laughter had me intoxicated. I knew I had to meet you. It seems, however, that many are shocked to see you dancing." he chuckled as his eyes finally left mine and scanned the room at the many people that were now coming into focus. Many of my mother's friends were whispering behind their fans while keeping their eyes trained on us. I laughed at the sight and Caelan trained his eyes back to me. "Your laugh will be my undoing." He whispered as he bowed and stepped away. I had not noticed that the song had ended and I was left with my mouth agape as I watched his back retreat from me. My body felt cold and empty where he had held me while dancing. I felt in a trance and I could not believe this man had left me in such a state. I walked back to the balcony where I knew I would no longer be bothered.  That was the first night of a life I had no idea was waiting for me.