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Violins, pianos, even flutes all could be
heard for a mile
outside of the building that this great dance was being held in. Everyone who was anyone was there, from the
governor, to the schoolhouse maid. The
dance definitely was segregated, having the lower classes in farther
rooms from
the Prime Minister. Yet everyone was
having a joyous time. Michelle Rose
stood petrified. “I am unsure if my
decision was correct, is it too late to elude?” “Oh,
don’t be silly Ms. Michelle, we are only a few steps away
from the festivities, we cannot turn back now.” This hatred reply came
from
Annabelle, who was dressed in a beautiful flaring light pink dress, and
matching wool shawl. With her hair in
curls, she would pass as a governess or perhaps even a countess!
Victoria grabbed Michelle Rose’s hand, knowing the fear that tempted her, and all three ladies walked in stride into the grand building. Smiles and laughter, cheerful singing and dancing were seen from right to left. Michelle’s heartbeat slowed as she saw the fun that others were having. A very tall man, dressed in dark apparel approached the three, “Welcome to the ball ladies, may I take your shawls?” Speechless, all three handed over their overcoats to reveal their lovely gowns. Michelle Rose wore one of Victoria’s old gowns, for she had none of her own and there was no time to sew one. It was a long settled dress, with slim sleeves and matching gloves. The color rested on a cornflower blue, which complimented her dark skin. Her hair was up, in a spiral of curls and waves. Truly she resembled a princess and it was her hope that no one would recognize her.
The three ladies were guided into another
prosperous room
where many sat, conversing and laughing alike. Those
that were dancing seemed contagious to others who
watched. Annabelle immediately left their
side and
began conversing in a circle of other ladies. Michelle
smiled at the delight this dance seemed to give
the other
guests. “Come let’s sit”, Victoria said
still holding hands. The women sat and
soon were joined by two men, who freely spoke. ‘This
isn’t so bad’ she thought to herself. Although
soon after such thoughts, Michelle began to
notice
around the room many of the groups were staring at her and whispering
to
themselves. Even those who twirled
around the room, had fixed eyes on her. ‘It
is my paranoia’ she told herself and resumed interest
in her own
table. Only a few minutes had passed
when Victoria excused them both from the table.
Holding hands once again she lead them off to another room. “Oh Ms. Michelle Rose, I am sorry. Those in the room must know and have begun staring and gossiping. I wanted to leave before you noticed.” “But I had Victoria, I just wanted to ignore it.” As soon as these words had left her mouth, a group of women walked passed glaring at Michelle Rose saying to themselves, “How vile, to have peasantry in the Prime Minister’s presence”, and other such things. Michelle stopped in her footsteps, “Thank you Victoria for your attempts, but I am not wanted here and I will take my leave.” She loosened from Victoria’s hand and walked in the opposite direction, towards the front exit. Victoria did not know what to reply, for she had once before experienced this situation and knew the pain of rejection that Michelle Rose continuously encountered. She did not try to stop her.
At the front there were more whispers, as she insisted the host to retrieve her shawl. She waited, batting back tears hoping that no one would approach her. Just as the host reappeared with her shawl, another guest arrived and stood near her. In her rush she didn’t even look to address him, as what was proper. He looked down at her, for he stood several inches higher, and said “My, if such beauty as you is leaving, then the dance must be to an end.” Startled and confused, she looked up and saw within his eyes the one for which she had truly come. “May I accompany you? It is quite dark.” He continued. Finally regaining her thoughts, “You must stay here and enjoy yourself, I cannot.” She continued to bundle up, for now it had begun snowing.
“Christopher!” came the most common cry of his sister, “What took you so long!? Don’t just stand there, I have found Annabelle.” He did not move, brainstorming a statement that would lead the lady to stay or at least allow him to accompany her. “Ms. Michelle, are you now leaving? We have just arrived.” Came the voice of the sweet Annabelle following. “Victoria knows the reasons, for I cannot say.” “Well please, before you leave, let me introduce to you the McCorkles”. Annabelle came in between the two. “Ms. Michelle Rose Black, this is Casey McCorkle.” The young girl gave a curtsy. “And this is Christopher Daniel McCorkle.” He gave a most honorable bow, “It is my pleasure to finally meet you Ms. Michelle Rose.” She smiled, wanting to escape, yet not wanting to miss her chance to know him. She had on many occasions seen him at the store or in the streets. He dressed quite like a peasant, but somehow she appreciated that. There was one occasion when her eyes met his, though it was a far distance, it stayed with her. “Oh Ms. Michelle, you cannot possibly leave now. Come, there is a back room where we can privately talk.” Still locked in eye contact with Christopher Daniel, she agreed to Annabelle’s request.
The back room was much better.
There were only a few people, and those who had a dislike
for
Michelle Rose simply moved on to another room. Christopher
was delighted to speak with her, and she
equally to
him. The evening was filled with music,
conversation, and they danced quite a bit. Casey
traveled in and out of the room, inserting herself
into their
conversation, as fitted her. “And they
say you are outright!” he said after one of his sisters exits. The conversation was lead from there into
Michelle’s reputation, and how he strived to have such a reputation,
just to
rattle things up. He expressed his urge
to move away because of his family’s
disapproved of him dressing as a commoner and being individualistic.
Christopher was so comfortable with her that he even revealed that he had fallen into occult practices in his attempt to hold onto his individuality. He explained his hopes to equally overcome his awkward stature through his practice of magic. “But I do not think you have an awkward stature and I quite like that you dress humbly.” Internally Christopher experienced an unknown joy, for no one had ever accepted him. It was more than he had hoped. The hour turned into night and though she wished to speak further, her companions were feeling tired. He walks them to their carriage. After Victoria and Annabelle were comfortably inside he gently clasped Michelle Rose’s hand, “My dear sweet Rose, when may I, perchance, meet with you again?”. Never had anyone addressed her as so, as just “Rose”, she noticeably blushes and replies in a whisper, so not to alert her companions. “Then it shall be.” And he helped her into the carriage.
The next morning was enough to almost ruin the fabulous mood that had been set the night before. Christopher’s mother and father had such high expectations for him and they always seemed to mean well, however, their words made it obvious only on their terms.
“It is not customary for a man, such as yourself, to
accompany a woman such as she.” “But
she is not snobbish, or rude, or horrid, as everyone says.
Even Casey is must more so loud than Rose
is.” “Rose! What
a name for a wild person! And how old she
is! No, son,
you
need a gentle natured person, someone highly schooled and personable
like
you.” “But she is personable and very
educated. I see no difference in us!”
The tempers had flared so high that a fight nearly broke out between him and his dad. Although old enough to be on his own, they forbade him from speaking with her further. But would he listen to the ones who had rejected him? The ones in which had created such a dark space in his mind and heart. Christopher had a need to be understood, even though he was not the greatest in wisdom, he did deserve to be treated with more esteem and not pestered about things that were only important because of society. He had been intrigued by Michelle Rose’s personality, overwhelmed by her beauty, and yearned to hear from her mind’s eye once more. He packed his clothes and left. It was evening once more when he arrived at Stanhover. He sought for an hour, the place that had been described to him.
