Chapter 1
Under the circumstances of a sick brother, Mother and Father left and wouldn’t return till ’morrow. I took my time getting to the parlor. I would only be here a few more days before I would make my departure to Kingston.
The railing was mahogany picked by my grandmother before she passed — so many memories in a house.
A loud knock sounded and swiftly, the housekeeper opened the door to see whom it was.
“How do you do?” The man on the other end says, “I’m here to deliver an invitation.”
How wonderful. I would be leaving to go to domestic training while everyone else would be going to balls and parties.
I walked up to the door and waved for Merida, the housekeeper, to go. “I’ve got it from here. Thank you, Merida.”
She nodded and rushed off. I focused my attention on the gentleman in front of me.
He was a little round, balding at the top but wore an expensive suit. “Hello Miss, have you a man in the house I could talk to?”
This made me livid. I was right here, wasn’t I? Bigoted bastard.
“I haven’t actually, Father is out.” I gave a smile, “Anything I can do?” he looked apprehensive before handing me a letter addressed to my mother’s maiden name, Langston.
“There’s going to be a ball, perfect for a lady such as yourself to find a suitor,” He gave me a wink and leaned in close, “A little birdy told me the Duke would be attending.”
I snorted, it was very improper, but at this moment, I didn’t care.
“Let him attend then. Thank you for the invite, though I am almost certain we won’t be attending.”
I closed the door and let out a laugh. Every girl was eager to be the next duchess I, however, didn’t see the point.
I was fine with my life and wished every other girl didn’t worry of courtship as much as they did. It was hard to make friends that shared the same values as me, but Leah was different.
Earlier I had sent Lincoln, the coachman, to fetch Leah so that we could go on a stroll together. We did this every weekend for as long as I could remember and now that I was going to Kingston, I felt an emptiness in my heart for her.
Remembering the letter, I decided to open it. It was fancy and gilded. The name ‘Langston’ was silver and stuck out like a sore thumb.
My mother and I had the same surname, so perhaps it were addressed to me. That would, of course, be the excuse if she did find out.
Dearest Emilia Langston,
It was addressed to me. I had been invited to Lady Julia’s masquerade ball. She held it annually, and only the wealthiest families were able to attend.
Why did I get an invite? I was not rich nor was I poor. Puzzled, I decided to wait till mother would get back, I’ll talk with her about it.
I still wasn’t planning on going. Lady Julia’s balls were said to be as wild as they come. Since everyone wore a mask, there was a lot of ‘miscommunication’ or too much communication rather.
As much as I wanted to deny it, there was a bit of curiosity on my part. What truly happens at Lady Julia’s ball? I’d always wonder if there were rakes amongst upper class.
Just then, three soft knocks sounded at the door. I ran to the door before Merida had a chance and immediately hugged the person on end. I knew it was Leah.
“Leah, I have missed you dearly!” I pulled away to show her the big smile I was wearing.
“Oh dear, hold me any tighter, and I might just faint.” I let her go, “Well, on we go then. The sun won’t be in the sky forever.”
I nodded at her statement. Before leaving, I went to procure the picnic basket Merida had set out for us, and the invitation from the table.I held the picnic basket in one arm and linked my other with Leah.
“What have you got there?” she asked curiously. Pretending to be dubious I unlinked my arm with Leah’s and waved the invitation in the air, “Oh, this old thing?” I gave it to her and heard her gasp, “It’s just an invitation to Lady Julia’s ball.”
She playfully hit me on the shoulder and continued to gawk at the letter.
“You Saddle-goose, why didn’t you tell me we were invited to Lady Julia’s ball?” I laughed, “We?”
“Yes, we” She seemed as composed as ever, “Who else would you go with?” I tapped my finger to my chin, “Perhaps Fauna would like to go with me.”
Leah feigned shock at this, “I am appalled.” She turned her head and crossed her arms, “And to think, I called you my best friend.”I laughed.
“Imagine, the whole time she’d probably try and find some opulent old guy to dance with.”
Leah stifled a laugh, “What do you think, the waltz? She inquired.
“More like the Paphian Jig.” Leah Gasped and hit my shoulder playfully, “Emilia, you bite your tongue.”I stuck my tongue out at her and laughed.
She giggled, and we continued to walk into the park. It was lovely this time of day. We walked towards ‘our corner’ It was always empty. We were atop a hill, and the view below us would showcase the soon-to-be sunset perfectly.
I laid out the blanket and Leah handed me the picnic basket while she straightened out the edges. I dug around and gave her a flask – with water – and an egg salad sandwich. Then I grabbed one of each for myself.
We started eating and waited for the sun to go down in comfortable silence until Leah broke it, “Just so we’re clear, you are taking me to Lady Julia’s ball. Right?” I shook my head.
“Leah, I’m not even going.” She slapped my shoulder.
“Are you mad?”
I laughed. “Oh heavens, my friend is senseless. Do you know what transpires at Lady Julia’s balls?” I shook my head.
“Precisely! We both don’t know.” She looked at me with a pout, “Imagine how much fun it would be if we went together."
I flashed a big smile at her, “I’ll think about it. Who knows, maybe the invite was a mistake.”
we got back to the house, it was late. From the front of the house, you could see the light to the study was which meant Father was back.
I kissed Leah on the cheek, “This has been lovely, get home before your Mother throws a fit.”
She smiled, “I should say the same for you, but we’re already here.” I knocked on the coach’s door and opened it for Leah. “To the Wallace residence please,” I told the coachmen and gave Leah one last hug before she departed.
I took a deep breath and walked inside the house. Father was on the stairs checking his watch.
“Where were you?” He boomed.
I lifted the picnic basket a little, “I was at the park with Leah, sir.”
He shook his head, “This late at night you had us worried sick.”
I hung my head and apologized. “We just want to spend as much time together as possible before I go to Kingston.”
He nodded and scratched his 5 o’clock shadow.
“How’s brother?” I question, partially trying to defer the situation.
“He’s fine. It’s just the flu. Your mother insisted on him staying for a while.”
My eyes lit up, “So he’s here?”
He nodded, “He’s upstairs, but I suggest you see your mother in the parlor before you go see him.”
I nodded and headed for the parlor. It’s been a whole year since I last saw my dear brother, although I wish the circumstances were different.
“Emilia!” My mother sat up in the chaise and opened her arms for a hug.I did so and kissed her on the cheek.
“Where were you?” She asked.
“With Leah, Mother. We were having a picnic. I should’ve left a note, I’m sorry.”
She giggled, “Nonsense, just girls being girls, I suppose.”
Mother seemed different, but I wasn’t going to comment on it.
“Well, I’m going to go see George.”
She nodded, “Do be careful, if you get sick we can’t send you to domestic training”
Blimey, That’s it! George will get me sick, that way I don’t have to go. Before I forget, I put the invitation on the armrest of the chair, give a small smile to my mother, and rush upstairs to see George.
