A Never Falling Maple Leaf

“And finally Mr.Raynold accepted our suggestion to arrange this year’s Christmas party at his newly built castle” Mrs.Fedrick announced with a gasp. “This will be an ideal event to meet all the reputed men of the southern Spain. And I assure you as Mr.Raynold has trade relations in northern Spain we could expect someone from north also…How’s this news seems to you my dear Matilda?

Literally this news seems nothing to me; why I should meet men for no reason? But I was astounded for Mr.Raynold’s shift in his decision. He supposed his new castle as his private space for spending his senility peacefully. Mrs.Fedrick and her association turn it into a ball!

“Miss.Henry don’t you hear me?”

“Yes, Mrs.Fedrick it means a lot to me…I’m so excited to hear this.” I couldn’t say any more for I don’t know what to respond. Mrs.Fedrick was overjoyed with my response. She is the only one who urge for my marriage. Since my mother’s death she was my caretaker. She is a graceful middle aged lady, her cleverness makes her appealing in Andalusia’s home affairs. Mr.Fedrick and my My father were childhood friends. When Mr.Fedrick became sick, Mrs.Fedrick take the responsibility of assisting my father and also governing me. My father Mr.Henry is a renowned administrator. He is an ethical social creature who pledged his whole life for the society, in his world there’s no me nor my dreams…Most of the girls like me may have a lonely life to pursue, but mine was exceptional. I was left at my ancestor’s bungalow with my father’s three brothers and their family including twelve daughters and six sons. Majority of them are grown up, fine girls just like their beautiful mothers and all are in the age of looking for a man. None of my gorgeous aunts’ care about me. They thought of me unappealing in both look and behavior; a girl who couldn’t fancy any man. I wholly agree them, I’m not a woman fitted for any personable man.

“You must seek advice of your cousin sisters in the matter of outfits and other things.”

“Mrs.Fedrick you know I’m not at all interested in affairs like this…I hate balls”

“Why? Don’t say that, you are grown up, you ought to visit neighbors and ought to attend balls, then only people will know you…”

I frowned and hesitated not to hear anymore but Mrs.Fedrick go on “My dear, you are getting old, you must settle soon, or else how could you live here for so long? Do you think your arrogant aunts will allow you to live blissfully? If your mother was alive, she may bring about the best in you…I’m so sorry…I couldn’t raise you as a fine lady but I’m sure you will be, you are perfect in your imperfectness” her eyes got drenched in tears, it makes her cheeks shine in the winter sunlight. I embrace her and said” Don’t be so melancholy, I could make out your agony…I will attend the ball and will behave as others do. Don’t shed tears for my matters, promise me…”

She hold my arms and with a shrill she said “Oh! My lord, what happened to your hands, there’s stain of ink…did you play with ink…are you crazy my dear” I take away my hands and said “Mrs.Fedrick, actually it’s nothing, the ink spilled out while I was arranging the table, don’t care about it.”

“Yes my dear, go and clean it and hand over this party invitation to your family, I’m leaving now and take care yourself.” She gave me an invitation letter I open it.

When Mrs.Fedrick departure I went down stair to the parlor where usually the ladies spend their morning. There I found my fair aunts chatting and sipping coffee. Other than them there were Lizzy, Ann, Alice and Jane all were engaged in their own business. “Matilda, we were waiting for you. Are you thinking why? Yes, why that lady, what’s her name…yes, Mrs.Fedrick came here for a conversation? Asked Aunt Willona.

“Um…Aunt Willona, Mrs.Fedrick came here to inform us a very happy news, we got an invitation from Mr.Raynold’s saying he cordially inviting us for the upcoming Christmas party at his New Castle” I announced.

“What! A ball at New Castle!!!...Oh! My God…I couldn’t believe my ears!!!” exclaimed Ann. The flower vase she was holding went down adding more loudness to the scene and broken into several pieces.

“Ann, don’t behave like this, see what you have done” she point towards the broken vase “If you are startled just do as me” Aunt Grace show her daughter how to behave politely.

“I guarantee this will be a great event ever took place in Andalusia for it is conducting at New Castle" interfered Jane “Margaret have once told me that Mr.Raynold’s family is in England, they may come for this ball and may stay here until the coming spring…His grandchildren; Mr. Collin and Mr. Charles are traders in England they are also young and have own properties in both England and Spain. If we go there we could certainly meet them.” yelled Jane.

“My dear Willona, imagine about the castles in England and Spain…How our lives will be if any two of these girls are married to Raynold’s grandchildren” said Aunt Dorothy “ Girls why are you wasting time go and grab the best outfits and hats…hurry up” she yelled.

Only two days back we had a ball at Mr.William’s bungalow. I’m so tired of crowd and pride. Between these thoughts Alice pulled me into the wardrobe and suddenly I was in the midst of heap of clothes.