Courting 101
The ceiling was lit with stars among the galaxy. There was good food, great laughter, and wonderful dancing. Sophistication and regality flooded these halls and rooms, but my sight was for him alone. While he participated in witty banter with some aristocrats, I would glance across to admire his presence. Not once did he catch my eye, except when few had their eyes upon us.
While walking to the powder room I saw him standing near the entrance, far enough that it wouldn't look like he was waiting for someone. I smiled and continued on as I would with any other man in my presence. He hastily grabbed me and took me to a room where there was no one but us. It was Lord Williamson's office, just as grand as the rest of the estate.
Matilda hastily spoke. "Your Grace, I am without a chapero-" She was silenced by a single finger delicately placed upon her lips.
"I," Arthur placed her hands around his neck and waist. "Have waited for this moment for too long. You say it is unbecoming to dance with someone of little regality in a place where everyone is watching. So, I have brought you here." His smile was worth a thousand words.
"You are fairly mistaken Your Grace. I mean that we should not dance, ever." She huffed.
"Do tell me, Miss Fitzgerald, why your feet sway in the same rhythm as mine? It seems you're quite fond of dancing with me." He lightly chuckled. She playfully rolled her eyes and continued to sway in time to the music.
He was to be a noble duke and I, a merry woman of little status or wealth. But we still danced and danced and danced. There was a small possibility the world would accept someone with the future title of Duke to court a woman who didn't come from a lineage of nobles or impressive titles. But nonetheless, he persisted. He knew, as well as I, that we could never be seen in the limelight, but it was always fun with him.
"You know Miss Fitzgerald, I saw you glancing across the room. You're not well at hiding it." Matilda's cheeks had a red tint that grew by the second.
"Do you always enjoy being such a tease?" Matilda squinted her eyes to convey her point, but the Marquess only laughed at this remark.
"And you? Must I kidnap you every time I wish to have a moment alone?" His eyes traveled across her face, glitter in his eyes. He knew exactly why they had to meet like this, even if he pretended it wasn't so. "Well, unless you'd like to lose your tile, then yes I suppose so Your Grace." Matilda couldn't keep his gaze any longer, her eyes falling to the floor.
This was all they could ever be. A fantasy of a relationship not fit for society. Dancing alone to muffled music and short conversation was all they could ever have. "Your Grace, I believe I should go." Matilda pulled away from his grasp. "Wait Miss Fitzgerald, have I offended you? I was merely joking!" His eyes searched hers for an answer, but all that was there was pain.
"It is not what you said but the very context of our situation. We can never be. This can never be. I will...see you around Your Grace." And with those final words, she exited the room to embrace the shadows fit for someone of her stature. The Marquess stood there in shock, never meaning for their beautiful encounter to end so woefully.
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