The Ball

"You've got to be kidding me." Katherine said folding her arms across her chest. She was liking her father less and less by the second.

"Come on Katherine it's just a ball, you've been to hundreds before." Pulitzer answered looking at her over the top of his glasses. Katherine rubbed her head feeling like she wanted to go home and sleep rather than argue with her father.

"Remind me why again." She said, Pulitzer sighed and sat down at his big wooden desk.

"Because my dear, Herst is putting it on in my favor and everyone expects to see you there." He said like it should be obvious.

"I have plans that night..." she says her mind wandering to Jack.

"You will have to cancel, weather you like it or not you will be coming." His tone indicated not to argue. Katherine crossed her arms annoyed. "I'll have Darcy pick you up around 9 on Saturday night." Katherine's head snapped up.

"Darcy? Why Darcy?" She asked, Pulitzer gave her a look that said 'Isn't it obvious?'

"To take you to the ball. He will court you for the night." Pulitzer said.

"What? Um, no that's fine I'll just come by myself." She said horrified by the thought. A few months ago she would have been thrilled Darcy was taking her but now... Things had changed.

"You must not go by yourself, it is a ball you need to have a date." Pulitzer said sounding very tired of the conversation.

"If you haven't noticed I have a boyfriend!" She said annoyed.

"You mean that Jack Kelly you hang around with? Oh please, Katherine do not argue with me. You need a date and you will go with Darcy." Pulitzer said and stood up.

"Well... why can't I bring Jack?" She asked. Pulitzer laughed.

"You want to bring that street rat?"

"He's not a street rat!!"

"Katherine my dear, he is not fit to come and you know it. Do not argue with me." He said and rounded the desk so he could stand in front of her. Katherine wasn't in the mood to let her father win.

"What if he was fit?" She asked "What if he put on a suit and, and, took a shower? He'd be as good as new! No one would even know!" A large idea started to form in her minds eye. Katherine studied her fathers face as he herd her words, he seemed to be in deep thought. He rubbed his chin for a moment before answering.

"Jack Kelly in a suit." He said allowed "I'd pay money to see that. Do you really think you could get him to wear one?" He asked her. Katherine felt a thrill of hope run through her.

"Yes father." Katherine said and she hoped she was right. Pulitzer thought for a moment longer.

"Perhaps he could come-"

"Thank you daddy!" Katherine cried and threw her arms around his neck.

"Woah, hold on there Katherine." Pulitzer said and pulled away from her "He must look reasonable, and know how to behave like a gentleman." Katherine tried not to roll her eyes at that last part. Jack was a better gentleman than most men she knew, well except his occasional suggestive comment. (but that didn't count)

"He will! I promise!" She said and started to make her way to the door.

"Wait Katherine." He called, she turned her hand on the door nob. "I'll be at your apartment to pick you up, if I say he looks presentable enough then he can come, if not..."

"I understand." She told him.

"Good, oh and Katherine!"

"Yes?"