The Marchioness

chapter 5 21st june 1867

As the grandfather clock in the hall struck seven Aurelia and the twins made their way down the large winding staircase. There were indeed well dressed and ready as promised! The twins both dressed in matching attire with matching little dinner jackets. Aurelia sporting a beautiful daffodil yellow dress with a mat thing ribbon tied into a bow in her hair complimenting her golden ringlets. Yellow was her favourite colour and the perfect colour for a summer ball. she felt like the sun in the sky! Majestic and bright!

Their father sat in the parlour room to the right of the staircase sipping his chaser of whiskey to calm his nerves. He was excited but at the same time nervous this was his first time hosting the summer ball in years and not only that but now the added pressure of impressing iris loomed over him, but so did the big question of whether or not she would even attend. He was dressed in his best suit with his best cravat and he smelt of sandalwood and pipe tobacco as he sat smoking and gazing out of the window at the courtyard.

"Go on children," said Mrs Jones ushering the children into the parlour room.

The little trio stood before their father as he inspected their outfit choices for the evening, he was greatly impressed.

"Now children I am hoping that the events of earlier on today will not become a reoccurring trend.." He said with disappointment but a reassuring hint of optimism. As the children hung their heads remorsefully as they stood in a line.

"You are to be future lords and ladies and I expect you to conduct yourselves as such once the guests arrive, is that understood?" Added lord, Mansfield.

"Yes father, we understand" they replied reluctantly.

The butler Mr morris emerged in the doorway "the guests are beginning to arrive, my lord, should I escort them through to the ballroom?"

Lord Mansfield gazed out of the window as the carriages pulled into the courtyard one by one, but alas the white carriage was yet to be seen. He had high hopes that iris would make an appearance but the show must go on as they say.

"Yes take them through to the ballroom, I shall be a mere moment. Mrs Jenkins could you see to it that the children get to the ballroom post haste". He said now feeling nervous at the thought of entertaining the crowd.

"Yes my lord, right away! come along children" replied Mrs Jenkins.

Lord Mansfield stood alone in the parlour room as the grandfather clock ticked away in the distance. He poured himself another chaser of whiskey and he devoured the drink in one large gulp as though to soothe the ever-looming anxiety that plagued him. The fire in the room was not lit however the beads of sweat that lounged upon his brow could argue otherwise. Along with the pools of sweat that gathered in his palms like tiny ponds. He placed the chaser down on the side and turned to leave the parlour room. He took a large deep breath and on he went.

He swung open the large ballroom doors and he was met with a sea of smiling faces all dressed in a multitude of different coloured gowns and suites reminiscent of wild summer flowers in a meadow. The walls are adorned with captivating golden detailing and the ceilings are encrusted with four enchanting crystal chandeliers.

Lord Mansfield approached the children who were standing awkwardly to the side. "Go and mingle with the other guests, you are the hosts of our ball children so go welcome them" encouraged Lord Mansfield.

"Can I not just stand with you father?" Aurelia asked nervously for the last time she mingled it ended in a brawl. She does not wish to get in trouble yet again for the feeling of guilt and remorse were not feelings she wished to be reacquainted with by any means.

"My dear little pearl, the world is your oyster. One day you shall be the most sort after the lady in the land and one of the best qualities for a lady to have is being an amazing host my dear so go on little one" he said with great inspiration and motivation as he ushered her on gently nudging her as to get her to move.