Midnight Bliss

Chapter 3

"Griffons of Manning Heights, arriving promptly with their daughter Nora Griffons." A servant announced our arrival.

Eyes pierced our family with quiet questions. Many eyes adored and many eyes stabbed daggers in my direction, but as I arrived to our table in one piece, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Nora Griffons. Looking as yellow as ever." A soft voice adored me.

I turned and was acquainted with my best friend, Kara. She wore a purple dress, tightly fitted to her figure and amethyst hung from her hair like drops. Her makeup was loud and I adored her bravery at our first ball. Strangers still stared at us every so often and I felt dizzy, my corset suddenly too tight.

I swallowed and smiled at Kara, "Kara! I am so pleased to see you."

She giggled and fanned herself with a paper fan. A lotus flower was painted on the front.

"So many eligible men here tonight." She giggled behind her fan as a gentlemen walked past, slowing as he noticed her lingering stare.

I cleared my throat and he walked away faster, "I have been far too nervous to focus on the men."

"Well they are noticing you." Kara pointed out, meeting the gaze of several gentlemen who blushed and looked away.

I felt my cheeks turn red and I dropped my gaze to the floor. I hadn't truthfully thought about any men this season and I wondered how far I would get. I peaked up and dared to meet the gaze of one man. He had longer blonde hair, brushed back and polished. He didn't have facial hair so he looked young. His blue eyes lingered down my frame before meeting my eyes. I looked away and inhaled sharply.

I felt mother's hands on my shoulders, "Careful, Dear. Wandering eyes are bound to attract gossip."

I blushed deeper and turned, facing my mother, "Mother! Kara was just pointing out our suitors."

"Just be careful, Dear." She fanned her finger in my face.

I gulped and turned, feeling a breeze pass by me swiftly and I felt a stone resistance as I faced the other way. It wasn't until I was falling that I realized I had run into somebody trying to squeeze past. Eyes stared at me falling to the floor and I knew the laughter was soon to follow. My demise at court this season was here. I was doomed.

Hands grasped my waist and I jerked to a stop, gasping. I looked up and came face to face with the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. Wintergreen forests with amber flakes danced around his pupils. His dark hair hung down into those wintergreen forests and framed his square face. Stubble lined his jaw and I felt the heat spread down my chest as we twirled and I balanced myself, his hand still holding firmly onto mine. Gasps erupted around the room and I felt dizzy again as he leaned down, pressing his pink lips to my hand and swiftly walking away. Mother fanned herself fast as she approached me, her face red. I felt light headed and took a seat as the room span around me.

"Do you know who that was?" She said swiftly, sitting beside me.

I could feel the air coming from her fan as I answered, "No."

Kara giggled, her face a deep red behind her fan, "That was Lord Nathaniel Barrows. So far, he hasn't even looked at a girl in three seasons and at the first ball he has saved a damsel from her doom."

I shot Kara a side eye and sighed, "It was mere coincidence."

"I fear you may not see the last of him. If rumors are to spread, and they will, you may become very close to this man." Father commented behind his bagel.

I sure hoped my fate did not meet Nathaniel Barrows again. I felt a pang of embarrassment now that the show was over that he had perhaps planned our meet. No, it was a coincidence, I reminded myself. After I sat with my family for a long moment, I felt a presence behind me. Mother tried not to make herself noticeable, but as she eyed the potential man behind me I had to brace myself.

"Nora Griffons?" A low, husky voice said.

I closed my eyes, sighed, and then twisted my torso to look at the owner to the voice. He was tall and towered over me, but he was like a teddy bear. He had a soft face and his blue eyes were framed with thick, blonde lashes. His short hair was brushed back and it showed off his round face, young and innocent.

I nodded slowly, "Yes?"

"My name is Dorian Grey. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." He bowed slightly and backed up.

I stood and approached him, bowing back and taking his hand as he kissed it, "I am pleased to make yours."

Our maid planted herself firmly behind us as we wandered off across the room, talking. He was a pleasant man and fun to talk to. He inquired about my siblings, I had none. He had six. Three brothers and three sisters. Two of his sisters were at season this year and he pointed them out to me. Both fair-haired and beautiful. They looked like elves in their tight fitting, but yet loose dresses. They were embroidered with beads and jewels and I felt a pang of jealousy. Had I under dressed?

"Your hobbies?" He inquired after a long pause.

I smiled, "I play violin in the evenings and paint in the mornings. I find both activities relaxing."

He struggled to find something in common with me and I felt bored after a long moment, but eventually another suitor arrived and asked for my time. I had met more suitors throughout the night and most of their names I had forgotten, but one name I had not. Nathaniel Barrows. His name lingered on my brain in a such a way I found myself lost in thought and ignoring the suitors I had right in front of me. Most of them picked up on my loss of interest and turned away. Mother, having sensed I was in danger socially, retired us to our chambers for the night and it took us another hour just to say our goodbyes. Many promised to see us at tea tomorrow and by the time I settled into bed, Nathaniel was just a passing thought.