Elsie

Chapter 10: An Invitation

The next morning was Wednesday, and Clement woke from his first restful sleep since his visit to Eileen. Elsie's suggestion seemed to have worked. While he was still sick over what had happened between himself and Eileen, writing down his thoughts had allowed him to have a peace of mind that he had not enjoyed in some time. He smiled drowsily when he thought of Elsie. He hoped that he could find a few moments alone with her in the next few days.

It was Friday afternoon when Elsie tucked Jane Eyre back into the row of books on the shelf in the library and wandered around the mansion aimlessly. She admired all the intricate details of the house. Everything about Elmsdale was ornate. Even the designs in the woodwork were eye-catching. As she wandered past the ballroom, she stopped and stared at the large doors. She had never been in this room. Nora cleaned it, and the doors were always shut. Elsie looked left and right before tiptoeing towards the large doors. Nora was running an errand with Mr. Lane as her driver, Lois and Verda had been given the day off for Verda's birthday, and Hannah and Adam were outside.

Elsie grabbed hold of the elaborate door handle and pulled, but it didn't budge. She frowned, unsure if it was locked or if she was simply weak. She gripped the handle with both hands and pulled with all her might, leaning her weight away from the gigantic door. There was a loud cracking sound that startled her for a moment, but she saw that the door was slowly opening. After opening it several inches, Elsie scurried around the door and leaned against it, taking in the massive ballroom before her. She stared at it with wide eyes. Even the ceiling was decorated with intricate designs, and the largest chandelier Elsie had ever seen hung in the center.

She pushed the door all the way open so that it wouldn't shut behind her and carefully walked into the center of the room. No matter how light she was on her feet, her footsteps still echoed. She stood directly under the chandelier and looked up at it in adoration.

She imagined the room filled with finely dressed women and men, couples whirling around as they danced, and an orchestra playing a waltz for their pleasure.

1, 2, 3... 1, 2, 3... she counted in her head as she began to hum a familiar tune. She held out her arms as if she was accepting a partner's request to dance and her feet began to move with the tempo of her song. She twirled herself around the dance floor, fully commanding the entire space of the ballroom.

Clement leaned against the second door that had remained closed and watched her silently, a light smile on his face. He almost couldn't believe his good fortune. Not only had he found a moment with Elsie alone, but this was a side of her he hadn't seen before. Her demeanor around him had certainly improved in the past week, but now he could see her girlish smile as she looked into the eyes of her imaginary partner.

As much as he wanted to speak to her, he did feel a prick of guilt watching her when she thought she was alone. He contemplated whether he should leave and pretend he didn't see anything, or stay and allow her to discover him. He knew she would be mortified if she saw him there, so he made the decision to leave and find her later. But just as he was about to take a step back, Elsie twirled herself around and froze.

Their eyes met, and Clement smiled at her gently. He watched as her face grew crimson and decided since she was already so embarrassed, he might as well tease her a bit.

"Your partner seems very dull," he observed.

Elsie dropped her hands to her side and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry, sir," she muttered, wishing the ground would open and swallow her up. No one had ever told her that the ballroom was forbidden, but she immediately felt that she had violated Clement's privacy by opening the doors to a room that she had never seen opened.

Clement frowned. He was obviously teasing her and yet, she was apologizing. He walked towards her slowly. He stood a few feet before her and looked at her intently, waiting patiently for her to look up.

Elsie's heart was thumping in her chest so hard that she was certain Mr. Jones must be able to hear it. She saw his feet as he stood before her. Slowly, she raised her head and met his eyes. She nervously wrung her hands together.

Clement suddenly looked to the side and spoke to her imaginary partner, "Good sir, may I cut in?"

After a pause, he looked back at Elsie who was clearly confused.

"I believe he agreed. Don't you?" Clement smiled at her.

Elsie just stared at him.

Clement took a low bow and held out his hand. "Miss Thomson," he said pleasantly, "may I have this dance?"

Elsie opened her mouth but no words came out. Without thinking, she mechanically lifted her arm to meet his. He took her hand and pulled her to him gently, his other arm barely brushed her back as he held her in the proper position. Her left arm instinctively rested on his broad shoulder. For a moment, they just looked at each other. Clement searched her eyes, but she seemed to be in a daze, as if she didn't comprehend what was happening.

Clement took the lead, slowly guiding her around the large dance floor. There was no music, but he kept perfect time, continuing the waltz Elsie had begun earlier.

Elsie was acutely aware of her sweaty palm in Clement's big hand. Her face was still flushed and her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. But as Clement continued guiding her around the massive room, she started to relax. If it weren't for the fact that she was dancing with her employer, she would have been thoroughly enjoying herself. She loved dancing, and she thought Mr. Jones was certainly the best partner she had ever had. He even guided her in a few moves she had never been taught. His lead was easy to follow. Even if she didn't know the exact steps, she had no trouble matching him.

Clement watched as the tension slowly melted away from her face. He smiled triumphantly at having finally broken down one of her walls. Clearly, she enjoyed dancing. He gained more confidence and lifted her to spin her around once more. Her face showed surprise but delight at the same time. He gracefully lowered her to the ground and effortlessly guided her to the middle of the room where he slowed his pace and dipped her to complete the dance.

Clement released her, and Elsie took a step back. She bashfully smoothed her dress and looked down at her feet.

"Miss Thomson, I have a favor to ask," Clement began in his most serious tone. "I'm afraid you're the only one who can help me."

Elsie glanced up at him with a resolute face. "Sir, please speak. Whatever it is, I will certainly agree."

Clement raised his eyebrows. "You don't even know what I am going to ask of you."

"Mr. Jones, you have been so kind to me. I can never repay you. Whatever you want from me, I will always agree."

Clement smiled a little mischievously. "Is that a promise?"

Elsie nodded very soberly. "Yes, sir."

"Very well. Then you will attend the Copperfield Ball with me in a fortnight's time," Clement was very pleased with himself. There was no way she could refuse after the promise she had made.

Elsie's face reddened when she heard his demand. She realized that she had been tricked. "Sir, I— I wouldn't know what to wear."

"I'll have Mrs. Jacobs see to it as soon as she returns," Clement was undeterred.

"Mr. Jones," Elsie responded anxiously, "I've never been to such an occasion. I am afraid I would only be an embarrassment to you."

Clement chuckled. "You danced perfectly just now. It would be a shame to miss an opportunity to put that dance to music, would it not?"

"I... I wouldn't know how to act in such company," she tried again.

"Nonsense. It's settled. After all, you've already agreed, haven't you?"

Elsie remained silent.

"Good," Clement said with finality. "I'll look forward to your company, Miss Thomson," he bowed to her and then shot her one of his playful winks before turning and trotting out the door. Elsie was left, staring after him.

Despite her nerves, deep down she felt an excitement stirring, along with another unidentified emotion. She was going to a ball!