Molly-Jane Walter

Chapter Twenty-Three

With the ball less than a week away, things at Rosefield were in full swing. Mr. Harding had returned with our dresses and his as well as Gilbert's tuxedos. Jewels had been organised, flowers picked, and the carriages cleaned and looking very shiny. I was very excited; I had never been to a ball before. I wondered if I would know any of the dances and decided to ask Gilbert about it. "They do simple dances like waltz, my darling. You've got nothing to worry about. Just follow my lead, alright?" He winked, making me smile. "That's my girl," Gilbert said. While we counted down the days to the ball, we had lovely picnics and days out to town. Gilbert and I visited the river in the forest that we had been to so long ago. It brought back memories, ones that weren't entirely pleasant, such as Arthur holding a gun to my head... I had shoved these memories away, choosing only to remember the good memories. Just like the first time Gilbert had brought me to the river, he had bought lollies from Miss Lily's shop and we had had a lolly picnic. Days in the sun were the best, and I was so happy that I was getting to enjoy life with Gilbert. Friday finally rolled around, and everyone was very excited for the ball. We spent all afternoon getting ready until it was finally time to leave. "I simply cannot wait! I hope our dance cards will be able to fit in more than ten," I laugh. Gilbert grinned and shook his head. "Now, Molly, there's something you should know," Gilbert said, as he squeezed my hand. "What's that?" I ask curiously. "You won't be able to have every dance with me," He told me. "Whyever not?" I ask, alarmed. "It would be seen as improper. You must dance with at least five other gentleman tonight, and we can only have three dances, one after the other together at a time," Gilbert explained. "Oh, how ridiculous this society can be!" I complain. "I agree with you there," Gilbert muttered. "We shall still have fun though. You'll see. And I'll be with you the entire time, I promise," Gilbert pressed his lips to my forehead. 

Once there, Charlotte and Lillian were taken to be with the Jones's children. Unfortunately they were not old enough to participate in any dances. Throughout the night, I dance a few waltz with some lovely gentlemen, and after a while need to refresh myself. There was cool water and little cakes and other food on a nearby table. Mrs. Harding had quietly instructed me what to do when I needed something to drink or something to eat before we had arrived. The gentleman I had just danced with escorted me over to the refreshments. I was to tell the gentleman, (Who's name I have completely forgotten!) what I fancied. He handed me a plate with a small cake on it. I take a small bite from the cake. It has a strawberry on top and is very delicious. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Gilbert has made his way towards me. "Mr. Wilson, how good to see you again," Gilbert smiled at the gentleman beside me. Good thing Gilbert was good with names. "And you as well, Mr. Harding," Mr. Wilson replied. "How are you doing, my darling?" Gilbert asked me, his cheeks flushed with heat from the dancing. I grin from ear to ear. "I absolutely adore it, Gilbert! Although you might want to have a refreshment; you're as red as a tomato!" I laugh and Gilbert shook his head and smiled. He grabbed a glass of lemonade and drank the whole thing. "Thirsty aren't we?" I laugh when Gilbert smiled sheepishly. Just then, the musicians began to play slow music. Gilbert held out his hand to me. "May I have this dance?" He asked in a gentle-man tone. I take his hand and blush. "Why, sir, I would be most honoured!" "Please excuse us, Mr. Wilson," Gilbert said. He led me out onto the dance floor and we curtsied and bowed. The music started and Gilbert and I began to dance. Oh, reader, it was so romantic! It was just as magical as that night by the lake! I tell Gilbert this and he nodded in agreement. "It reminds me of that night exactly," Gilbert replied, as he looked into my eyes. "That night was perfect," I sigh happily. We look into each others' eyes and I can't help but blush and look down when Gilbert brushed a stray piece of my hair aside. He gently hooked a finger under my chin and raised my face to his. He turned and looked towards a set of French doors that were open. Beyond them I could see greenery, and assumed the doors led to a garden. Gilbert took my hand in his. "Come with me," he said and led me towards the French doors. "Won't Mrs. Jones notice we're missing?" I ask urgently. "Not at all. She's busy talking anyway," Gilbert promised me. He led me outside to a large garden with a maze. The garden was lit with fairy lights. The maze was lit with these golden lights, and it was absolutely breathtaking. "Find me if you can!" Gilbert grinned and ran off into the maze. "Gilbert!" I laugh, running after him. I run into the maze and try to find him, but I come to a dead-end. I try another way and go further into the maze. "Gilbert! I cannot run any further! I am out of breath!" I laugh, breathing hard. Curse this corset! "Gilbert! Come out, come out, where-ever you are!" I call, trying not to giggle as I walk through the maze. Suddenly Gilbert jumped out at me, making me scream. "You frightened me!" I laugh as he picked me up and twirled me around. "However, I tell you, I cannot breathe in this corset!" I gasp, trying to gain some air into my lungs. "Turn around and I'll loosen it. Honestly I don't know why you women wear these silly contraptions!" Gilbert muttered in disbelief. "I wonder that every day. But, according to the French, 'Il faut souffrir pour etre belle," I sigh. (Reader, in case you do not know, Il faut souffrir pour etre belle means 'You must suffer to be beautiful' in French!) "Well, I think the French are not of a sound mind," Gilbert shook his head. I feel much better once Gilbert had finished lossening my laces. "Oh, I can actually breathe now. Thank you, my love," I turn around and grin. "Come on, let's have another game in the maze before we go back in. I suspect we are being missed," Gilbert laughed.