The Troubles from Monsters and Men (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

The Last Spring Ball

Jane paced circles around her parlor, occasionally sneaking glances outside the windows.

"Will you please settle down? All your walking is bound to carve a hole into the floor."

"What if something happened to him? What if he's been hurt again?"

James rolled his eyes. "He's sent you multiple letters, he's clearly alright. He'll make do on his promise if he knows what's good for him." James stood in front of the window, using his reflection to fix his bow tie. Though he found his sister's worries amusing, he wasn't thrilled to chaperone again. It should have been George's turn, but he found some work-related excuse to avoid his brotherly duties. James shook his head with a frustrated grunt. His bow remained a mess and he'd have to start over.

"Come here. It's a shame tying a bow isn't one of your tricks."

No sooner had Jane fixed the knot when a knock sounded at the door. "Mr. Richard Turner has arrived," their butler announced.

Jane sucked in a sharp breath and her heart quickened. "Thank you, Mr. Bates, please bring him here and alert my parents," Jane forced her speech steady. As soon as Mr. Bates left the room, she shoved her brother aside to inspect herself one last time. She brushed back a loose strand of her blonde hair into her ornate updo. She pinched her cheeks and puckered her lightly rouge-tinted lips. She straightened her blue bodice and readjusted her bustle skirt. Satisfied, she rushed over to an armchair and sat down, positioning herself to such an utmost and upright position that would make even Mrs. Watson proud.

A few minutes later, Mr. Bates arrived with Richard in tow. Their eyes met and Jane's heart swelled with emotion. His dirty-blonde fauxhawk had grown and been styled into a side-parted pompadour. He was dressed in his best evening suit and his blue eyes appeared to shine brightly. "Good afternoon, Miss Williams. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," he said with a cheeky grin. He strode towards her with an air of properness Jane didn't know he had and bowed before her while presenting a beautiful bouquet of roses. Taking her hand, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

Jane smiled. "Good day, Mr. Turner. You certainly cleaned up quite nicely, I've never seen an arm sling so becoming of someone."

"I reckoned I'd try something different. Though if you miss the more roguish look, I can still be a rogue for you."

James' angry grunt interrupted them. "Our parents are waiting for you in their drawing room."

"I'll try not to miss you too much darling," he said with a wink to Jane. Turning to her brother he said, "It was great seeing you James, 'till next time."

"Don't be so quick to miss me either, I'll be chaperoning you both tonight."

Richard's face fell, but before he could protest, James swung the door open and pushed him through.

...oOo...

"Lizzy hurry! I need to be laced," Cat whined as she turned her back to her sister. She was wearing a yellow bustle gown with a heart-shaped neckline, though her bodice was slipping off her shoulders. "The carriages will depart soon!"

"Hang on Cat! I can't find my shoe —"

"—Here." Maria interrupted, handing Lizzy the missing pair. It was an ornate green silk-heeled shoe that matched her green silk gown. Maria had just entered the room and found the shoe peeking out from underneath her bed.

"Maria! You've got to hurry! We were worried you wouldn't make it."

Maria grimaced, "Mrs. Watson kept us. She wanted to ensure the final preparations were ready."