A Girl Who Can Dream

Chapter the Fourth

As Grayson and I headed back inside, a middle-aged, balding man stopped us. He was in a white dress-shirt with a black overcoat and cufflinks. He had a black top hat as well, to complete the look. Though the clothes themselves were satin and luxurious, speaking of a rich background, they were crumpled and I spied stains that were hastily covered up, speaking of some misfortune in the family.

He bowed, though not low enough to be classified as a commoner. "Miss Cavendish, I presume." I nodded, which earned a pleasant smile. "Ah, I am the Honorable Sir Victor Baskerville, baronet."

My surprise was evident. The Ball of the Lords was restricted to nobility only. Though many people considered the honorary members of the nobility, the baronets and knights, as part of the noble class, the actual nobles rarely did so. If this Sir Victor had gotten an invitation, he must've been very influential. "A pleasure," I managed with a shadow of a smile.

Grayson, beside me as before, had frozen in his shock, though he recovered quickly. He nodded his greetings mutely.

Sir Victor laughed good-naturedly, his eyes crinkling at the edge clearly showing his age. "I see that you are surprised. As I understand, baronets aren't usually invited to balls like these, as we are considered 'lower class scum' to most of you. Of course, I wouldn't usually come anyway, except that your father invited me here personally." Again, at my surprise, he chuckled. He closed his eyes, opening them a moment later with purpose. "Yes, I believe it was only a few days ago. The Duke of Devonshire called upon my humble home with an invitation to an annual ball I'd never heard of before. Now, I'm an old widower, you see, and I don't usually go to large events like these, but as a personally invited guest, I was obliged to."

I shook away my shock and pulled on a quick smile. "Sir, may I inquire about your relation with my father? I have never heard him mention the family name Baskerville."

Sir Victor's smile sent a horrible feeling to my stomach and I closed my eyes for a moment, settling myself. You are out of harm's way. You will be fine. I used these thoughts as a mantra to will away the sickening feeling in me. "Lord Cavendish is an old friend, my dear. Nothing more." He looked curiously at Grayson. "Now, you, young lord, are unfamiliar to me. Pray, state your name and title."

"Lord Grayson Davenport, heir to the Marquess of Cheshire. I live in the heart of the city of Chester, in Lavender Hall." He introduced himself with a slight bow of his chest. "Now, sir, I believe we must be going. The hostess must be there for the final dance, must she not?"

"Of course, of course. Carry on." The gentleman let us pass from the door and we hurried back to the ballroom where they'd just announced the thirty-second break.

Oh no. I didn't even have the time to choose a partner for the final dance. I turned to Grayson, a plea in my eyes. He read me perfectly.

We joined the circle of dancers somewhere in the side, getting into the practiced position just a second before the music began. Even a second too late and we would've been crushed by the dancers.

Now, as the dance floor wasn't our own, we didn't have the space to try the twirling again, or anything else. As soon as the two-minute dance was over, we were winded, leaning lightly on each other for support as we made our way to the exit.

The guests streamed out where their carriages awaited them in the courtyard. Father stood near the entrance, addressing every family by name and wishing them farewell. I joined him, Grayson by my side. I waved and smiled as I did in the beginning, waiting for the moment when only the Davenports were left.

Lady Adeline came up to me. She was like my second mother, just like Miss Woods, but closer as she'd been like a sister to my mother as well. I'd always adored her for the way she carried herself. The confidence and air of authority radiated from her, commanding the attention of those higher ranked than her, like Father. She was a pretty woman as well, with cherry red lips and soft brown eyes, a natural blush on her cheeks always. "Cecelia!" She cried, throwing her arms around me in a motherly squeeze. "My dear, such a fine young lady you've become. Lavinia would've been proud to see you. Grayson, dear, you must find yourself a wife as beautiful as her, only then will I accept it!" She winked playfully.

The mention of Mother's name, Lavinia, sent a thrill through my spine. My memories of her were pretty fuzzy, as she died when I was a four year old toddler, but whenever anyone mentioned her, I felt my chest puff up with pride. I curtsied with a warm smile on my face. "Thank you, Lady Adeline."

Grayson, meanwhile, was scarlet from the suggestive comment his mother had made. I pushed at his shoulder with a teasing smile. "What does that blush mean, eh?" I laughed as he frowned at me.

Lady Adeline winked at me and steered her son away. They talked to Father for a moment before following Lord Charles out the door and leaving Garner Hall as empty as it was before the excitement of the ball began that night.

Well, except for a certain baronet who entered the ballroom creepily as we were about to exit and turn in for the night. Father's eyes widened. "Ah, Sir Victor Baskerville, so sorry. You must've stayed out a little bit longer."

The baronet smiled in his usual way, sending a jolt along my spine. Something about that man just wasn't right. "Am I a bother, my lord? I'll be on my way then."

"Oh no," Father chuckled, an odd sound coming from him. "Not a bother at all. Is there a carriage waiting for you, outside? To take you to the station?" When the man shook his head no, Father gestured for him to join us. "Please, feel free to stay. It isn't right for a man in your status to travel in a cab at this hour of night."

"You are too kind, my lord, but I have accommodations elsewhere ready for me. I believe it is time that I take leave from your hospitality." Sir Victor nodded his farewell and left through the ballroom doors. 

"Please," I begged Molly, my hands clasped together, my brows furrowed. Something about tonight seemed off and I was worried. "Please, stay here. Mr. Butler will bring your bed over from the next room. I can't stay alone tonight."

Molly, at first, had believed this to be some joke, but realized now that my fears were real. "Really, Cecelia, what happened? Is something the matter, can I do something for you? I don't understand why you suddenly need me to sleep in the same room as you, like you needed when you were a toddler. What is this?"

I was shaking with fear. "So many things are wrong. Everything seems off. Something is going to happen tonight and you will be sorry for not heeding my request!" I was angry now. Please, Molly. "Help me, Molly. You see the fright that has taken over me right now. I am practically speechless with it. I am not like this without good reason. Please."

"Cecelia, I'll be in the next room over. There's no need to call Oliver up at such an hour. If anything arises, call for me and I'll be there in a moment." Molly turned around and walked out the door before I could protest any further.

I stood for a moment, fearing my loneliness, my eyes closed tightly. Please, whoever is listening, protect me. I don't know what it is that is giving me this sense of dread, but I know that whoever ignores it will regret it. Please, heed my call!

Earlier, as I'd said goodnight to Father, I'd told him of my extreme fear. He'd laughed it off, dismissing it as my ladylike instincts that didn't make any sense, but I knew it was something more. "Don't be silly, dear, that's not what I raised you to be."

I'd believed that Molly, a woman like me, would've understood my fears, my instinct. But, no, she too walked into her quarters without a worry about me. What should I do? Everything in me was shaking with this fear, yet there was nothing that I could do.

Finally, after a long sigh, I walked to my bed and laid down. The lights had already been switched off and after climbing into bed, everything seemed worse. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

You are out of harm's way. You will be fine. I used the same mantra from before to calm myself before slowly slipping into a dreamless sleep.