Demons'll Charm You

Chapter 6: First Impressions

Belle Marsden was the epitome of impatience as she waited for the arrival of Tobias Ragg for dinner in the front parlor of her aunt's home. Her eyes wandered from the ticking clock to the window in anticipation. Her sister, Vivian, and brother-in-law, Philip, were present too, much to Belle's anxiety toward them being invited. It was obvious that Philip did not care for Toby and she did not want any conflict to arise while they were trying to have a pleasant evening.

Elizabeth Marsden was still displeased with Belle's sneaking away, but the anger she felt had dissipated greatly. She, herself, even seemed a bit eager for this dinner.

"Belle, would you please stop staring out of the window," she said to her niece. "You embarrass yourself."

Belle sighed and left the window, choosing to go over to the mirror at the wall, instead. She stared at her reflection and admired the perfect up-do Beth had done with her hair. A few strands of blond curls cascaded down her back. Her evening dress was a deep shade of blue that made the lightness of her eyes more prominent. She felt beautiful.

"You look radiant, Isabelle," Vivian smiled as she approached her sister. "I'm sure Mr. Ragg will think so too."

"I do hope so."

Toby stood motionless in front of Marsden's door with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He had left home feeling confident as he was donned in his new coat and hat. He certainly looked the part of a proper gentleman, but as the buildings and homes he passed at each street became more grand and opulent, he had never felt more out of place. The confidence he had in himself was slowly draining with each step he made to the Marsden's front door. He couldn't even bring himself to knock. He wondered if he should turn back and return to his shop but the moment the thought entered his mind, he heard the sound of recognizable laughter from inside the home. It was her angelic laughter. The sound brought a smile to his face and a calmness came over him; he had to see her. After taking a calming breath, Toby slowly reached out and knocked on the door, prepared for whatever was to come.

The door was opened by the same young woman who had initially delivered the dinner invitation to Toby. He remembered her name was Beth, and he tipped his hat in greeting to her.

"Hello, Miss Beth."

"Hello, Mr. Ragg," she greeted with a quick nod. "Do come in."

She opened the door wider and Toby stepped into the home. The home already had a lavish display of wealth in the entrance hall. The walls were plastered end-to-end in a gaudy crimson wallpaper, and artwork hung scattered throughout. He took his hat off absentmindedly and Beth immediately took it from him to hang.

"I'll announce your arrival. Follow me," she said to him as she began walking away. Toby nodded and followed her slowly, continuously in awe as he passed through with her. The woodwork was like nothing he had ever seen before; he even noticed that the staircase railing had carvings of flowers all along the sides. Beautifully detailed portraits hung on the walls of people who were obviously Marsdens. Toby could tell because Belle shared many of their features. He paused briefly before one smaller portrait of two young girls in white frocks. The younger had blonde curls in little pigtails and her round cheeks were rosy. Toby recognized the young girls instantly as Belle and her sister. He smiled softly as walked away from it.

Beth stopped abruptly in front of a doorway to the parlor and stepped in to announce Toby's arrival. "Pardon me, but Mr. Tobias Ragg has arrived."

Belle shot up from her seat when she saw Toby enter the room once Beth moved aside. She watched as Toby stepped in, almost shyly, with flowers in hand. Her smile was immediate as she took in his handsome appearance. His hair was the neatest she had ever seen, he was freshly shaved, and his shoes were polished. He looked like an upper-class gentleman.