A Love Beyond Time

Chapter IV

The day had finally arrived.   After a week of preparation, we were finally ready for the ball.  As nightfall was quickly approaching, everyone was scurrying around the manor ensuring everything would be perfect.   I exited my chambers and walked downstairs to the foyer where Sebastian was instructing the servants of what their next tasks would be.  They took off in a hurry, leaving Sebastian on his own. He reached for his pocket watch and opened it, making note of the time.

"There is still so much that needs to be done and yet such little time to do it," he said with a sigh before returning the watch to its place. He turned to see me tiredly walking down the stairs.  "Ah, my lady! Happy birthday to you! I'm very glad to see you.   Is there something you require?"

I shake my head and run my fingers through my hair.   I glance down the hall and peer into the ballroom.  Everything was coming along smoothly.  Soon, guests would begin to arrive, and the ball would be in full motion.

"I wanted to see how everything was going.   It seems that you have it all in order.  I am very pleased, Sebastian."  He smiled at the compliment and bowed his head.

"I am grateful for your words of praise.  It is my duty to ensure that your every wish is fulfilled, so I will do my utmost to make your desires a reality.  For the moment, however, you had best begin getting dressed for the ball. Do you require any assistance?"

"Please, if you have the time."

"Certainly, my lady."

I led Sebastian to my chambers where I had my dress laid neatly on my bed.  I had Mey-rin assist me with my corset.  All that was left was my dress and my hair.   Sebastian picked up my dress, unclasps the back and approaching me.

"It's quite a feat that Miss Hopkins was able to produce a product using a clasp locker.  This is new technology after all.   It makes dress wearing a bit simpler," he stated with a chuckle.

Sebastian slips the dress over my head and adjusts it before clasping the back.   He points me toward the mirror, a smile on his face.

"Is this acceptable?"

"It's perfect.   Thank you, Sebastian."

He nods his head and bows.

"It was no trouble at all.   If you'll excuse me, I'll be off to check on the other servants."

He exits my chamber and I look into the mirror again.  I wish he could be here to see me.   I miss him terribly.

Once satisfied with my appearance I look out the window.   The sun is setting.   Night is coming, and with that will come the guests.  A few days prior, Ciel and I sent a good many invitations to some of our closest friends and those of nobility alike.   I walk over to my bed and lay down to rest my eyes.  It would only be an hour or so until the ball, but all this prepping has exhausted me.   Perhaps I'll close my eyes for just a moment.

..........

The sound of the violin bows gracefully playing against the thin strings echoed through my ears. The ballroom was glittering with shiny bright lights.  A grand chandelier hung in the center of the ceiling, diamonds trickling from the tip of the candles.   A waltz soon began to play, and a white, gloved hand extended toward me.  I turned my attention to the man standing in front of me.

"My dear, may I have this dance?" he inquired, knowing my answer would always be yes.   I smiled, gently placing the tips of my fingers on the palm of his hand, my gaze focused solely on his green eyes.