Demons'll Charm You

Chapter 9: The Dinner

"Don't be nervous. There isn't anything to be nervous about," Toby muttered to himself as the hansom he was in rolled to a stop in front of the large grand house. The month had flown to its end, and the engagement dinner party had arrived. Belle's sister, Vivian, offered her own home for the party since their home had more room for entertaining guests. Belle and Elizabeth took up the offer immediately, much to Toby's silent disapproval of the idea. He liked Vivian Andrews, but being in the home of her husband, Philip, was not something he wanted to do, especially since the last time they saw one another, Toby had been accosted with such hostility from him during dinner. He had to go on with it, though, for Belle.

Toby paid the hansom driver and gave him a few coins from his coat pocket. He then grabbed a flower bouquet he had purchased for Vivian, as a thank you for hosting. As the hansom began to leave, he almost called out to the driver to wait as it rolled down the road behind him. Toby was now alone on the sidewalk of the Andrews' home, the nearby lamppost flickering in the night.

From outside the home, Toby could hear the murmuring of cheerful voices and laughter from within, and a silhouette appeared by the window; an angelic side profile. It was his Belle. He let out a deep breath and glanced at the front door. Tonight will be good. Tonight is what needs to happen so that you may be fully accepted by Belle's family and their friends. They will become your friends too. His mental encouragement sparked some confidence in him, and he was about to begin his walk up the short steps to the front door when the side window opened. Belle suddenly came into view, her front half leaning out of the window to look at him. Her cheeks were rosy and her hair was done up so elegantly. Curls hung at the side of her face and gently caressed her cheek. She was a marvel to Toby. He could see that the dress she was wearing was a deep blue, which complimented her and made her look ethereal. Toby couldn't help but feel enchanted by her. He had always heard stories of people being stolen away by the fae, and he never believed it, not until he met her.

"Are you coming in?" Belle asked with a soft giggle.

Toby blinked before he smiled and said, "I was just about to go to the door."

"I'll open it for you!" Belle called out. "Everyone is already here and very eager to meet you."

Toby forced a smile and nervously glanced at the door. "Are they?"

"Oh, Toby," Belle soothed. "Just stay by my side all night and you'll be fine. They are curious about you but they have promised me that they will avoid certain topics."

Toby sighed and gathered his courage once more. "I look forward to meeting them."

The two exchanged smiles and Belle asked him to wait a moment as she went to the door. She then disappeared from the window, closing it, and hurried to meet him.

When the door opened, Belle immediately leaned over and kissed Toby's cheek. Toby, now blushing, took her hand and kissed it, noticing her engagement ring. The sight made him so proud.

"You're beautiful," Toby murmured as he reached over and gently caressed her cheek, seeing her blue sapphire earrings. She looked too good for him, he thought to himself.

"You're beautiful, too," Belle mused as she took his hand and gently pulled him into the house. The door shut behind Toby with a click and he already had a view into the parlor where many guests were gathered, none he recognized, that is until Vivian made her way through the crowd to greet him. Her hair was also in an updo and she wore a dress of emerald green, a black choker hanging at her neck.

"Tobias, welcome!" Vivian greeted.

"Good evening, Vivian," Toby said as he took her hand and kissed it. "Your home is lovely, and these are for you, as a thank you for hosting. You did not need to do so, it was too generous of you."