6th December 1852
The Christmas Ball of 1852 was a jovial affair, with candles lit, festive foods and drink available to the partygoers, and a band of local musicians, and the partygoers wearing their best frocks to celebrate the festive season.
Charles Montague stood on the wooden stage with his crisp emerald coloured suit with a toothy grin as he waved at his fellow Willowbrook residents, his family at the side of the stage, with Elizabeth wore a ruby red dress with a snow white Bertha neckline collar, and a red flower crown on her head.
Hilda was wearing her gold and mint green coloured dress with red gems made to look like holly berries standing out in her blonde hair.
Ophelia wore a lovely shade of bright ruby red with a matching red headdress, while Philomena wore a pearl white coloured gown with a matching white chenille, truly making her appear as an angel.
Edith wearing a green dress and her hair done in the elegant braids worn by Queen Victoria in her early years of ruling, and young Franklin wore a matching emerald green suit to his father.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I welcome you all to our twenty second Christmas Ball. It was around Christmas when I met this radiant creature I thank my stars I get to call my wife and the love of my life, and that she has given me more reasons to wake up and enjoy my day with our beautiful children."
The crowd awed at the sentiments Charles extended to his family as he continued, "You all are a wonderful community of unique and special people who make Willowbrook the cozy little town we are. The recent fire back in November, I think, didn't scare us, but made our resolve stronger. Willowbrook will not be scared by a fire. We have the spirit and the courage to stand here and proudly declare this land filled with opportunity home, and no fire, whether great or small, shall scare us away."
The crowd nodded and murmured in agreement, "Now, let's raise our glasses, and celebrate another glorious year under the reign of our Queen. God save the Queen."
"God save the Queen!" Everyone cheered, clinking glasses of those nearby as they drank.
"Drink, dance, enjoy yourselves, and have a very merry time!"
With a hand wave from Charles, a small band of violinists, cellists and harp players with a conductor began to play lively music, encouraging an upbeat and energetic crowd of dancing and a happy atmosphere.
"Montague!" exclaimed Sir Reginald. Charles turns from the two gentlemen he was talking with to greet Sir Reginald and his four guests.
"May I present my brother in law, Lord Tarrow also known as Fredrick Brookshaw, and my nephew's friends, Richard Blackmore, Gordon Pembroke and Archibald Ingham."
Charles extends his hand to shake Frederick's, "A pleasure, Lord Tarrow."
"Charmed." Fredrick said in a displeased tone
Charles subtly glanced between Frederick and Reginald before speaking again, "Well, I hope you all enjoy yourselves this evening."
Henry watched as Hilda stood with her sisters, who noticed his three friends, and the four elder girls began whispering amongst themselves, with Hilda casting a displeased look to Henry's three friends.
At the same time, Ophelia gasps and giggles, causing Hilda, Philomena and Edith to look to see where she was looking, but Edith didn't understand her older sister's interest in boys, and Philomena shrugged her older sister's behaviour.
YOU ARE READING
Striking Gold
Historical FictionIt's 1852, and the Australian Gold Rush has begun. Hilda Montague loves Australia, the country she's lived in since birth. Henry Brookshaw despises it, the country he's been sent to by his widower father to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle...
