Becoming Human

Fourth Scene

Sophie was nervous. She had never been to one of these elegant parties before. Having a sister in high society was exhausting. She preferred adventuring, like they did in the old days, but with Ethan, her brother-in-law, going into politics Amelia had certain social obligations. It wasn't that he wasn't capable of doing a good job, but it was important that his family be seen in a good light, especially his wife and children.

Amelia was meant for that world but not Sophie. All she ever wanted was to fall in love, get married and have a house full of children. The problem was is that things didn't work out like that. She was almost twenty and by society's standards she was already an old maid. Perhaps it was why her sister insisted on playing Cupid for her.

She walked down the hall concentrating on not falling on her face in the very uncomfortable shoes her sister insisted on her wearing. There was supposed to be dancing at this party but how was she supposed to face an activity like that with these shoes? They had what looked like a two-inch heel. Amelia had them made for her making sure they had a smaller heel so she was able to walk and dance in them without breaking her neck.

She reached the staircase and saw that some of the party guests had already arrived. She nervously ascended the stairs looking down to see her sister smiling up at her.

Amelia was about to make her big speech which made Sophie even more nervous. She was just trying to reach the bottom without falling. The last thing she wanted to do was slip and make a spectacle of herself and embarrass her sister.

She took a deep breath and counted. That always helped her in her concentration of keeping her balance. As she reached the bottom she heard her sister's voice giving another one of her embellished speeches.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present my lovely sister Sophia in her social debut." Sophie wanted to roll her eyes at the name Amelia called her. Sophia may have been her given name, but no one ever called her that... not even Amelia.

Her sister came towards her along with a few other older women all dressed in expensive gowns. It made Sophie feel like an ugly duckling. She was nowhere near as sophisticated as Amelia, and there were even things her sister didn't know.

"Sophia dear, you look so lovely in the blue gown," a slightly overweight woman with a peacock feather in her headdress said. Her voice was a bit scratchy but high-pitched.

"This is Mrs. Farnsworth," Amelia told her sister. "Remember? I told you she was head of the Ladies' League."

"Oh, yes, I remember now," Sophie said, trying to be gracious. "It's nice to meet you."

She tried to outstretch her hand but the woman seemed to get overly excited. "Oh, Mrs. Bordon, she is a lovely little creature, perfect for my Milton."

"What's a Milton?" Sophie whispered to Amelia.

Amelia just made a sound signaling her to be quiet. "Oh, Milton," Mrs. Farnsworth called out. "Come here, dear."

Sophie did her best to escape the scene fearing what she might be in for, but before she could take a step away a tall young man appeared out of nowhere. He was the typical sort, handsome and well-dressed, but Sophie wondered how he was with a cross bow. She was an excellent shot, but Amelia already explained to her that was not the sort of thing high society men looked for in a girl.

"Oh, Milton, there you are," Mrs. Farnsworth said as she opened her arms wide. Sophie could tell she excelled at over-dramatics. "I want to introduce you to Mrs. Bordon's sister." Sophie could see the young man rolled his eyes. Perhaps he wanted to be there even less than she did. "Her unmarried sister."

The young man perked up at that but not by much. "Hello, Mister Farnsworth," Amelia said and curtseyed. "This is my sister, Sophia."

Sophie wanted to choke hearing Amelia use that name. She was Sophie and had always been Sophie, and that's who she would always be.

"Well, perhaps this party will not be so boring after all," Milton said and gave a dramatic bow. Sophie wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, but she stopped herself not wanting to embarrass her sister. "It is nice to meet you, Miss Sophia." He took her hand and kissed it. It felt a little strange but she endured it.

"Milton," Mrs. Farnsworth chimed in. "Perhaps you should ask the young lady to dance."

"Yes, Mother," he said stumbling over the words. "Would you care to...?"

"Yes, please," Sophie said, trying to spare the task of talking.

He took her hand led her to the dance area as an amusing song was being played on the piano.

To be Continued...

This scene took a few days to get together. I've been so busy working and writing other stories and trying to keep up without everyone else's stories. I will be posting more soon since I have the weekend off.