Evoke

Chapter Nine

Mystic Falls
August 24th, 1864

"Here we are," Harry's announcement drew me from my thoughts. I looked away from the window of the carriage and to him. He looked a little concerned, but smiled when he saw my smile. Harry and I had just arrived outside the concert hall, where we were to watch an opera. Harry had escorted me tonight because Kenneth was unfortunate enough to have hurt his leg whilst horseriding yesterday. Janelle was visiting her family some 50 miles away, and Harry refused to let either of us miss the new opera because our other halves were not able to attend.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked gently.
"Yes," I replied, smiling reassuringly. "I'm more than fine."
"Good," Harry nodded. He escaped from the small carriage and held out his hand for me to climb out behind him. I heaved a nervous sigh when I reached the floor, before looping my arm with Harry's.
"You seem nervous," Harry commented quietly as we entered the grand building.
"Only a little," I replied gently. "People gossip."
A small frown appeared on Harry's face. "You're concerned about gossips?"
"Yes," I responded, slightly hurt. "You know I'm in a very important position within this town-"
"You've told me a thousand times, Nella," Harry sighed. "You can't have your reputation damaged. I understand. But we are here as friends, are we not?"
I hesitated. "Yes."
"And we are here with no reason to be deceitful," Harry added. "So stop your worrying. We are here to enjoy ourselves."
"Sorry," I apologised. "It just feels so strange."
"A good strange, I hope?" Harry questioned, a small, wishful smile on his face.
"A very good strange," I responded, nodding.
"Nella!"
I turned away from Harry to see my brother walking towards me. "I was beginning to think that you'd be late."
"Not at all, Stefan," I said, hugging him tightly. "Where is Father?"
"With Katherine," Stefan responded. "Introducing her to the families. Hello, Harry."
"Stefan," Harry greeted formally. "I trust that you're well?"
"Very, thank you," Stefan replied politely. "Do you mind if I speak to my sister alone for a moment?"
"Not at all," Harry smiled, before walking off to find someone else to talk to.
"What is it, Stefan?" I asked, a slight worry creasing my forehead.
"Nothing's wrong," Stefan reassured me. "Where's Kenneth?"
"You remember he fell from his horse yesterday, don't you?," I said. "It was more severe than Dr. Phillips first believed. He can't even walk."
"That's horrible," Stefan responded. "So why are you here with Harry?"
"Janelle is out of town and neither Harry or I wanted to miss the opera, so we agreed to go together," I said smoothly. "It was very kind of him to offer."
Stefan lowered his head so he could whisper in my ear. "Why do I sense that you're not telling me the whole truth, Nella?"
"How did you know?" I asked.
"I'm your brother," Stefan responded simply. "I won't question it if you don't want me to - but DAmon would if he were here."
"He's not, though."
"No," Stefan agreed. "But I might tell him."
"What do you want?" I scowled at him.
"Can you ask Father to excuse me from business for a few weeks?" Stefan asked innocently.
"Why?" I asked suspiciously.
Stefan looked a little sheepish when he replied next. "I want to spend more time with Katherine."
I pursed my lips. "Fine. As long as you don't tell Damon, I'll pursuade Father to let you have the next month off."
Stefan's face lit up. "Thank you, Nella!"
I couldn't help but smile at his joy. "You're welcome, Stefan."
"Harry's coming back," Stefan noted. "You'll sit with us?"
"Of course," I smiled, before my brother disappeared and Harry returned.
"I assume you couldn't find anyone worth talking to?" I asked him.
"Hardly," Harry said. "A few people inquired about Janelle and Kenneth, but no one interesting."
"Look's like we're going in," I nodded towards the grand double doors that had just opened. "Stefan wants us to sit with them."
"Of course," Harry said graciously, before offering his arm to me once again. I took it, smiling, and we walked over to my brother, father and Katherine. I greeted both Father and Katherine with smiles and Father said how sorry he was that Kenneth couldn't attend. I'm sure it was some sly comment that was meant to offend Harry, but he either ignored it or just didn't understand.
Once we were inside and seated, the lights dimmed and the performance started. But Harry and I hardly paid any attention to the beautiful voices on stage. We were wrapped up in our own conversations, darting between politics and art and business and fashion. That was the wonderful thing about spending time with Harry - no matter where we were, our conversations were exciting and intelligent. Of course, Kenneth and I had conversations like this, but it was never as seamless and enthralling as speaking with Harry.
He kept me entertained much more than the four acts of Die Rheinnixen, and we could hardly pause our conversation long enough to say goodbye to my family. However, it dried up the moment we settled into the carriage to take us home.
There was an unspoken subject hanging between us: the kiss that we shared not a week ago. Neither of us had considered bringing it up and now that we were alone, it seemed to be the only thing I could think about.
I wasn't sure how that made me feel. I knew Kenneth was waiting for me at home, but ... part of me wanted to stay next to Harry forever. And Harry seemed to understand that when he finally broke the silence between us.
"Do you want to come home with me tonight, Nella?" He asked softly, as if he almost wished I couldn't hear him.
My eyes widened and I bit my lip. Harry quickly covered himself. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with - we can stay in separate rooms if that would mean you'd be near me happily."
I sighed. "Harry..."
"I know, I know," He muttered. "You've got a reputation and Kenneth. But Nella, how often would an opportunity like this arise?"
"I wasn't going to say no," I responded quietly.
"You weren't?" Harry said, the surprise evident.
"No," I shook my head gently. "I have no reason to."
Harry smiled then and kissed my cheek. "You're wonderful."
"As are you," I smiled gently. I could hardly believe that I had actually agreed to go home with him. Our relationship had been more refusals and excuses than one could ever imagine and now ... it was actually an acceptance. I wasn't running and hiding from my feelings and it felt wonderful. I forgot about Janelle as we rolled into the Lowe's driveway and Harry helped me from the carriage.
I forgot Kenneth as Harry led me inside, bolting the door behind us. I forgot my reputation as we ascended the stairs towards the bedroom. And I forgot the rest of the world when we slipped into bed together, finally acting upon what I had known for just over three years: I was in love with Harry Lowe.