The Gentleman of Greenstoke

VI.

After Gilbert had spent the entire day in Arthur's mansion – observing almost every corner in his house in the hopes of seeing Elizabeta – Arthur had come to the conclusion that he needed to teach his guests the rules of Victorian dancing. If they were to attend the Beilschmidt's ball, they needed to know the steps. During the evening, he was suggesting this idea and received approval from every present. He had already explained some steps – theoretically – while they were eating supper. Sakura had listened carefully and asked a few questions which caused the man to form a smile. Throughout the evening the Englishman had observed her – which was left unnoticed to her but not from Alfred who shot him a knowing look. The way she had perked up every time Arthur was commenting something or how she had inquired after the several types of dances. It had made the British man content and he realised how adorable he found her. Alfred on the other side of the table had grinned brightly, happy for his cousin. He knew that Arthur was infatuated with the calm Japanese. Fortunately, she seemed to be pleased with him too. All those observations caused the young American to think about his own future. Matrimony was a topic he liked to avoid – just like Arthur. Both were under the pressure of marrying for providing an heir to inherit their fortune (or in Alfred's case: businesses). He had often been confronted with mothers of debutants who eagerly wanted their daughters to dance with him. Marrying someone of the ton was expected from the two. Arthur had been a little indecisive of whom to wed. However, Alfred was certain that he would never take a member of the English society as a wife. Arthur often tried to change his mind with no success. "I don't want a wife who is more interested in her beauty than anything else," the American had said, "And you too would be unhappy if you have to wed someone who is looking more in the mirror than at you."

The two were often surrounded by young females on balls. The season was the worst for the two. Although his cousin was often overwhelmed by young giggling women – an amusing sight for Alfred to see the English struggling for private sphere – he seemed to have the situation more under control than Alfred. The attending Ladies were judging him due to his occupation as a tradesman, but they still tried to flirt with him (probably because he had a goof fortune). The double standards in Society were incomprehensible for him. But in the end he did not care; he would not marry any soon. Which could not be said of Arthur, Alfred concluded. The green-eyed man was besotted with the Japanese woman who was smiling at every word he uttered. And the American did not oppose such a marriage; he was fond of her and his cousin. At least his sister-in-law would not be a wandering English artwork with a feather hat and make up, but a Samurai's daughter.

The following morning Arthur was so excited to show them – especially Sakura – this cultural aspect of Victorian lifestyle. As he entered the drawing room where they would dance, he had not expected someone to be present; it was only the beginning of the day and the man was surprised as his eyes caught Sakura's form near the window. She was observing the gardens; her dreamy expression was intensified by the sun's lighting which shone through the glasses of the window. Arthur stopped immediately, wondering how she could look so angelic. He continued walking further into the room with the attempt of addressing her, even though she still had not perceived him.

"Miss Honda," he called out softly but received no reaction. 'She must be caught in her thoughts,' he mused, a small smile gracing his face. He addressed her again without success and decided to approach her closely. His steps were extremely quiet. Without thinking any further, he tapped her clothed shoulder lightly.

Unbeknownst to him, approaching a trained Samurai's daughter from behind was a grave mistake. Sakura's reflexes were different from most women in Europe. While English ladies would turn around with a startled and blushing expression, daughters of Samurais would act less softly. Within a second, the Japanese took a hold of his hand and threw his body over her shoulder, on the floor.