Rift

Chapter 6

Musicians sat in the corner playing a happy tune on their violins, perfect for dancing. Our town did not often throw parties, but when we did, they were grand affairs. Everyone came dressed in the finest that they could afford and danced the night away until their feet were sore and covered in blisters. Mother had made me a new dress for the occasion, and while the skirt was a bit long and the boots I had worn to match were a bit tight, I did not care; I spun around the room without regret, removing my boots and stockings as soon as my feet became sore.

"Sawyer, will you come here for a moment?" I heard Mother call.

"Yes Mother?" I asked, smoothing my skirts when I reached her.

"You seem to have an admirer, my dear," she gently nudged my shoulder and pointed across the room; Thaddeus Flint, the tall, sandy haired stranger that had arrived in our little town just a few weeks earlier was staring at me intently and sipping from his glass.

"Thaddeus Flint? What could he possibly want with me?"

"Maybe he is charmed by your ladylike dancing," Mother teased.

"Hush now, do not be cruel. He cannot possibly be interested in me; he does not even know me!"

"I do not think you are aware of your beauty, Sawyer," her smile faded quickly, and she began fussing about my hair and dress.

"What on earth are you doing, Mother?" I asked.

"Mr. Flint is walking over here now and I would like you to look somewhat presentable," she said, removing a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbing at the sweat on my forehead.

"Oh for goodness sake Mother would you leave me be?" I said, swatting her hand away before she turned me around.

"Good evening ladies, I take it you are enjoying yourselves?" he asked, offering me a glass which I politely accepted and sipped from.

"We are, Mr. Flint. And yourself?" Mother asked.

"Very much so," Thaddeus looked me up and down before smiling and taking a sip of his drink. The musicians began a new tune, and I could feel my feet beginning to get away from me; I handed Mother my drink and curtsied to her and Thaddeus, but before I could go back to dancing, someone gently grabbed my wrist and pulled me back.

"I am terribly sorry to bother you Miss Noble but I was wondering if I might have a dance?" Thaddeus asked. Mother gave me a look before pushing me into Thaddeus' arms.

"I would be delighted to, Mr. Flint," I said; he took my waist and we danced around the room at an impressive speed. His energy was matched perfectly with my own, and for a moment it felt as if we were flying. Clapping echoed from every corner of the room, cheering us on as we twirled across the floor, and by the time the song was over, I was too tired to continue. I had never been this tired after a single dance before.

"That was quite enjoyable, Miss Noble. Thank you for allowing me the honor of being your dancing partner," Thaddeus bowed and kissed my hand.

"The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Flint," I said, curtsying. We stood in silence for a moment just looking at each other and smiling. There was something about Thaddeus that I could not quite put my finger on, but it was exciting and new, and if there was one thing that I longed for, it was excitement, though I was certainly never deprived of it.

"May I call on you soon, Miss Noble?" he asked shyly.

"You may. Goodnight, Mr. Flint," I said. Mother was waiting by the door; as I went to leave, I turned back to see if Thaddeus was watching me, and sure enough, his eyes were fixed on the back of my head, though when he noticed I was looking, he turned and walked the other way.