apple thief

the ball and the secret

My father was furious with me for falling in the river but he didn't tell mother so he saved me from a scolding and punishment from mother for which I was greatful to him for .

The day of my 18th birthday and the ball had arrived my mother was busy here and there making sure everything was perfect which meant the maids started getting me ready midmorning they started with scrubbing my hair with all these oils special for today and then came the task of styling it they pulled and tugged and tucked my hair until it was in a bun that let loose curls fall down my back. The makeup was next first powder my face as pale white as possible and dark red lips to contrast my sapphire blue dress and mask ( I choose them much to mothers dismay) and then lastly a light silver dusting on my eyelids to finish everything off.
Putting on my dress was a task first the underdress then a petticoat I opted out of a hoop skirt as I would like to be able to dance without killing my finances legs and last but not least my dress a deep sapphire blue tight in the bodice and then flowing down my body every seem and detail done in shimmering silver thread and oh my mask matches perfectly except for a small added touch by me a small red jewel in the shape of an apple as just a reminder for me of what could've been. As the guest began to arrive the band my mother had requested began to play waltz after waltz which left my dancing around in circles bored out of my mind until a man asked to cut it that seemed somewhat familiar his eyes the most stunning of Blues with just a few speckles of green contrasted with his tanned skin he was handsome for sure he whispered a greeting " perhaps we should go spend the evening down by the river" blushing and with a smile I answered "well kind sir I see no river around but perhaps a walk in the garden to get some air will do" he bowed to me and walked outside as the dance ended I waited a few moments and then followed we met by the entrance to the rose garden he offered his arm and I walked with him he spoke first "Kasandra this is a lovely party I just wish it wasn't also an engagement announcement as I have tried and failed several times to speak with your father tonight on that subject I have just come to own my father's orchard and all his lands I would make you happy" putting my hand up I stopped him "it would make me happier then you could imagine but this engagement can not be undone it has been in motion since I was an infant there's nothing that can be done. The wedding date has even been set it will be 3 months from today June 7 I'm so sorry Jacob" he sighed "then do me one last favor tomorrow do you know where the lake is down by the edge of the medow" I nodded he continued " meet me there and let me hold you one last time" I agreed and as he bent to kiss my hand my father came looking for me " Kasandra come back to the house we are about to make the announcement, your mother is not happy you disappeared" Jacob kissed my hand and said " I'm glad I could accompany you until you felt better miss James" my father thanked Jacob without knowing who he was and walked me back into the house with Jacob following behind us when we came into the crowd of people my father pulled me along to the staircase and helped me walk about a quarter of the way up and as I looked around Jacob still stood at the door his blue eyes shinning but with sadness.
My father shouted out over the crowd
"IT IS WITH GREAT HONOR THAT I PRESENT MY DAUGHTER AND HER FIANCE TRAVIS." Everyone clapped and cheered and celebrated for us as the dancing began again now instead of being passed around I only danced with Travis. He was a bit older then me maybe 25 or so he was fair skinned like me which meant he had grown up wealthy and never had to work, his eyes were deep dark mud puddles that didn't show any feeling and of course he smelled of whisky and cigars. The evening came to an end just before midnight everyone coming by on their way out and offering congratulations and wishing us the best Jacob was one of the last to come by, with sadness in his eyes he said " I wish you eternal happiness and to you sir you are a very lucky man to have the love of such a kind lady." And that was it he was gone.