Elizabeth

Chapter 3- The meeting

Elizabeth erupted into tears as Charlotte held her tightly, "I'm so sorry..." whispered Charlotte again as Elizabeth sobbed into her shoulder. For what seemed like hours the two of them stayed there in each other's embrace, grieving for their lost friend. "She was...she was with me... just last night" Elizabeth stuttered between snivels and sobs. Charlotte didn't reply, there was nothing to say, all she could do was hold Elizabeth tightly and be her shoulder to cry on, despite her own eyes welling up with tears. Neither girls knew why Laura had disappeared, or even when, perhaps if they did it would have been somewhat comforting rather than knowing nothing. "Perhaps she went home..." Charlotte mumbled, despite knowing it was unlikely. "I mean they do say that girls just disappear and go home, perhaps her parents reached her somehow. It would explain why the Master couldn't find her, after all; there isn't any other explanation..." Charlotte looked down at the ground, knowing well that it was a stupid idea, there had to be something else at work here. "Then why didn't she tell me?!" Elizabeth yelled, stepping backwards and shaking her head. She rubbed her eyes free from tears and looked down at the ground. Charlotte stared at her, round eyes, shocked by her sudden outburst. "Sorry," Elizabeth mumbled, "It's just all too suspicious for me to just accept. None of this makes any sense..." A caring smile spread across Charlotte's face, as she grasped Elizabeth's hands tightly. "Don't worry; I'll be here for you! She exclaimed, passion in her eyes, a look all too familiar to Elizabeth who gave out a defeated sigh and returned a small smile. "Now that's over and done with...I have a surprise for you!" Charlotte grinned.

As if on cue Mary, June and Kaitlin walked in. Their familiar faces held a painted smile, hiding the loss of a close friend and how much it meant to them. Charlotte wiped her eyes to hide her sorrow and painted her own grin. "There's a huge ball going on downstairs!" she giggled, "I thought I'd invite the girls over so we could all cheer up!" The other three nodded their heads in unison and tiptoed over to the bed emptying out bags full of jewellery which glistened in the sunlight. "The ball starts at 3pm, which is in precisely 4 hours, meaning we have 4 hours to finish getting ready." June announced, pushing her raven black hair behind her ears. Elizabeth was slightly taken back by the formality of the girl causing her to fall into a fit of giggles like the others. June rolled her eyes, used to this sort of mockery from her friends. Mary swung the wardrobe door open, once again revealing rows and rows of fancy ball gowns. "Oh they are just so beautiful!" She squealed. A rhythmic knock on the door disturbed her excitement as the maid walked in, "Hello my dears, everyone having fun?" She smiled; her cheeks flushed a light pink. The other girls nodded with glee though Elizabeth had to bite her tongue to stop herself bombarding the maid with questions of Laura; she decided this was not the right time. The maid continued, "Well ladies, Master insisted we make dresses and suits for all the young ladies and gentlemen staying here." Two short, plump men walked in, most likely butlers, carrying a rack with 5 dresses all of which looked dazzling. "Elizabeth Nightingale." One called out, handing Elizabeth an exquisite crimson red ball gown with snow white lace sticking out the puffy sleeves and beautiful laced bodice. It was overall gorgeously graceful. Gasps could be heard from the other girls as they admired Elizabeth's dress making her blush slightly. Each girl was called up, getting an equally stunning dress though fascinatingly different. They tried the dresses on after the maid and butlers had gone and each suited their owner perfectly. They decorated each other with silver jewellery, both on their body and hair (which was now up in fancy buns and curls) which glistened in the sunlight and added to the girls alluring appearance. The clock downstairs strummed 4 times. "It's 4'o clock!" June gasped heading towards the door, Kaitlin and Mary tailing behind. Charlotte gave Elizabeth a cheesy grin and took her hand leading her to the others.

They entered a large ballroom, in the middle of the ballroom couples danced together to the beautiful music from the band in the corner. Tables were scattered around the edge coated in fancy food and expensive wines. The golden walls glittered in the sunlight bringing attention to the portraits on the walls, similar the ones in the dining room. The person who designed this mansion must have been a billionaire; after all, all the rooms (of which there are many) are covered in gold and expensive ornaments. Mary, June and Kaitlin ran into the centre of the ballroom, having no trouble finding three handsome men to dance with and began to waltz around. Meanwhile, Charlotte and Elizabeth shuffled round the edge to a table and sat down on the overly comfortable chairs. Elizabeth watched the couples waltz around laughing and having fun. "Thank you for coming, I know this must be hard for you." She smiled at Elizabeth who promptly smiled back. "Thank you for taking me, I understand it's just as hard for you too. You have my gratitude." Elizabeth replied, clinking her glass with Charlotte's and watching as Kaitlin clumsily stepped on her partner's feet, chuckling slightly.

While staring at the couples a particular man caught her eye, he had a chiselled chin and coal black hair swept across is handsome face. This brought out his beautiful sea blue eyes which happened to meet Elizabeth's emerald green eyes. Elizabeth blushed and looked down at the floor, "Oh who's that coming towards you?" Charlotte smirked teasingly, pointing towards the handsome man who was indeed gracefully striding over to where the two girls were sat. He stopped around a metre or so away and bowed. Charlotte stood up and gave a small curtsey, gesturing for Elizabeth to do the same. The man gave Elizabeth a charming look, "are you Elizabeth?" he asked with an award winning smile. Elizabeth looked up at him with wide eyes and nodded slightly, Charlotte giggled at the timidness of her friend. "Jacob Hansley, may I have this dance?" he asked, holding his hand out. Elizabeth glanced at Charlotte with an alarmed look, as if seeking approval. In response, Charlotte giggled and pushed Elizabeth into Jacob's arms who stumbled backwards in surprise yet held onto Elizabeth firmly. "Sorry about that..." Elizabeth mumbled, looking down at the floor, her whole face practically a tomato. "Don't worry about it!" Jacob laughed, taking her hands and guiding her onto the dance floor. The couple started waltzing back and forth to the music practically perfectly, apart from the odd stumble. Elizabeth couldn't help asking, "How did you know my name?" over the loud piano singing beautiful tunes. Jacob looked down at her, "well actually, I'm Laura's brother." Elizabeth gasped as he took her interest. "She told me a lot about you two actually, she said she really liked you and hoped to find out what was going on with the room, with you by her side, something like that anyway." Elizabeth almost fell behind while dancing, shocked by the man who continued to talk, "actually about that room. I was wondering if you could tell me about it. Laura would mention it now and again but I never had an interest in it. I don't really believe in rumours you see, but now I know she was onto something, she didn't go home... that's for sure. I want to continue searching for the secret to this place, so, please. Tell me about the room?" Elizabeth held his hand tightly, overjoyed by this news and happily told him all about the room and what she had seen. "I can't believe it, if only Laura was here to hear this..." he sighed. "Well thank you, you've been a great help." Jacob smiled, loosening his grip with hers. "Wait!" Elizabeth exclaimed tightening her grip further, "let me help you!" Jacob looked shocked for a moment, though his shock quickly turned into glee as he embraced her tighter, "it would be an honour," he grinned turning Elizabeth's cheeks crimson once again.