The Story of Tonight

You Again

The Schuyler sisters and I have been in my house for at least two hours, prepping ourselves for the ball tonight. Our hair was pinned up and our dresses laid out. As we struggled to slip them on, my mother barged in immediately.

"Quick quick girls, gather around!", my mother yelped. "Word says that a few nobles may be making an appearance at the ball tonight. But, don't sell yourself like a piece of meat on the market. Be intelligent, be talented, be yourself girls."

I swear, my mother wants the best of both worlds: brains and beauty. I mean, it's very much possible, it's just not common. Especially with the times of our colonies. We all looked magnificent. Angelica with her signature pink dress, Eliza with hers and Peggy with her yellow color, but the dress is a different cut. However, my dress was light pink with lace near the neckline. It showed off my shoulders with my hair in a low chignon.

As we finished up, my father called us down because our carriage had arrived. Almost like clockwork, the Schylers and I stepped down the polished stairs and out the large, wooden doors.

After about twenty minutes, we arrived at the dinner hall. Once inside, I was taken away from the scents of cinnamon and French vanilla. The warm, candle lit scene entranced me forward, wanting to explore more. As I stood around, admiring the ballroom, Angelica and Eliza made their way towards me.

"Evangeline, taken in any interests?", asked Angelica. I shot her a confused look. "Any, good-lookers?"
"Mm..still not getting you Angie."
"Men Eve. Any men?", Angelica laughed.
"Well, I don't know about you two, but I have my eye on the one in the ponytail", Eliza remarked.
"Ohh, the freckled one?" I spotted. Wait, freckles. He looks familiar, too familiar.
"No, the one without freckles."
"Ohh I see." I giggled. However, Angelica's smile faltered into a frown.

If I didn't know any better, it seemed like Eliza had chosen the man Angelica had her eye on. Of course I didn't ask her that. That would be a reckless decision I'd definitely regret. But if I knew Angelica like my own mind, anything sweet would make her feel better. So, off I went towards the dessert table. I went to get her a cinnamon cake to make her feel better. As I reached at least five feet away from it, I tripped on my own gown.

Strangely, I didn't feel the impact of the ground, but the strong arms of a man holding me up. A certain soldier.

"Ma cherie, back in my arms once again?"
My eyes widened with joy "Lafayette!"
"Salut mon Clair de Lune.", he greeted. "Enjoying the festivities?"

"Very much, as you are I presume Monsiuer?", I ask flirtatiously.

"But of course. How can one not enjoy such..such....", he struggled to find the words.
"Would you say it's a je ne sais qua?"
"Took the words out my mouth Evangeline?", he smiled.

"You know, I've been here many times, and there are many other sights to see."
"Really, may I join you in discovering them?", he asked so politely, you couldn't say no.
"Of course, stay close though, you can easily get lost.", I smiled with a hint of playfulness as I stopped in my tracks.
"Well Eve, getting lost is the fun part.", equally sharing the same playfulness as I was, leaning his arm out for me to grab.

Did I feel this interference blossoming? Yes, I did. Call me a hopeless romantic if you will. But when I feel something, I have full belief in it. I can't rush into it however, I might come off as desperate. And I just can't ask blatantly "Hi there, do you like me?" It would seem so, so personal. But, who knows what goes on in that Frenchman's mind? Does he feel like this as well?

Oh won't this night be fun.