An Enchanted Evening

Part I

Wattpad Original Fiction Contest 

An Enchanted Evening

PART I 

            Dreamily I relaxed into his arms—into William’s arms—as he whirled me across the candlelit ballroom. My midnight blue gown flared around me beautifully with every turn and twirl of the intricate waltz, still considered somewhat scandalous here in London because the couples danced so closely, so intimately, with one another. Smiling widely, I gloried in my proximity to William, my frequently clumsy feet never hesitating as I followed my partner’s confident leading.

            The most lavish ball of the Season was being held at the Earl and Countess of Allanham’s townhouse. Anyone who was anyone coveted an invitation. And through my Aunt Carville’s social connections, she had been able to obtain one of the treasured cards which had graced the mantel of the blue parlor since its arrival, announcing to all visitors that we had been invited to attend the exalted engagement.

            Pushing all other thoughts out of my mind, I tilted my head, smiling up at Mr. William Mason, Esquire, as he grinned back almost mischievously. But too soon the orchestra drew the waltz to a graceful close, the dancers twirling to a stop and the murmur of low conversation filling the beautifully-mirrored ballroom as the gentlemen returned their partners to the chairs along the edges of the room before seeking fresh faces and feet for the next set of dances.    

            As we vacated the center of the ballroom, William offered me his strong forearm which I gratefully accepted after the exertions of the dance. Extending my fan to waft cooler air toward my face, I could feel my face glowing pink due to the exercise, the heat of the crowded room, and my excitement at William’s kind attention.

            “Would you prefer to step out on the balcony for a moment, Miss Swanson?” he asked, noticing my need for fresh air.

            “Thank you, yes, Mr. Mason,” I replied with a small smile. During this, my first London Season, I was being presented by my Aunt Carville, sister to my father, Sir Charles Swanson.  Fortunately, I had become a moderate success thus far; of the several suitors who vied for my attentions, Mr. William Mason was by far my preference. Although not titled, his family was ancient and well-known for their philanthropy. In addition to a fashionable townhouse in London, they owned a large estate in Yorkshire, Barton Abbey, home to the Mason family since the thirteenth century. The only son and heir, William Mason was already known as an astute and innovative landowner as well as a champion of several worthy causes as he carried on the unspotted reputation of the benevolent Mason family.

            Despite his abhorrence of the crowded and polluted city, my father, Sir Charles, had traveled to Town earlier in the Season to meet my suitors. As expected, he had taken a decided liking to William, informing me that he would unreservedly approve our match should Mr. Mason approach him for permission to marry. Even now I tried to quell my excitement over the possibility of my bright future with William, forcing my mind and heart back into this moment in which I gloried in my position on his arm.

            Escorting me toward the open French doors which led outside onto a second-story balcony, William grinned more widely as I gratefully breathed in the cool air (as best I could as my corset, which although extremely figure-flattering, prevented my taking deep breaths). Deftly he navigated the crowds, guiding me to the railing of the long balcony overlooking the most beautiful gardens I had ever viewed. Despite the fact that they were lit only by the shimmering illumination of the nearly-full moon and by the brightness streaming from the windows of the mansion, the gardens were simply exquisite in the muted light.