Flutter

Flutter: Quatre

Nora was wakened by a firm shake.

"Ouch!" Nora mumbled as she woke up from her slumber.

"Miss! You are late for dinner!"

Nora recognized Mary's voice and reality came flooding back to her. Hopping out of bed, Nora pulled at her dress, smoothed at the wrinkles, and patted her unruly hair.

"What time is it?" Nora asked panicky.

"7: 10!" Mary answered.

"Oh... I'm not terribly late then." Nora said relieved.

"The master does not like tardiness one bit, Miss Nora! He is down there now fuming!"

"Oh dear... I've gotten on his bad side already!"  Nora thought inwardly as she followed Mary hurriedly out of the bedroom and down the stairs. They stopped at a large doorway.

"How do I look Mary?"

"A tad disheveled... do you not have anything finer to wear?"

"This is my best dress." Nora looked down at herself a bit embarrassed.

"Don't fret dear. New clothes can be purchased."

Nora was about to refuse but Mary pushed open the doors at that moment. Nora found the long walk to the table unbearable. All those seated had turned to face her. Nora felt like she was being analyzed, and she looked down as to avoid their stares. Mary brought her to the end of the long table, directly across from where Quinton sat, head of the table. Mary introduced her to the party before retreating. 

Nothing was said for a moment. Nora stood there, fidgeting. The man seated, whom Nora presumed to be Blaine, also looked uncomfortable, while Catherine seemed to be slightly amused. Blaine had dark hair that was tied in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. Though not was handsome as Quinton, Nora did find this Blaine to have a very pleasant face. Catherine had short blond hair. Nora couldn't make out her looks because her face was coated with makeup, but she seemed pretty...not with that sly smirk on her face though. Quinton had kept his head down but he lifted his head suddenly to stare at Nora. His face was grim. 

It was the first time Nora had seen him since their encounter at Wicks almost a week ago. She gasped inwardly. He was as handsome as she remembered, with a chiseled face and cupid bow lips. He wore a white button up shirt, much more dressed down than she remembered. She noted how his skin seemed so tan, golden against the white of the shirt. "if only he could smile." She thought.  

"It is now 7:15, Nora." He said in a monotone voice. "I'm sure Mary has told you what time dinner should commence."

"Yes, she did but -" Nora sputtered.

"Yet, you entered late. Do tell what occupied your time?" Quinton sat back, his hands clasped together.

"I-I fell asleep you see... on accident and well..."

"Right. Sleep."

Nora didn't know what to say.

"Sit down so we can begin dinner." Quinton imperiously commanded.

Nora did as she was told and sat in the chair without a peep. 

"How was your journey, Nora?"His voice was soft and cautious.  Blaine said, looking at her warmly and breaking the thick silence. Quinton signaled for dinner to be served.  

"Fine, thank you. Long, but fine." Nora said quietly.

"Yes Wicks is quite a distance from here." Quinton said, sipping the wine that was just poured for him.