Elizabeth

Going to the Ball

22 July 1810

Elizabeth POV

Mary ties the satin ribbon around my dress.

After my hasty departure from the dining room, papa came into my room. He asked me to come to the Ball, well more like demanded. He claims all of England is going to be there and that it would be most unsuitable if he attends and both his single daughters aren't there. I, of course, explained to him that I did not intend to wed. As always he understood. That is the best part of papa he understands me.

"Lissy, don't look so down," Mary says as she pinches my cheeks. "We are just going to have some fun. Mr. Brookshire might not even look at you. With that frown, I doubt any man would look at you."

"I hope no one looks at me. I rather not give mamma any false hope." Her dream is to have both her daughters wed as fast as possible. But not to any men, suitable well-bred men.

"It's just a ball, Lizzy. You're not going to marry anyone, you're just going. Plus, you must think of me, you might not be looking for anyone but I am. So we must go!" She pleads

I sigh, I know she's right. Any chance of her meeting someone depends heavily on attending this ball. There aren't a lot of balls, here in Lakewood so any chance of meeting a man shall not be thrown away.

"I already said yes," I say as I hug my erratic sister. She loves to guilt trip me into everything, it usually works.

"Now how do I look." she twirls around, her beautiful yellow dress catching every light in the room. She is stunning, I wouldn't doubt her catching the eyes of a few men.

"Like the most stunning girl that's going to the ball"

"Now, let's look at you" she grabs my shoulders and turns me towards the tall mirror in our bedroom to look at myself.

I have never paid much attention to how I look, but today I must say I do look lovely.

"Lizzy, Mary!" Mamma screams from downstairs.

"It's time to go." Mary grabs my hand as she drags me down the stairs.

The carriage is here.

Our ride to the Brookshire estate is slow and quiet. I haven't seen Thomas since last time he was over the garden, I didn't get a chance to even mention it. I wonder what he would think of me being here. Would he be upset? He mustn't, it's not like I had a choice.

A rough cough takes me out of my thoughts. Papa is coughing uncontrollably.

"Papa are you alright. We can turn back." I say padding his back and look towards the end of the carriage. Our home is not far enough, we can go back.

"No No." he waves me off. "It's probably just a cold." coughing into his handkerchief

I turn to look at mama for any form of help. She just looks at me.

"Lizzy, don't be so dramatic it's just a cough." She says.

I sigh holding on to papa's hand the rest of the carriage ride. His cough has lessened but I still worry.

The carriage comes to a halt and I am presented in front of an extraordinary estate. I have never seen the late Mr. Brookshires home this close before, from far it looks like any large home, but up close its magnitude is unexplainable. Tall white pillars accentuate every corner of the estate. It seems more like a piece of art than a home.

As we walk towards the house two men open the large wooden doors.

Inside of the home is more extraordinary than the outside. The white marble floors, art, and glimmering chandeliers lighten the whole house. I am in awe.

The hall is filled with laughter and people dancing. It seems like all of England came to see the young Mr. Brookshire, or more like the women looking for a husband.

I see Jane Morris, my dearest friend across the room. I haven't seen her since she married last summer. She was away on her long honeymoon with Mr. John Morris.

I run to her.

"Jane" I hug her tightly, it feels like I haven't seen her in years.

"Lizzy." She says holding me at arm's length admiring my dress. "You look stunning."

"What are you doing here," I say looking over to her husband talking with aristocrats.

"John wanted to get a sight of Mr. Brookshire. They say he is now a very influential man. However, no one really knows him or knows how he looks."

"That's what papa says, so much mystery surrounding one man. That's never good."

"I heard John talking to some men that he is one of the wealthiest men in England now." she gasps.

"He's probably hideous and most unsuitable. Why else would he be in need of a wife." I giggle.

"Possibly so, but with his wealth, I'm sure it makes up."

"Jane." I hit her lightly. "I doubt that would compensate for anything."

"I was just joking. John makes me the happiest." She smiles to look towards her husband with loving eyes.

I can only hope to one day look at someone so dearly.

"Would you like to dance." I extend my hand to her looking towards the middle of the hall.

"Well, of course, my lady." she curtseys.

As we walk towards the dance floor the doors open once more.

A tall man with broad shoulders and dark brown hair walks in. The room becomes silent and everyone is quiet. It's as if no one is moving. He is possibly the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes on.

So this is Mr. Brookshire.