Elizabeth

Dancing

22 July 1810

Elizabeth POV

The room is booming with laughter and music. I watch Mr. Brookshire acquaints himself with his guest, while his eyes still remain on me from across the room. My body vibrates under his gaze, as I try to look anywhere but him. Yet, no matter how hard I try to look away, I am fully aware of where he is.

"He hasn't stopped looking at you." Jane breaks me from his sight as she whispers in my ear.

"I don't understand why" I reply still dazed from this man's stare. No one has ever looked at me that intensely. Not even Thomas, who has always stared at me with loving tender eyes. Yet, this man stare is like no other - maybe it's hunger, lust, or even curiosity. It's a stare that is indescribable. Especially one that is hard to break away from.

However, oddly enough it does not make me uncomfortable, it only leaves me with curiosity. The curiosity of who this man truly is. The mystery and dark cloud that surrounds him feels like it is pushing me towards him.

I try hard to break away from it and focus on Jane.

"Do you think he might fancy you?" I can hear the excitement in her voice at the possibility of me with some man, any man who can catch my interest. What she does not know is that Thomas has gained my attention for a while now. By the time I met Thomas she was away on her honeymoon. It's not like I do not wish to tell people of Thomas, it is that I know the consequences that came with a girl like me, being with a man like him.

Maybe I should tell her, she might help me with seeing Thomas more discreetly. However, I fear, that she might tell her husband. What then? I don't know her husband well enough to know if he will be discreet or tell papa before I have. It could ruin everything. Perhaps, it is better to stay quiet.

"I hope not." I steal a glance at him once more. This time I see a group of men trying to talk to him, but he looks indifferent, disinterested. While everyone is hungry for his attention.

"I wouldn't mind." she giggles, winking at me.

I roll my eyes and grab onto Janes arm hastily directing her towards the center of the ballroom. I know exactly how to get my attention away from Mr. Dark and Mysterious.

"Let's dance." I giggle.

Holding on to her hands we spin around the music, carefree while laughing at our silliness. There are no worries and no men just us dancing to the music. More women see us dancing and join us. I let go of Jane and twirl around with my arms in the air. My dress catches the speed of the wind and moves with me as if I had wings.

I hear people clap and woo from the people. Making me laugh more and more. This is what makes me happy, these carefree moments. where you feel like you can fly.

I can feel him staring at me, I do not have to look. I just know. I slowly stop dancing and look towards him. I was right, he was there as everyone danced looking at me. Staring me down with an unexplainable expression marked on his beautiful face. The music stopped and everyone moved away but we remained, unmoved.

The ladies and I move towards the sidelines as a waltz is about to begin.

I watch as Mary talking to the blonde man who came with Mr. Brookshire. He seems mesmerized by each word she says. I can only smile at my sister. She can get any man wrapped around her finger.

I stand in the row of women as a young man stands in front of me. Before I know it, Mr. Brookshire is behind the man whispering in his ear. What in world?

The man excuses himself and Mr. Brookshire takes his place. The once unexplainable expression turns into a smirk.

The dance begins and we both bow.

The song is smooth and romantic, just adding to the density of the atmosphere.

Mr. Brookshire moves with grace as our hands lift to begin. We are so close, yet not touching. I feel my breathing become heavy and his blue eyes feel like they can see right through me.

When he places his hand on my waist my breath hitches. He leads me around the ballroom, silently. The silence is not awkward nor uncomfortable. It feels right.

The noise of the music seems as if it is not there and the only two people in the room are used. This feeling is unusual, part of me wants to stay here. The other wants to run as fast as I can.

As he looks into my eyes, his face changes. As if he is also having an internal battle with himself. His mouth opens and closes as if he wants to tell me something, but can not.

The dance finishes and I let go of his hand. The air around him is suffocating, it feels like I can not breath when he is around.

As I walk towards Pappa, definitely ready to leave, Mr. Brookshire is right behind me.

"Mr. Brookshire, I see you've met my youngest Elizabeth." I hear papa say. I turn to watch mama who had the widest grin I have ever seen.

"I have." his voice is like velvet, oozing masculinity. 

Please VOTE and REVIEW!