forget me not [s. salvatore]

CHAPTER ONE

     — The Crane Estate 1864

     The dance floor is full of couples gracefully twirling in time with the waltz. They all look quite pleased with themselves, happy to flaunt their latest fashion, catching the eyes of all the young men. Adelaide used to be one of them.

Now it is her sister who is the star of the show. Margaret Crane looks beautiful in her new gown. The war has made it difficult to indulge in old luxuries but it is young Margaret's first ball. Their mother understood it to be a special occasion and managed to find the coin to afford such a gift.

Margaret is in the arms of a young dashing soldier, being led across the dance floor. They spin and she catches her sister's eyes, sees the bright smile lighting up her face. Adelaide had once been in her place, in love with the idea of a young brave man in uniform. She used to dream of them; now she dreams of running away to Venice. One day she will leave this cursed country far behind.

Margaret is still young, naive, dazzled by the gowns and jewels and polite conversation. But she will soon learn that there is nothing to celebrate.

Adelaide can remember before, and she remembers it well, when balls and parties had thrilled her. It gave her a chance to seek Damon out of the crowds; sometimes, he would be so kind as to offer her a dance.

But Damon is away at war and so is her husband. Her wedding band feels heavy; it weighs her down, keeps her in place when she thinks of dancing. And it wards off anyone who would think to approach.

At least, it scares off all but one. Her face lights up with a smile when she sees Stefan gently pushing past the other party guests to reach her. He looks charming as ever in his fine clothes but she still sees in him the young boy she had known in her youth. His eyes have stayed familiar, even as the rest of him grew into a gentleman.

"You're quite the wallflower tonight, Miss Adelaide," Stefan says warmly in greeting. He doesn't use the appropriate title or name. She hasn't been Miss Adelaide for some time now; since her wedding, she's been known as Mrs. Hughes.

Adelaide sighs, rolling her eyes up coyly.

"I'm not sure how to handle myself with my husband away," she says, pitiful and dramatic. Waving her fan to cool her warm face, she asks, "Have you come to save me from my embarrassment, Mr. Salvatore?"

"It's what I do best," he teases. As she watches the waltzing couples, he watches her, her shifting gaze and flushed face and held breath. When did the muddied demon child grow up? The orchestra finishes the song with a flourish and the guests around them clap politely. Stefan doesn't clap; instead he offers his hand to her. "Will you favor me with the next dance?" he asks, and smiles as her eyes roll up as she thinks.

"I suppose," she finally draws, placing her hand in his. "My dance card is rather empty."

"I can't imagine why," he says, rolling his eyes in return. He guides her onto the floor and they both ignore the turned looks.

"One day you'll be married, Stefan," she tells him as they stand in their places, preparing for the dance. "And you'll realize the arrangement is completely insufferable." He places a hand at her waist and it burns through her dress. She's used to his touch by now, it shouldn't stun her so. He still has a way of making her feel like an unwed child.