Just One Dance

Chapter 15 - Permission

Beatrice's POV

Flashback to 5 years ago in Phillip National Hospital

What becomes of a parent when their child is so close to death? Kate is still not out of surgery. Only hours ago, she was fine. Happy and excited to meet the young prince. Dear God, why is this happening?!

After fifteen more minutes of waiting on pins and needles, the doctor finally comes out into the hallway to meet us. His face is grave and lined with age. So much sorrow rests in his eyes. No. It can't be.

"Doctor? How is she?" My husband, Frederick, speaks quickly, seeking answers I'm still not sure I'm ready to hear.

"She is out of surgery at this time," the doctor says quietly. "She hasn't woken up quite yet, but we don't expect she will for a day or so."

"Won't wake up?" I croaked.

"When she does, we will want to examine her," he sighs, "the injuries she sustained in the accident, well, she fractured her radius in two places and her ulna in one. Her wrist was also fractured. She also sustained an injury to the occipital lobe."

"What does that mean? Speak English doctor!" Frederick demands.

"The occipital lobe is located in the back of the brain. It is the visual processing center. We don't know if there is any damage, but she does have swelling at the back of her head."

I felt my heart jump into my throat.

It would be hours before Katelyn woke. When she finally did...

"It's...dark. Why is it so dark?" Her voice shook with confusion at first but gradually turned to terror. "Someone, please! Turn on the lights!"

End of Flashback

A small shudder ran through my body at the memory of that day. I can still hear Katelyn's screams of confusion after she awoke. It was months before she finally came home, and when she did, she refused to see visitors. No one was to know what happened to her. She refused to do any activity that would require her to leave her bed, choosing instead to lie in bed all day, staring into the darkness. She slipped into a deep depression and only became more like herself a year after these events. She still refused to go out, but she no longer lay in bed all day feeling sorry for herself.

"Mother," Katelyn says slowly, "I would like to attend the ball on Saturday."

My breath catches in my throat. "The ball? You mean the ball being held in the palace?"

"Yes," she nods.

"Katelyn," I sigh, "are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, mother." She gives me a small smile. "I may not be able to dance, but I would enjoy some time outside of this house. Maybe even have a conversation with some of my old friends." She pauses. "That is, provided that no one learns of my malady."

I nod in understanding. "I would love for you to attend the ball, love."

"But?" Katelyn asks, knowing that my words were conditional.

"But, I don't know what your father will say to this. I don't suppose you asked him?"

"No, I didn't."

"Well then," I sigh, standing, "let's go ask him." The look on Katelyn's face is one of sadness and fear that he would say no. "Katelyn," I say softly, sitting back down, "what's wrong?"

"I don't believe father will approve," she says hopelessly.

"Kate," I begin, "in twenty-five years of marriage to your father, I have never once lost an argument. If there is one thing I have been waiting to teach you, it is this: the man is the head of the house, but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants."

Katelyn is quiet for a moment before she begins laughing. I smile and stand once more. Time to convince my husband of the very thing I have been waiting for.

No POV

It was quiet in the house, and Earle and Lady Morgan sat in Lord Morgan's study. No one dared enter the room. It seemed as if they had been in the room for quite a while when out of nowhere, Frederick Morgan burst through the doors and walked briskly to the foyer calling for his coat and hat.

Beatrice rose calmly from her seat and strolled to their bedroom. She retrieved a diamond necklace and matching earrings for Katelyn. It didn't take much to convince her husband to allow their daughter to attend the ball. Now all that was left to do would be to order a new dress for Katelyn. Goodness, would there be enough time? The ball was in a few days after all!    

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