Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

A Magical Evening

"Talia Huntley," announced Mrs. Huntveldt with a large smile on her face. "She is the daughter of Gerald and Geneva Huntley."

Talia walked ever so gracefully down the large staircase. She felt herself float down the steps towards her father. He stood tall and proud with his hair tied back. Gerald wore a cut-away jacket and a silver brocade vest, which matched the grey in his hair.

Talia extended her slender arm towards him as he stepped forward to receive her. She placed her hand upon his as he led her into the ballroom. The musicians were softly playing as the guests applauded each couple.

Talia and her father walked through the line of guests and took their place next to the Johnson's. Talia looked over at Prissy who stood with her father, Mr. Garland. Talia continued to smile at everyone, but Prissy looked sheepishly at the floor.

Mr. Garland was a large man with a large bloated stomach. He wore large mutton chop sideburns with a bushy mustache. Prissy looked like a small child next to him even though she was almost twenty years old.

When Mrs. Huntveldt had announced all of the girls, she signaled to the musicians to play a waltz for the first dance for the fathers and their daughters. Talia and her father had practiced all week with her father singing different tunes to Talia.

She loved the sound of his voice as he hummed the tune. Tonight, she glided in his arms as they found the rhythm of the waltz. She held her posture erect as her mother had shown her.

Talia and her father smiled and laughed enjoying the first dance together as father and daughter. It was a dream come true for both of them.

"Let's make sure this isn't our only dance this evening," said her father.

"I promise. It won't be the last," said Talia.

When the music ended, Gerald and Talia walked over to Geneva who was standing next to Mrs. Johnson. The next dance belonged to the Huntveldt's. Mr. and Mrs. Huntveldt took to the ballroom floor followed by their sons. George and Deborah joined as a couple on the dance floor.

Henry Huntveldt walked directly toward Talia and asked her if she would care to dance. Henry had bowed when she accepted, and she curtsied to him before taking his hand. She was surprised that he had chosen her for his first dance.

"Thank for accepting my invitation to dance," said Henry.

"You're welcome," said Talia.

She smiled ever so gracious as she danced with him.

"I was hoping by this evening. That I would be able to ask for your permission to speak to your father on courting you."

"Oh, Henry. You are so sweet. Roman Thanturnam asked me last night for permission to speak to my father."

Then, Talia looked at her wrist that held Roman's ring. Henry followed her eyes and saw the ring tied to her wrist.

"I was afraid that might be the case. I saw the two of you walking back to the livery this afternoon."

"Henry, you have been so nice to me this weekend. I hope we can still be friends."

"Yes, of course."

"Would you do me a favor? Do you see that girl over there in the mint green ball gown?"

"Yes. Who is she?"