Journey of Awakening

Chapter 6

April 12, 1912; The Dinner, and Dance

I sat at my vanity looking at my reflection. My cheeks red and flushed. Was it possible to love a stranger? Was it possible to fall in love with a stranger? I shouldn’t be in love. Not with Will. I am promised to another. I was putting my heart at risk. But I did not care. I wanted Will, I wanted him to love me back. 

Rebecca dressed me in an ivory dinner gown. With sleeves slightly off my shoulders. I had black dinner gloves, and a simple ruby necklace. Rebecca pinned my hair up in an intricate bun, tendrils framing my face. 

“You look absolutely stunning,” Rebecca said. She stood back admiring her handwork. I smiled and got up turning toward her. 

“Thank you Rebecca. You truly are like a sister to me,” I said. 

“I am truly honored to have a mistress like you. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve under you. Your mother would be so proud if she were here,” Rebecca said. I smiled and made my way to the grand staircase.

I was in awe of the grandness of the room. The stairs a beautiful marble. An angel made of copper and gold adorned the staircase. A large clock sending soft ticking noises throughout the room. Couples filled the room, laughter and talking.  I saw Molly talking with Mr. Andrews, they were deep in conversation. I looked around the room for Will. Looking for the shabby coat and that messy hair. But it was his eyes that found mine. 

The look in his eyes made my heart flutter. He had on a black dinner suit that made his eyes a deeper blue. His once rumpled hair slicked back with gel. He soon walked over to me and smiled. 

“You look absolutely beautiful Lily,” he said kissing my hand once again. I blushed and looked away. I took his arm and we began to walk the room. I felt like the luckiest girl on the ship. I wished that he was the one I Was marrying and not this James Martel. We walked over to Molly and Mr. Andrews.

“I told you Will, that the suit would fit. You are the same size as my son. I had it made for him,” she said. I looked at Molly and she gave me a sly grin.

“I thank you for letting me borrow it, I could not show up in my old coat. How would that impress the lady,” he said. She smiled, and then she saw me.

“Lily you look absolutely beautiful, a true vision,” she said walking over and kissing my cheek.I smiled and looked up at Will. 

“Another friend Mrs. Brown,” Mr Andrews said. Molly smiled and took his arm.

“And what is your name sir,” Mr. Andrews said, extending his hand.

“William Howard, but most just call me Will,” Will replied. 

“Any relation to Travis Howard, the Bostonian lawyer,” Mr. Andrews asked. Will’s eyes grew wide. I did not know this Travis Howard, but Will did.

“Yes sir, my older brother,” Will replied. I thought for a moment. I thought his brother owned a market. I felt confused… 

“How do you know Travis,” Will asked. I felt entranced in this conversation. I wanted to know more about Will and his family. 

“I met him in London in the summer. He had traveled here to help some of my friends. We had some great discussions,” Mr Andrews said. 

“That is my brother, always a charmer,” Will said. We then made our way to the dining room. 

“You did not know about my brother did you Lily,” Will said, pulling out my chair.

“I thought he owned a market,” I asked. Will laughed and took my hand.