Tug of War, Fight 'Till Death

3. Xavier Arrives

May 13, 1872 The Party

   "Darling! You look wonderful!" Momma grabbed the tops of my arms and kissed both of my cheeks.  My gown was strewn with lace and it fell to the floor with eye-catching beauty. Momma and I spent months creating this masterpiece. 

  "Thanks Momma. Are we ready to walk down and greet the guests?"  What I really wanted to say was, ' Am I ready?'. My heart started to pound.

  "Let's go. Your Papa is waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs." Momma placed her tiny hand at the small of my back and pushed me forward. 

As I descended down the grand stairs, I saw  Xavier. His beauty was the same as I remembered it. Now that I'm refreshed by his face, Xavier is more vivid. I sucked a big gulp of air and steadied myself. Father smiled widely as he lifted his hand for mine. 

"Why, don't you look handsome." I whispered aside. 

"You are every bit as lovely as I remember, Annette." Xavier smiled crookedly and held out his hand as Father let go of mine. I looked at father for assurance. He winked as mother hooked his arm and disappeared into the crowd of  dancing people. 

"As do you... I mean....you... "  I'm stammering. Blood rushed to my face instantly and I glared at the floor.  

"I knew what you meant, darling. Don't fret." He guided us around to the garden, like he knew exactly where he was going. His pale features were even more beautiful in the sunlight. His arctic blue eyes seared through me, my being exposed.  

"What brings you here this evening?" I blurted the rude quarry. 

"I've pondered that a lot, of late. Weighing my options, it was more you than the fine champagne. "

"Oh. How long has it been?" I knew the answer, but I just wanted to see if he actually thought of me as often as he says. 

"Two years. Almost three." His smile gleamed. His arm tightened around mine. 

"The garden is beautiful, is it not? My mother is an unstoppable force of nature. Once she has a  vision, it's hard to delude it." I waved my arm out in a half circle, making my statement even more valid. The Garden was truly beautiful. The roses were in full bloom, the candles seemed to float as they were held by cast iron posts. The pond reflected the light of the candles, making them look like stars. 

"Yes, the garden reflects a degree of beauty." He said politely. "Shall we go back? I might steal a dance or two." 

"As many as you like." I felt unnaturally safe with this strange angelic man. He guided us through the twirling guests to the center, where we gracefully danced through the night.