by Lucy Langton
“Mother, I am confident that whatever you decide, I will surely agree upon. Therefore, you shall simply make a list, and I shall pass it onto the housekeeper and the butler to obtain,” Flynt said as he looked down at his hands and read the cards that he had.
“But what if you don’t agree with all the details?” Dowager White pointed out. “I think we shall need canaries.”
“Canaries? Do you mean the little yellow birds?” Lord Peterson asked as he looked up from his cards.
“Yes. We have decided on a nature theme and think if there were birds present, it would help make the room appear more realistic for our design,” Dowager White explained.
“And what shall we do after the ball with the birds?” Flynt asked with a smirk on his lips.
“I have always wanted pet birds,” Dowager White declared as she raised her chin. “I shall raise them as my own babies.” Ada hid her smile behind her hands, looking away as though not to become suspicious. She thought it would be a good task for the older woman. It simply sounded silly at the moment.
“Well, Aunt Bertie, I shall do my best to obtain pet birds for you that you can display at the ball,” Flynt said with a sigh. “I might as well succeed at that when I am truly failing at cards.” Flynt laid down his hand, showing that he indeed had nothing to help him win that round. Lord Peterson chuckled as he revealed his own cards, winning with two pairs.
It was good for Ada to see the ones she loved so happy. Lord Peterson had indeed become a welcome member of the family. She dearly hoped that he would meet someone at the ball with whom he could fall in love. If he could become as happy as she and Flynt, then she would be truly filled with happiness.
~*~
The day before the ball was a very busy affair. Many families from Town would be arriving that day to stay at the estate house to enjoy all of the festivities. Flynt was a bit nervous, thinking about all that needed to be done and the fact that in the evening, he would be dining with countless families. He still felt assured that he was doing the right thing for his friend, Lord Peterson. However, he was a bit anxious now that the day had finally come for the guests to arrive.
“Stop fidgeting with your hands,” Ada said with a chuckle as they stood together in the entryway.
“I can’t help it,” Flynt said as he then raised his hands and began to adjust his ruffled cravat.
“Here. If you need to keep your hands busy, just hold mine,” Ada said as she raised her hands and took his, squeezing them just a bit.
“There are going to be so many people,” Flynt said softly. They were in the entryway with the widowed sisters and Lord Peterson, and the last thing that Flynt wanted to show was that he was nervous.
“And there is going to be a lot of fun as well,” Ada said with a comforting smile. “Unless you are addressed, don’t feel as though you need to talk to everyone. That is something your mother will surely do for all of us.”
Flynt smirked, knowing that statement was perfectly true. His mother and aunt were the real social butterflies of the family and would surely attend to everyone’s needs. In the entryway to the side was the staff, awaiting the arrival of the guests as well to ensure that everyone was settled in when they arrived and that their things would be delivered to the proper rooms.
With each staff member armed with an appropriate list of each room and the coordinating family, Flynt hoped that this arrival day would happen without any hiccups.
As the guests started to arrive, Flynt found himself relaxing because all the families seemed to be rather friendly. He greeted them all as they arrived, and since they arrived sporadically, Flynt didn’t feel as though they were being bombarded at once.
“Such dreadful news we read in the papers before coming out,” said Lord Tanner as Flynt and Ada greeted his family. “I just want you to know that I never did believe the original story. Lord Locke is always up to some sort of mischief.”
“Thank you, Lord Tanner, for those comforting words,” Flynt replied, doing his best to keep his mirth subdued. He was certain that all these people he was greeting thoroughly believed at first the story Miss Butler had gone to the papers with. But they all now seemed to believe the second story and were giving Flynt plenty of compliments and support.
“And who could deny such a lovely creature,” declared Lord Banner as he gestured towards Ada. “Any man would lie to be married to such beauty.”
“Come now, Lord Banner,” Ada said with a chuckle. “You will make my husband think he has competition.”
“No, no. No competition here. Just good old humour,” Lord Banner assured. Especially when he received a hard look from his wife.
As the guests were seen to their rooms, Flynt ushered his family into the drawing room where refreshments were being served. There was plenty of sherry, brandy, and mint water available for all. Flynt stuck to the glasses of water, wanting to be of a clear mind for the entire festivities.
“What a turn out,” Lord Peterson said as he approached him, a glass of brandy in his hands. “I feel as though I have met a hundred people.”
“There may very well be that many in attendance,” Flynt said with a sigh. “These are going to be some interesting hours ahead of us.”
“And to think you planned this all for me,” Lord Peterson quipped as he took a small sip of his drink.
“I change my mind. This is all for Lady Statham,” Flynt said with a chuckle.
“If you say so, Statham,” Lord Peterson said as Ada joined them with a glass of water.
“Do you have your eyes on any particular young lady that you saw during the reception?” Ada asked Lord Peterson.
“There are a few that I would consider quite beautiful,” Lord Peterson admitted. “But I am not convinced about any opinion until I have the opportunity to speak with them.”
“I hope this ball will be an opportunity for you, Lord Peterson,” Ada added.
“One way or another, it surely will. I notice many businessmen present, so I reason I can further my venture opportunities as well,” Lord Peterson said.
“Then a toast to new opportunities,” Flynt said as he raised his glass towards his friend. They clinked glasses as they chuckled, taking small sips of their drink as the guests started to filter into the grand drawing room.
“Let us begin,” Ada said as she looped arms with Flynt and led him over to where the guests were beginning to enter into the room.
Epilogue
Ada drifted across the ballroom with her arms on Flynt’s, stepping to the sound of the music. It had been since the charity ball that Ada had the opportunity to dance, and since she had discovered that Flynt was a decent dance partner, she was quick to dance every song with him.
“You look absolutely radiant this evening,” Flynt commented throughout the dance. She smiled at him, enjoying the feeling of the sea-green gown. It had turned out perfectly for the occasion, and Ada couldn’t be more pleased.
The sound of bird song flitted between the notes of the instruments. Several cages had been placed around the room, showcasing the different birds in Dowager White’s new collection. It had truly been a spectacular achievement on Flynt’s part. The birds had just arrived that morning and were already being tended to by a very attentive woman. She was also quick to chatter about them as though she had studied birds all her life.
“I would say you are the most elegant woman in this entire room,” Flynt said as they passed in step once more. Ada chuckled as she shook her head.
“That is because I am your wife, and it’s the proper thing to say,” she replied.
“No. It is because it is the truth,” he said, his voice taking on a serious note to prove his point.
“Well, as long as there are at least tolerable other young ladies present for Lord Peterson to choose from,” Ada said as the musical number came to an end.
“It seems he is doing well enough,” Flynt said, gesturing towards Lord Peterson, who was in the dance line. He was smiling down at a young l
ady with light blonde hair and a gorgeous blue gown with lots of lace. Ada observed her, wondering if this would be the one that Lord Peterson would one day marry.
“Yes, the woman is rather lovely,” Ada said. “Now let’s hope she makes of good conversation as well.”
“Come, my dear. Shall we make an introduction?” Flynt asked.
“No, no. It’s best to leave the couple alone until Lord Peterson makes the introductions to us. That is how we will know if the man is serious or not about the woman,” Ada advised.
“When did you become such a wise woman on the topic of appropriate courting standards?” Flynt asked as he led her away from the dance portion of the ballroom and towards one of the footmen holding a silver tray of delicious stuffed mushrooms that had been cooked in butter and covered in a thin layer of cheese. Flynt picked up two and handed one to Ada.
“Well, I simply put myself in Lord Peterson’s shoes and thought what he would appreciate,” Ada admitted before plopping the mushroom in her mouth. “My word, these are delicious.”
“Cook has really outdone herself this evening,” Flynt agreed as he chewed his.
“Do you suppose we should check in on your mother?” Ada asked as she turned towards the room and tried to peer around everyone to see through the crowd.
“I am sure Mother is faring for herself. Though, I made sure that Mrs Denchor had two eyes on her at all times. This can be such an overwhelming event for her that I didn’t want her to be without aid,” Flynt explained.
“I suppose some habits will take a long time to die off,” Ada said as she turned her eyes back on him. “After all, I was her constant companion for three years.”
“And now it’s your turn to be my companion,” Flynt said, closing the distance between them as he held her arm close to his body.
“Oh? Is that right, Lord Statham?” Ada teased.
“Indeed. So much so that I think we need to have a private moment to discuss your duties to me,” he said, leaning his head down towards her and whispering the words. She giggled as she playfully shoved him away.
“I don’t think that now is such a good time to discuss such matters,” Ada said through her mirth.
“Everyone is so distracted that I doubt that they will notice us,” Flynt teased as he started to pull her after him. Ada was certain they would end up in the first empty room, enjoying the thrills of passion. Yet, they were stopped when Lord Peterson approached them with the young lady he’d danced with still trailing after him on her arm.
“Miss Elizabeth, may I personally introduce you to Lord and Lady Statham,” Lord Peterson said. The young lady curtsied and smiled at them both as she righted herself once more.
“It’s lovely to make your acquaintance, Miss Elizabeth,” Ada said to cover up Flynt’s groan.
“The pleasure is all mine, Lady Statham. This has been the loveliest affair I have ever attended. And to discover that it’s all to celebrate the coming of your first child is endlessly romantic,” Miss Elizabeth enthused.
“We appreciate your kind remarks,” Ada said, gesturing to Flynt, who wore a smirk on his face.
“Lady Elizabeth and I had been previously introduced at the beginning of this Season,” Lord Peterson explained.
“Yet, Lord Peterson was occupied with another young lady at the time,” Miss Elizabeth quipped, causing them all to chuckle. Ada liked the woman was humorous and easy to talk to.
“However, I am not currently occupied with any young lady,” Lord Peterson pointed out.
“Not so true, Lord Peterson. I am on your arm, after all,” she said with a smile. When Flynt started to lose control of his mirth, Ada tried to elbow him in the ribs to cause him to control himself. They were both enjoying the way Miss Elizabeth was flirting with a man she was obviously taken with, but it wouldn’t be good to give their thoughts away by laughing out loud.
“Oh look, the next dance is about to begin,” Ada said as she heard the orchestra warm up their instruments for the next song.
“Actually, I think that is our cue,” Flynt said as he passed his glass of water to one of the footmen and said to their company, “Do excuse us.” He then led Ada back towards where the dances had been happening.
“Our cue for what, Flynt?” Ada asked in a soft voice.
“I have a very special surprise for you,” he explained.
“Oh dear. Whatever did you scheme up?” Ada asked with a chuckle.
The crowd parted as they made their way over to where the musicians had been playing various instruments that evening. As they approached, the pianist rose from his place on the bench and moved aside. Then, Flynt led her over to the piano.
“I asked the musicians to practice a particular song for this evening. They will follow your lead at the pianoforte,” Flynt explained. “This is your chance to perform for a large gathering and show everyone just how beautifully you can play and sing.”
“Oh, Flynt. This seems like such a large task,” Ada said as she sat down at the pianoforte and looked up to see Flynt’s favourite song was the sheet music that had been placed in front of her.
“You know this song without even having to look at the music, Ada. And I know how much you enjoy performing for us in the drawing room. This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime since there are so many prestigious families present,” Flynt said softly, his words like a comforting blanket placed over her.
“Alright … I’ll try my best,” Ada said excitedly.
“That’s my girl,” Flynt said as he leaned down and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. Then, he walked back with the rest of the crowd that had gathered to listen to her play. He stood with his mother on one side and his aunt on the other. Seeing the three of them together gave her strength when she felt so very nervous.
Ada began with the opening of the song, looking down at the keys to give her eyes something to do. She didn’t really need to look since she had played the song for what seemed like a hundred times before. After she played the opening twice, the remainder of the musicians joined in as the song began, and her voice soared above the sound of the instruments.
Ada had never done anything like this in her life. She loved to sing and play the piano, but this was unlike any small performance she had given for her friends or family. Her voice needed to be projected as loud as she could for the words to be heard above the music. As they were all in such a large ballroom, her voice echoed off the walls, mixing with the melody.
She raised her head and closed her eyes, becoming lost in the music itself. With the other instruments joining in with the song, it made the music feel that much more powerful. She felt the pulse of the song running over her skin, making the hairs on her arms stand up. Ada felt like she was soaring over the entire room as all she could hear was her voice and the music, taking her to new heights.
When she played the last few notes solo on the piano, she lowered her head and opened her eyes to the keys once more. The last note rang out into the room, followed quickly by silence. Ada was breathing hard as she turned and looked towards her audience just as the room exploded with applause. Ada couldn’t believe all of the stunned faces on their ball guests.
She smiled broadly as Flynt came to her side, clapping his hands as he walked, and then after helping her to stand once more, she curtsied lowly for the entire room. She felt so honoured to receive such praise that it made her feel as though she was a real performing singer at the opera house.
“That was brilliant, my dear,” Flynt said as Ada righted herself and the applause died down only to be replaced by loud chatter.
“Thank you, Flynt. I did thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to perform. Thank you so much,” Ada said excitedly.