He was always annoyingly happy and annoyingly fake. That was my word for Sean. Anytime I thought of him, one word came to mind: annoying. He was a pest, he went beyond aggravating, something to be exterminated. My spine always crawled with discomfort at the sound of his voice, even the mention of his name. I hated everything about him from his extremely square-shaped jaw to his beady little brown eyes and the short mahogany hair swept off of his forehead carelessly. We all knew he had a stylist for such things.
“Good evening, Sean. Things are well?” Dale said as we stepped inside. He was none the wiser to Sean and his fraudulent personality, always being pleasant to him. Then again, he was always pleasant to everyone.
We stood in the grand, open foyer as one of the servants came over and took our coats and hats, bowing as Sean led us into the dining area. Surprisingly, he hadn’t brought out his new red brocade suit, though he made sure to twirl so the tails of his frock coat swirled lightly. I couldn’t help rolling my eyes.
“Quite well, my parents have been off touring Spain.”
“Oh, they will be back for the ball at the end of the week though, I suppose?” Dale said, continuing the friendly conversation.
“Sadly yes, they should be. They should be back within the next few days. I couldn’t help having one more get-together before they come back. But, of course when they arrive, surely we will have another party for their welcome, so all is not lost.”
Sean smiled as he stood beside me, looking down to my now bare neck and chest, as my fichu was now gone. My breasts were pushed up by my stays, the neckline quite low, even a little of my shoulders was visible.
“I must say, Annalee, you look quite beautiful tonight. Is that a new gown?” His voice went low, trying to be seductive.
I cringed, his expression making me want to slap him. He was not admiring my gown. “No, something old. I have had it for quite a while. I believe you have even seen the gown before.” I crossed my arms, hunching my shoulders.
He smiled sadistically, enjoying himself. “Well, it takes an extraordinary beauty to make something old look new again, now doesn’t it?” He kissed the back of my hand before he walked away.
Sean Pertrew was a spoiled brat. His parents believed him to be a saint, something no doubt he himself also thought. He thought he was God’s gift to England, especially to the girls of London.
He had—many a time—invited me to plays, operas, dinner engagements, all occasions I had declined, not wanting anything to do with the little leech. He had many different romances with many girls, often courting them and seducing them, bedding them and then never speaking to them again. He was never ashamed of his actions, of his cavalier romances. He often got what he wanted out of the young girls, leaving them heartbroken and used. To his friends and in his own regard, he was a saint—experienced with women and respected by men. And what of the women he savagely robbed of their dignity? Whores. Harlots. Regarded as streetwalkers, all respect lost.
“Well, I will go and get us some wine. Be back in a flash.” Dale walked away from me, leaving me standing alone.
The Pertrew estate was one of the imposing homes in town more focused on grand architecture than land. Two stories high with a balcony set in the middle, the landing stretched over the entrance way and the street with probably a dozen or so windows decorated with silky curtains. When one entered the foyer, a grand staircase stood to the left leading to the second floor, a parlor underneath that led off to the ballroom and the dining room with the kitchen offset from that.
The dining room was also like any other in London. A long oak table dominated the room, set for twelve, with a stark, white tablecloth and lacy doilies to mark our places. An overly-opulent, golden candelabrum was placed in the center of the table with six towering wax candles dripping with class. To the right of the table sat a low, gold settee and across the room was an oak bar with several decanters and Mister Pertrew’s collection of fine crystal glasses. The entire room was draped in gold and silver, something Sean himself was wearing tonight—and did most nights—thinking himself a prince in his castle.
I watched as Sean walked over to Deirdre, a very pretty young girl, only just sixteen, a few years younger than the others and myself, her chaperone off in a corner.
Her face was bright and young, round and full. She smiled often whenever I glanced her way, her dark blue eyes always large and sparkling, her nose small and button-like. She had lovely brown hair reaching down to her shoulders, though tonight she wore her hair up, little ringlets hanging down elegantly here and there, contrasting her light violet gown beautifully.
I knew young Deirdre was next in line in Sean’s seductions, even though she had accompanied Peter Wilks. Sean had his lecherous hand at her waist, whispering into her ear, no doubt using the same line he had used on me on the naïve girl.
I glanced over to the bar where I saw Peter’s tall, lanky frame leaning against the wood, blue eyes glaring across the room at them. He was obviously furious, his face bright red, comparable the trim on his blue frock coat and twin waistcoat. I had known Peter since we were children, so I knew when he was angry.
I frowned before walking towards him.
“Good evening, Peter. How are you this evening?” I smiled at him genuinely. Peter was always nice to me. He never had anything bad to say about anyone, not even Sean. Much like Dale…only Peter was a little bit wiser in our social circle.
He kept his eyes on Sean and Deirdre as he replied in a monotone voice, “I am fine.”
I noticed the scarlet of his face slipping into his hairline, clashing against his cropped blond hair. The color was also quite prominent from his defined nose to his modestly pointed chin. His lips were pursed, signaling me to look over. I saw Sean, smiling as Deirdre blushed and laughed awkwardly.
“She is very pretty. Where did you meet her? Through your mother?” My eyes came back to him, his eyes finally meeting mine.
“Yes, actually through her friend…Mrs. O’Neil—Deirdre is her daughter.” His eyes went down at the drink in his hand before looking back at them. “How are you tonight, Annalee?”
I forced a smile. “I am…all right, I suppose. I see Sean is getting an early start with the ladies.”
I glanced back them, noticing Deirdre looking at Peter and smiling, seeming to ignore Sean. I turned to Peter, who was quite a bit taller than me and saw him smiling back at her.
“By the way she looks at you, she seems to really like you. I do not think you need worry about Sean’s charm.” I felt an ocean of relief wash over me. Deirdre did not take her eyes off of Peter. I definitely wanted to see that—someone happy and in love, just as Peter most certainly was with young Deirdre.
He turned to me, smiling. “You always know how to make me feel better, Annalee.”
I smiled and nudged him with my arm playfully. “Well, you are always so sullen. I need to research these things. I am actually a smart girl, you know. Though, I am jealous of Miss O’Neil. Her hair has those lovely curls.”
Peter laughed, looking down at me. “Annalee, you know how beautiful you are. I don’t think every gentleman in town would be chasing you if you were not.”
I bit my lip as my eyes moved to Dale, who was looking around at everyone, seemingly just observing. I turned back to Peter and sighed heavily, “Yes, I suppose you are right.”
A thought dawned on me. Perhaps that was why I always accompanied Dale. If I had a suitor, no one else would bother with me. Maybe people didn’t see us just as friends. I may have been wrong all along.
Kimberly Aichison and James Perry sauntered over to us. Out of our entire group of friends, they were the worst gossips of the party. Sean always joined them, much like three weeks before.
Kimberly wasn’t very tall, but had an hourglass-shaped figure, her mousy brown hair often pulled off her shoulders in some ridiculous style. In fact, her face was actually quite mouse-like, her nose pointed, her eyes almost black and her cheeks sunken in.
Jam
es actually was quite like Sean in appearance, except he had short-cropped, dirty blond hair and a pointy nose, much like Kimberly. I even think he and Sean were the same height and thin build, both had brown-colored eyes.
I tried to convince myself to smile though my trying was half-hearted and failed miserably.
“Annalee! Well, it is just wonderful to see you!” Kimberly called out, looking at Peter. “And…Peter…lovely to see you too.”
I could tell for a minute there she hadn’t even recognized Peter. But, she was somehow able to save herself, making sure she was just being friendly. Another one who was fake, much like Sean. I was almost positive Kimberly and Sean would get together, if not now, sometime in the near future. I could see two people who were equally fake and equally annoying, living together happily for a long time. They would ignore each other and go off and romance other people, seduce them, bed them, all the while staying together and keeping face with the others in town. A behavior becoming acceptable in this modern society, I wasn’t sure I could agree with the notion.
James nodded his head as he took my hand, kissing it. “Annalee, you look lovely this evening.”
I could never quite figure James out. He seemed like a lovely person, very nice, but then he would turn around and say such horrible things about people…another one who was quite the actor.
Sean walked over to us, leaning between Kimberly and James, putting his hand around her waist. “Ah, Jim, Kimberly,” he said as he kissed her on the cheek.
A servant suddenly caught our attention, ringing a bell to signal supper was served. I turned to see our plates ready for us, the food smelling delicious.
Sean led Kimberly over towards the middle of the table as she smiled wickedly. There was a chair vacant to her right before the head of the table, which was where Sean sat.
Peter smiled as he motioned to the table. I reluctantly walked over, meeting Dale half way as he pulled out my chair for me, directly across from Kimberly. He sat down to my left, Sean to his left at the head of the table.
I tried to smile as Peter sat to my right, seemingly a little discontent when Deirdre was ushered to the vacant chair beside Kimberly, caged between her and Sean. James took up the other end of the table, leaving three chairs vacant, which seemed a tad awkward to me.
“Well, looks like we are all here,” Kimberly smiled as a servant poured her a glass of champagne.
Dale smiled as he turned to Peter. “So, Peter, are you planning on going to the ball this weekend? I believe Doctor Harding’s associate is hosting it, isn’t that right, Annalee?”
I smiled. “Yes, Professor Glen Richards. I have not seen him in a few years, since he has only just moved back to London, but he has known me since I was a small child. I believe he said he wants a chance to get to know everyone, get to know London again—or so his wife says. My father mentioned this was Professor Richards’ first chance to relax, as the university can be quite busy.”
Sean laughed. “Well, Annalee, you seem to be so well informed. I think we are all attending, yes?”
Deirdre spoke up. “I am not. I have not been invited.” She glanced over to Peter, a subtle glance but I am sure he caught it.
Sean leaned towards her grabbing her hand. “Well, you can accompany me if you like?”
Deirdre’s eyes went from Peter over to Sean, confused, stuttering. “Well…I suppose…I was…I suppose I could…”
My own eyes went to Peter who sat with his head and eyes pointed to his plate. I frowned, knowing he wasn’t going to speak up. I knew a subject change would be best. Perhaps give Peter a chance to ask Deirdre to accompany him to the ball.
My eyes went back to Sean, something predatory in his lusty stare at Deirdre which, for some reason, made me think of the man under the bridge. I figured I could feed my curiosity…kill two birds with one stone.
“Does anyone know anything about anyone new in town? I saw a gentleman, I am unsure of his stature, but he was unfamiliar to me.”
Kimberly’s mouth twisted as she tilted her head. “What are you going on about, Annalee?”
I felt a twinge of annoyance creep up my spine. “There was a young man, I saw him on the street speaking with a young lady this evening. He could possibly be an aristocrat, but I have never seen him before. I was just wondering if anyone had met him or heard who he was, if anyone new had moved to town?”
I tried to keep my voice strong but, by the look on everyone’s face, I knew they were all thinking I was only trying to get attention. That horrible and not too unfamiliar feeling of embarrassment started to creep up on me.
I shook my head. “Never mind, I am sure he was someone passing through.”
I immediately regretted saying anything at all, even though I had chosen my words carefully, as I always did.
“Well I am sure if any of us had heard anything, we would have said so. Perhaps as you said, someone passing through,” Sean said, lifting his glass and smiling annoyingly.
“Where did you see him?” Deirdre’s voice suddenly piped up, everyone looking at her in shock. Was it really so terrible that the young woman ask questions, get interested in the conversation?
I turned to her, unable to catch myself. “Just down the street actually, under the stone bridge. I have never seen him before, I was just wondering…he was unfamiliar to me…I suppose he could be at the ball…?” I trailed off, each word sounding more and more stupid to me. My regret for saying anything at all seeped through me, my face burning with embarrassment. “Never mind.”
Dale smiled and laughed nervously, perhaps a bit embarrassed for me. “Well, as Sean said, I am sure we will find out soon enough.”
“That is not what I said,” Sean said, getting a look of satisfaction on his face.
I kept my eyes down at my plate, picking up my fork and slowly pushing the food around, my skin hot and my eyes begging to fill with tears.
I sat silently throughout the rest of supper as the others laughed and gossiped. They spoke of some of the other people we knew, mainly about the parties they held, what the masked ball on the weekend would bring, who would be there. Idle chit chat that made my head hurt, though they easily ignored me and my silence.
I sat and stared at my plate, my thoughts from earlier ringing through my head about wanting a stranger, someone from far off who would whisk me away. I would love for the man of my dreams to burst through the doors right then and take me away from these horrid people.
I almost laughed to myself, strangely finding that my wish had somewhat come true…a stranger in town, someone of interest. Though I was sure he was just passing through, the feeling would be brief, much like everything else. I actually felt some excitement over his presence. I didn’t know why, but the feeling was there.
After a while, since supper was done, we all seemed to spread out in the room. Kimberly, James and Dale still sat at the table, sipping champagne. I didn’t know what they could possibly be speaking of that would be of interest to Dale. Then again, he did want to fit in. He did want to be accepted, just as everyone else. So, why not try to get down to their level? I may not be attracted to Dale, but at least I knew he was better than James, Kimberly and even Sean.
My gaze was on Deirdre, who sat on the settee in the corner, Sean sauntering over and sitting beside her. I then turned to Peter, who stood beside me, his glass of champagne from dinner in his hand, though still full. He always did this, making me think he was just not one for champagne.
“So, are you going to see if Miss O’Neil will accompany you to the masked ball this weekend?” I asked.
He shook his head, seemingly defeated. “I believe she may be accompanying Sean.”
“Well, I believe she has not accepted his request yet, perhaps you should go over to her and see if she would like to accompany you? After all, you are the better dancer between you and Sean.” I tried to give a small smile, looking down to my own glass of champagne in my hand, also full. Maybe I wasn’t one for champagne either.
/> Peter let out a little laugh. “Yes, perhaps.”
I turned looking to the corner of the room, Deirdre sitting alone on the settee. My eyes scanned until I saw Sean leaning on the table and laughing with everyone else.
“Well, this may be your chance,” I said, motioning to the table. “Sean is otherwise engaged at the moment. You should head over there.”
Peter licked his lips before he turned to me. “Would it be rude if I did?”
I smiled, shaking my head. “I would think it a crime if you did not.”
He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you, Annalee.”
I continued to smile, watching as he walked over to Deirdre. I sighed lightly, turning to a painting on the wall. My mind began to wander, eventually coming to the man under the bridge, of course. I suddenly felt the same embarrassment from supper yet again. I had indeed made a fool of myself, didn’t I? I could only assume they would think I said anything at all for attention, mainly because that was what Kimberly and James had said three weeks prior; that I rejected the suitors I had because I wanted the attention. Why would I want attention from those horrible people?
My thoughts were disrupted as I felt a hand on my waist, turning to find myself face to face with Sean.
“Oh, it’s you,” I turned away from him, making sure my disgust was obvious. I was never silent about my dislike for Sean. I often spoke low of him, spoke low to him. I often wondered if he actually got the point of doing so.
“Now, Annalee, try at least to behave like a true lady. I know it’s a trial.”
He brought his hand up to trace my shoulder with his fingers. Even though there was material between my skin and his, I still found myself cringing.
Slimy toad.
“Come now, we all know you would not have worn such an ensemble tonight if you did not want to entice someone,” he said, leaning into me, trying to nestle at my neck.
I pulled away from him quickly. “I told you before Sean and I will tell you again, I am not interested.” I put my glass down on the nearby little wooden table, crossing my arms defiantly.
Out of My Grave Page 3