“I don’t think they have seen the likes of that one yet, Adel.” Elisabeth watched as a deviant smile of faux innocence dance over Adelaide’s lips.
She turned in a swift paced circle causing the full skirt to flare out into the space around her. “How I do like being the center of attention.”
Elisabeth laughed, knowing full well that her friend did indeed thrive on the talk of those around her. “You, my dear friend would be the center of attention in nothing but a flour sack.”
“Why thank you, that shall be your next project Elisa, fashioning a flour sack of golden thread to match my hair and silver beading to bring out my eyes.” She batted long lashes in a mockery of her own beauty.
Both women fell into fits of laughter, while Elisa helped Adelaide into her gown, cinching the waist in tight around her petite middle. She turned her around in her arms and held her close, taking on a more serious face. Her dark eyes searched into the silver pools that she loved to look upon in the late hours and early mornings.
“You are beautiful, Adel. The most beautiful woman I have ever known.” She watched as Adelaide’s face softened and her lips drew close to her mouth. They kissed briefly.
Adelaide stroked Elisabeth’s cheek. “You are a wonder to behold tonight. Any man would be fortunate to only lay eyes upon you.”
Elisabeth blushed, the warmth adding color to the apples of her already rouged cheeks. She turned away and rolled her eyes with a twitter of laughter. “I have all I want Adel, what need have I of a man?” She waved the compliment away and went back to the vanity mirror to finish her preparations for the evening’s appointment.
It was true the women around and about Adelaide were taking note of not only Elisabeth’s designs, but also of Elisabeth herself. In the beginning she had been wary of them, she stood off to the sides of the grand party rooms and dining halls and did not feel she should mingle about, but as the event’s and parties wore on and her presence was now expected, not simply tolerated, she was beginning to feel more accepted for her own person and not merely her talent as a seamstress and designer. She no longer had to stand off in a corner waiting to be led to the next group for a formal introduction by Adelaide. Now she was known by name and was approached readily by the women of Adelaide’s inner circle. They clung to her and chattered about others they found to be “in need” or “lacking”. Elisabeth would listen and smile, even giggle at the appropriate spots, but her mind was never too far from the fact that even those that were being marked “lesser” at the time were still head and shoulders above her in the stations of society. It were these moments, the gossipy, rude chatter moments, that had her scurrying back to the safety and security of her house hostess, staying close by for reassurance and the knowledge that it was Adelaide who cared for her and not the shallow, catty women of any particular soirée
The men generally took no notice of her, or perhaps it was she that did not give the notes of approach they hoped for, choosing herself to keep them at bay and not become involved in their courting antics. On occasion she would dance with either Robert or Thomas, but only once and then she would retire to sit and watch the other’s enjoy the continuing activities upon the prescribed dance floor of each gathering. Elisabeth was not interested in finding a man. She knew that if she ever did, he would undoubtedly take her from the very place she felt happiest and she was not willing to let Adelaide go or be relived of the freedom she felt while she was with her.
* * *
Chapter 16
The party was fully engaged by the time the foursome arrived, their carriage expelling them at the front gate of the grand city building, Elisabeth in her emerald green gown, Adelaide in her intricate embroidered one, Thomas looking very dapper and Robert reaching for the first glass of champagne he could wrap his fingers around. He had indulged in a tumbler of bourbon before they had made their exit from the chateau and Thomas had made a mental note to try and limit his friend as best he could, that meant finding a distraction from the devilish and addicting drink that numbed his emotions and left him a bumbling fool. In Thomas’ mind Adelaide would be the perfect focus to keep her husband’s mind occupied. His mission was to keep them close and maintain Elisabeth’s distance from the couple.
The ladies wandered off to mingle with their feminine circles and Thomas linked his arm into Robert’s. “Hey there my old friend, why don’t you and I give our undivided attention to the lovely ladies tonight? You can take your beloved wife into your loving arms and remind her of how wonderful a dancer you are, while I on the other hand will try not to crunch and maim the slippered foot of your houseguest.”
Robert rolled his eyes and unlinked his arm from Thomas’ “Adelaide has no intention or desire to spend any time with me tonight; let’s not delude ourselves from the truth shall we?”
Thomas sighed; it was going to be more difficult a task then he had originally thought. Robert seemed to be in a foul mood at best. Perhaps, if he could limit the interactions of the two women to minimal contact, that would leave Adelaide no choice but to stand by her husband and then maybe, just maybe, Robert would remember his goals for his marriage.
Arm in arm Elisabeth and Adelaide sipped champagne and whispered amongst their lady acquaintances. Thomas made a polite, yet with an ulterior motive, effort to bring them each another flute of champagne. He did not wish for Robert to indulge, but if he could have Adelaide partake a bit more and become less “stand offish” towards her husband and more open to see what he wanted, then his job would become easier. Elisabeth may also benefit from some “loosened reins” as well.
“For the two loveliest ladies in the room,’ Thomas bowed and handed them each a sparkling glass.
“Thomas, how very thoughtful of you.” beamed Adelaide, and she kissed his cheek in polite gratitude.
Elisabeth smirked. “Thank you.” She held her position next to the gathered women.
Thomas held out his hand to her, his other placed formally behind his back. Elisabeth’s cheeks went bright red as she stood amongst the other ladies. What was he doing? “Elisabeth would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
A ripple of silent tension traveled through the feminine group, like an electric pulse, a network of non-verbal communication among the same sex. Elisabeth looked for reassurance to Adelaide, who smiled and nodded with approval. Elisabeth handed off her drink, after taking along draw and swallowing hard. She laid her trembling fingers into the wide palm of Thomas’ hand. His finger’s curled inward and rendered her dainty hand invisible in his grip as he led her out before the gathered groupings. It was not that Elisabeth had never danced with Thomas. She had in fact danced with him one time at each engagement they attended together. It was the fact that he had asked her with such formality and in front of everyone, that had thrown her into the embarrassed, tizzy she was now spinning in.
Thomas moved with smooth fluidity over the surface of the polished, wooden ballroom floor. He led Elisabeth with confidence, skill and form in his arms. He tried to keep his eyes on Robert and at the same time, willing Adelaide to make her way over to her husband, but she stood amongst her ladies instead and watched from their protective circle. Elisabeth said nothing as they moved in gliding fashion. Their bodies had become accustomed to one another and they danced together like any married or courting couple might. Each aware of the other, though neither seemed to pay much attention to their partner, instead both deciding to look out over the entertainment of those surrounding them. The song was a more spirited tune and had them a bit breathless as Elisabeth took hold of her skirts to keep them from flaring out with too much of a dramatic impact. She was not one for drawing attention to herself and Thomas could respect this, he found it intriguing. Had he been dancing with Adelaide, her hem lines would be mixing with a flourish amongst the other dancers, her head would be tilted back and laughter would surround them as he twirled her with abandon. She was a joy to dance with, but it was a show and one her husband simply would not partake in any lon
ger.
Thomas watched as Robert lifted himself from the chair he had parked his bottom on since their arrival and walked out in search for the bar. Thomas took his cue and bowed politely to Elisabeth as the dancers stopped an applauded one another. The musicians took a momentary intermission and the crowd diffused from the dance floor, flowing out to various other areas to mingle, converse and partake in the various trays of refreshment that were circulating about the room. Thomas was on a mission and left Elisabeth standing alone in the middle of the ballroom floor, a bit shocked at his sudden abandonment.
She made her way over to the punch table and saw a small gathering of some familiar faces; each nodded and smiled in her direction.
“Elisabeth, come join us.” twittered a shorter, stockier woman. Her hand reached to take Elisabeth’s and draw her into the fold. “The gown on Adelaide is divine; you must make one for me in blue.”
Elisabeth smiled. “Thank you.” She was polite, although she knew the style of Adelaide’s dress would never be suitable for this woman’s stature and curves. She would however create it for the woman as it was good business, make the needed adjustments and feel confident that it would be as perfect for her as Adel’s was for her.
“What is it like living there with them?” asked a lady with a pointed nose that turned up on the end, her eyes set oddly far apart. She reminded Elisabeth of a gawky crane.
“What do you mean, Robert and Adelaide?”
“And Thomas.” The three women giggled at some private joke between them.
Elisabeth looked to them with confusion. “It has been most enjoyable. They are all very kind and courteous.”
The stocky woman pursed her lips. “Mmmhmm. I am certain that they are…to you.”
“I’m sorry; I am not quite sure what you are getting at? Do you think they are otherwise with other guests?” Elisabeth could feel her defenses rising.
“Oh no dear,” the crane set her bone thin hand on Elisabeth’s bare arm. It sent a shiver through her body and she shook.
“Then what are you insinuating?” Elisabeth glared at her gathered company.
The ladies grew silent; one excused herself from the conversation to join another group, fleeing the situation.
“Elisabeth, we meant nothing by the inquiries; it only seems a bit tense.”
Elisabeth furrowed her brow. Her comfort zone had been vastly diminished. Had she been blind to the gossip that was happening around her? Were these women as catty and crude about each other, about Adelaide and about herself when they were out of ear shot?
“If you’ll excuse me, please?” Elisabeth put a fair amount of distance between herself and the gossiping duo. She scanned the room for Adelaide, quite ready to take her leave from the whole intimate evening. Adelaide was nowhere to be seen, neither Robert nor Thomas was in the ball room either. Elisabeth could feel the anxious beating of her heart in her throat. Her emotions were getting the best of her and she needed to find Adelaide to bring her back down to the security of familiar ground. Determined steps took her from the main gathering out into the foyer, she could see the blush hues and golden locks of Adelaide’s gown and hair in the salon opposite the ballroom entrance. Her sight was set as she moved forward trying to reach Adelaide, when Thomas appeared in her direct path. She jumped with a frightful start, clutching at her breasts with a trembling hand.
Thomas’s hands were on her shoulders, steadying her shaken form. “Are you all right, Elisabeth?”
Her words were caught in her throat and she had to swallow hard before whispering out a meek and raspy affirmative.
“Good, you looked a bit upset.” Thomas skillfully turned her on her heels and walked her away from her goal to reach Adelaide, who she noticed was now standing beside a wobbling woozy Robert.
“No, I am not upset. I only needed to speak a moment with Adel.” She managed to level out the emotion in her tone.
“We can attend to that later. Adelaide and Robert are having a chat and I have found myself in need of a dance partner, yet again. Do me the honor.” He did not leave her time to refuse before he had her turning and twirling, yet again across the expanse of the wooden floor boards. As the song progressed Elisabeth’s eyes landed on the two gossiping women, now rejoined by the third and two others, standing and gazing in her direction. Their hands politely covered their mouths, but she had no doubt that the words were loud enough to be heard by all nearby and she was also certain they were about her.
Her slight hands tensed in Thomas’ grip and her usual sure footed steps missed several beats of the music. Thomas gave her a sideways look. “Elisabeth?”
“What? I mean yes, Thomas?” her attention was brought away from the red she was focusing upon.
“Are you frightened of falling?” his expression was a mixture of humor and concern.
“Pardon me?” she was confused, her thoughts were scattered among the words of women she could not hear.
Thomas glanced at her white knuckles, her fingers digging into his flesh.
Elisabeth’s cheeks glowed with a heated blush and she loosened her muscles, allowing her grip to relax. “I apologize.”
Thomas smiled and Elisabeth took note of the warmth in his eyes. It flashed only for a moment, but she felt it like a comforting ray of afternoon summer sun, much like the sun on the shores at the Grays when she and Adelaide took noon time strolls. Adelaide, the thought of her made Elisabeth shiver and she pulled away from that moment in Thomas’ eyes.
“Thank you Thomas.” She curtsied as the music settled. “If you will excuse me, I’d like to be finding Adelaide.”
Thomas took her hand back in his, deterring her yet again from her mission. “I do believe I just saw the lovely married couple walk out onto the veranda.”
Elisabeth let confusion crinkle her forehead. She hadn’t seen them leave the salon, than again she had been distracted by the gaggle of women that had gathered. Either way she was quite certain Robert was in no condition to walk anywhere without a bit of commotion.
Thomas and Elisabeth walked into the open air and the dark skies together. “Do you know it was this very house where they first met?”
“Who?”
Thomas laughed. She was distracted. “Robert and Adelaide.”
Elisabeth went wide eyed and she shook her head.
“Yes, it was in the gardens I believe.” He led her along a stone path to a granite bench, “somewhere here.” It was his turn to look distracted.
Elisabeth felt him sigh beside her. She gave him an inquisitive look. “Thomas?”
“I had hoped they had found their way out here, for reminiscent sake.” He spoke more to himself than to Elisabeth.
“So, you did not see them come out here?”
Thomas smirked. “I was not certain.”
Elisabeth unlaced her fingers from his.
“Where are you going?” he watched her dress trail out behind her as her small feet pounded back up the path they had taken, her breath huffing out in frustration.
“To find Adelaide.”
Thomas followed behind her. “Elisabeth, I am certain she is with her husband, as she should be.”
“Perhaps, but I would be more comfortable if I found her as I had set out to do before you so politely distracted me.”
The couple entered the ball room with a rush of outside air that blew the long drapes on the French door about, and a flush of frustration on both their cheeks. Eyes turned from every corner in their direction. Elisabeth felt scrutinized and wanted to hide in seclusion form the obvious visual judgments that were taking place. Thomas took note of her discomfort, misjudging it he swept her into his arms, leading her back onto the dance floor for a third dance, in hopes of distracting the socialites that were staring at them due to their grand entrance. His intentions had been honest ones, innocent ones, but had failed. All eyes were upon them as he held her close.
Adelaide sat beside her alcohol soaked husband, who lent nothing to their combined company.
She stewed in her agitation at her husband’s demeanor. She had grown exasperated with his inability to stay sober and proper in the company of their peers. Her level of respect was deeply lacking and she longed for the ease and comfort of Elisabeth at her side.
Robert sat in silence. He wanted to let the words flow freely from his lips and tell Adelaide all he was feeling, but his tongue was glued with the sheer amazement that she was sitting beside him now and the numerous drinks he had ingested were adding to that glue. His vision was blurred and his ears unfocused. He did not hear the murmurs of those around him.
* * *
Chapter 17
The thunderous clatter of Adelaide’s silver fork and knife dropping down to the china plate of cakes and meats before her, felt like a gunshot ripping through Robert’s temple. He held his hands to his head and closed his eyes against the pain that throbbed behind his eye lids and threatened to double him over in dry heaving waves of nausea. This was not a first time experience for him, but he had hoped his wife would have been a little more sympathetic than she was being now. The sound of her teaspoon clanging off the insides of her tea cup was louder than the church bells sounding out through the countryside.
“Adel, I beg of you.” He whispered as he sat at the head of the table beside her and watched the steamy fingers of the roasted coffee pour into the hollow belly of his cup. The young lady pouring the kettle did not need ask him what he desired. She was familiar with his morning routine and poured his coffee then excused herself from the room where the Earl, Countess and houseguests partook in the morning meal. Robert was content with one fact this morning; he was alone with Adelaide. That was a rarity since returning back from Lovelace manor and gaining two additional housemates.
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