by Joyce Alec
She noticed Julia’s smile out of the corner of her eye, and turned to look at her. It became apparent; all of the poems she had shared with her cousin had apparently been shared with the entire family.
“I have never read such striking verses, except perhaps in Psalms themselves,” said Aunt Edith.
Madelene looked down at the table in front of her, her cheeks hot. How could she respond to something like that?
“Interesting,” Lord Langley said, looking down the table at her. “I have not met many people who have such a skill in writing. It is a difficult accomplishment.” He sat up in his chair slightly straighter. “I myself have dabbled in writing some.”
“Truly?” Julia asked. “I never would have considered you one much for writing, or being indoors for that matter. I always assumed you would have preferred to spend your time hunting. Or in town.”
“Preposterous,” Lord Langley said.
Madelene watched him. Was he perhaps jealous of her ability?
“I enjoy reading just as much as the next gentlemen. In fact, I just finished the most engaging book. Lord Barrington, surely you will enjoy this…”
Soon after dinner, they retired to the sitting room for some music and conversation. Uncle Matthew and Aunt Edith sat beside the fire, and Julia and Madelene sat beside the windows. Lord Langley seemed confused about where to sit, and eventually chose the chair across from Madelene.
She still felt unsure that he was enjoying her company. He seemed distant with her, but she told herself that it must have simply been due to the fact that she was a stranger, and the rest of her family was very familiar with him.
He crossed his leg over the other, and gazed at Madelene.
“So, you are a writer?” He asked, folding his hands behind his back. “How did you come upon such an endeavor?”
Madelene folded her hands in her lap, squeezing them together tightly. “I find it to be quite a pleasant pastime. There are few things in life as satisfying as exploring one’s own soul.”
Lord Langley made a sound like laughter, but it seemed hollow. “Beg your pardon, but even that sounded like a piece of prose.”
“Her poetry is absolutely lovely, Lord Langley. She has written me many letters and enclosed some of her latest work. I look forward to it every time.”
Madelene’s heart swelled at her cousin’s praise. “I had no idea that you felt that way,” Madelene said plainly.
Julia shrugged one shoulder, smiling. “I have saved every one of them.”
“Have you really?” Madelene said. For a moment, she forgot that they were joined by the dapper Lord Langley.
“Of course I have, they are magnificent!” Julia replied, laughing. “What did you think? I would simply read them and then dispose of them? What kind of cousin would that make me?”
“A far more dedicated one than I had come to believe!” Madelene said, laughing as well.
Lord Langley cleared his throat rather loudly after the girls shared a laugh for a moment.
“That is all quite well and good,” he said, and looked from one girl to another. “But I hear that you are going to be having a grand ball before Christmas?” He asked, turning to Julia.
“I am indeed,” Julia replied. “Are you perhaps asking for an invitation?”
“Perhaps I am,” he replied. “I would hate to miss the birthday of such a dear friend of mine.”
“Well, you may have an invitation under one condition,” she replied.
“And what might that be?”
Julia’s face suddenly narrowed, and a wide smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. She looked at Madelene intently. “I insist that you would share a dance with my dear cousin here.”
Lord Langley glanced over at Madelene, whom Julia was gesturing to. He hesitated for a moment before sitting back in his chair. “Such a simple request? Think nothing of it. I will dance with your cousin, and I will be happy to join you at the ball.”
The evening wound down shortly after that, and they bid their farewells to Lord Langley, who left in his carriage for home. As they stood out on the drive waving as the carriage drove away, Madelene turned to Julia.
“I was wondering, Cousin, why you made such a request of Lord Langley?”
Julia turned with her parents and they all walked back into the house. “Whatever do you mean, Madelene?”
“You know quite well what I mean,” Madelene replied as Uncle Matthew closed the door behind them.
“I am sure that I don’t,” she replied as she started walking toward the stairs, away from Madelene.
“Why did you wish for Lord Langley to dance with me at the ball?” Madelene asked plainly.
Aunt Edith and Uncle Matthew stopped and looked at the girls. It was apparent they had not heard Julia’s request she had offered Lord Langley.
Julia slowly turned around, and Madelene was surprised to see a smile on her face.
“Isn’t it obvious?” She winked at Madelene. “I think he would be the perfect match for you.”
4
All is Calm, All is Bright and Beautiful
The evening of December 23rd arrived far more quickly than Madelene had anticipated it would. She had greatly enjoyed the time she had been spending with her aunt, uncle, and cousin, and was even more pleased when some of Julia's older brothers had returned home for Christmas with their families. Their manor became pleasantly full, with the sounds of laughter and stories being told around every corner. Madelene wished that she could remain there forever and knew that all she would have to do was ask.
Much to her dismay, her aunt and cousin had procured yet another dress for her to wear to the ball. This dress was a beautiful pale blue, reminding her of the sky in early spring. There was a lovely sheer overlay with ivory ribbons and lace detail on the sleeves. They had even provided her with a thick shawl to help against the cold that was settling into the house.
"I know what you are thinking," Julia said, eyeing Madelene. "But I will ask you to not say anything of the sort. You are my dear cousin, and it is the least that I could do."
Madelene looked at Julia, her eyes wide. "I hope you don't think I am ungrateful."
"Say nothing of it," Julia replied. "I know your heart to be far too pure to be ungrateful. In fact, you are far too grateful, and that is why you don't wish to accept this gift."
"But you have already given me such a beautiful dress," Madelene said, glancing over to the red dress hanging on a post on the wall. The red color reminded her of the many sprigs of holly hanging around the manor for decoration for the ball.
Julia rolled her eyes. "That dress is far too simple for a ball that I have asked for," she said loftily. "Would it make you feel any better if I tell you that this dress used to be one of mine?"
"It is?" Madelene said, gazing at the dress with renewed interest. She knew her cousin had quite fashionable taste and found great joy in expensive attire. Madelene had never minded; her cousin was not haughty nor self-absorbed.
Julia smiled. "I wondered if that might change your mind."
"You aren't lying to me, are you?" Madelene said, looking up at her cousin as she gently touched the material of one of the sleeves of the dress, her brow furrowed.
"What point would that be? You certainly would never speak to me again if I were."
Madelene visibly relaxed. "Well, since it is yours, I will wear it. And after the ball, I shall make sure to wash it and return it to you."
"Dear cousin, you certainly have a hard time accepting gifts, don't you? I don't need nearly as many dresses as I have, and I knew this one would look far better on you than it ever would on me."
Madelene raised an eyebrow. "Surely you jest. This dress would look ravishing on you," Madelene said, holding the dress up to her cousin. "Your dark hair would be such a lovely contrast to the fabric."
Julia waved a hand. "It was a gift from great-aunt Kendra. She wished for me to wear it in the middle of the summer. This dress was certainly not made for such
hot temperatures. I only wore it once, and it brings back such awful memories."
"Oh..." Madelene said, suddenly feeling as if she had been given something just as good as rubbish to Julia.
"Oh heavens," Julia said. "This is coming out all wrong. Madelene, I want you to have this dress. I think it is a beautiful dress, but I know that it would look far superior on you than on me. I know that you don't have to wear it or accept it, but I hope you will because it would bring me joy to see you wearing one of my dresses and looking better than I will at my own ball."
Madelene could see the devotion in Julia's eyes. This truly meant a lot to her, and Madelene smiled. "All right, Julia. If it truly means that much to you."
There was a knock at the door, and Julia crossed to open it. "Yes?" She asked, peering into the hall.
"Did she accept the dress?" Madelene heard from outside the door. It was Julia's oldest brother, Christopher.
"Finally," Julia replied, and stepped back into the room to let him in.
A broad-shouldered man stepped inside with a bushy beard and kind eyes. He smiled down at his cousin.
"Oh, Madelene, that will look just splendid on you this evening." He looked at his sister. "I daresay that Lord Langley will have a hard time looking away from her as they dance."
Madelene put her hands on her hips and shot a glare at Julia. "Why are you so insistent on the man dancing with me?"
Julia grinned at her cousin, and let herself out of the room.
"Julia!" Madelene cried after her.
She sighed when Julia did not answer her and closed the door to her room. She was unaware that Christopher was still in the room.
"Oh, my apologies," Madelene said, reaching for the door handle once more, but she found Christopher's hand against the door, preventing her from opening it.
"Madelene, you must know how much Julia adores you, don't you? She's never had an older sister, and you are perhaps her very best friend in the entire world. Remember that she has a hard time conveying those feelings, and perhaps comes across a bit too strong."
Madelene looked down at the dress in her hands. "I hadn't thought of this being a gesture of love like that," she said to him.
He smiled at her and nodded his head. "As for dancing with Lord Langley, trust her judgment. She is not doing it to torture you. Do you believe me?"
Madelene studied his face. "What sort of gentleman is Lord Langley? Truly?"
Christopher sighed and scratched at his beard. "He is quite a remarkable gentleman, in fact. Intelligent, well connected."
Madelene shrugged her shoulders. "Many men are the very same."
"That is true," Christopher said, but smiled. "But I have met few men who trust in and rely on God more than he."
Madelene's eyes looked up into Christopher's, searching for the truth. She found it readily, and knew that he truly believed his words.
"Humor my sister, and dance with Lord Langley. I ensure you that it won't be as tragic as you believe it will be."
"He wasn't the most pleasant company when he was here for dinner the first night I arrived."
Christopher smiled as he opened the door. "I heard that, and that is most interesting," he murmured before he left the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Julia returned to her room in order to help her get ready for the ball. She helped Madelene get into her dress and insisted on doing her hair for her. She finished the braided knot on the top of her head with a strand of pearls, a perfect complement to the dress she wore.
Julia beamed happily and allowed Madelene to look into the mirror.
She felt as if she belonged in the royal family. The dress itself must have cost more money than her father made in one entire year, and the pearls made her thin face look even more delicate and feminine. She smiled in spite of herself.
"Do you like it?" Julia asked, beaming at her cousin.
"More than you could understand," Madelene replied.
Madelene reciprocated by braiding her hair in two plaits and twisting them together in an elegant bun, pinning it in place with a lovely glittering butterfly pin her mother had brought home from a trip to Italy.
By a quarter 'til eight, the girls had presented themselves to greet the many guests that would be arriving for the ball in the foyer with the rest of Madelene's cousins and their families.
It wasn't long until the tall and elegant Lord Langley appeared in the doorway beside a shorter woman with graying, curled hair beneath a bright white hat and coat as if she wore snow itself.
"Good evening, dears," said the woman as they made their way through the crowds to where Madelene and her family stood.
"Good evening, Lady Langley," said Julia and her mother and father, bowing their heads at the woman. Madelene inclined her head, and her uncle made the introduction.
"Oh, William, is this the young lady you were telling me about?" Lady Langley questioned, indicating Madelene.
Madelene felt her face color at the woman's words, and she was surprised to see Lord Langley was displeased by his mother's comment as well.
"It is wonderful to meet you, dear girl. Lady Barrington has told me much about you. They are quite fond of you."
"And I am quite fond of them," Madelene replied. "They have been so kind as to invite me to stay with them for the last few weeks."
"I am sure there are few things on this earth that they would enjoy more."
Aunt Edith beamed at her friend. "Dear Lady Langley, do tell me how you are feeling. Your son was kind enough to tell us of your health when he was here, but it brings me much joy to see you standing here before me."
Lady Langley smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "Well, I myself feel quite well. My heart is heavy."
"What ever do you mean?" Edith asked.
"Oh, our families were unable to return home for Christmas this year. With one expecting a baby very soon, and the others recently married, I am afraid that my dear boy and I will be spending Christmas alone together this year."
Was he without a parent, just as I am? Madelene thought as she watched Lady Langley's face. This was new information, and her frustration with the gentleman subsided slightly. She felt as if perhaps she understood him better, even in just a small way.
"Oh, then I insist the two of you come to our house for Christmas this year!" Aunt Edith said at once.
"Lady Barrington, that is a very kind offer," Lady Langley replied, and it was obvious she felt that they were imposing.
"I won't take no for an answer!" Aunt Edith said quickly, grasping Lady Langley's hands. "Please join us. No one should have to be alone on Christmas. Our family is your family. You know that."
Lady Langley glanced up at her son, who stood with his hands behind his back, gazing down at his feet. Madelene watched as he looked at his mother, smiled a small smile that seemed a bit forced, and nodded his head.
"We would be delighted to join you!" Lady Langley exclaimed.
The two women then became engrossed in their own conversation, and Lord Langley stepped away from them.
Madelene relaxed. She was unaware of the fact that she had been holding her breath when he was standing so close.
"Come with us!" Julia exclaimed, tugging on Madelene's hand, pulling her towards herself and her brothers. "It's almost time for the dancing to start!"
Madelene felt her heart tighten. Did Julia intend for her to dance with Lord Langley immediately?
They crossed the threshold of the ballroom, and Madelene felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of people inside. Everyone looked so handsome in their best gowns and suits, and she felt grateful that her cousin had given her a dress to help her blend in better. She wondered if Julia had foreseen that and was part of the reason she insisted on Madelene taking the dress.
There was a lovely music filling the room, full of strings and bows, and Madelene felt some of her anxiety lift; it was very hard to fight the inspiration flooding her soul for some new poetry. When her mind was distracted with el
oquent verses and the decision of word choice, very little could upset her.
"Madelene, there he is," Julia said, shaking Madelene's shoulder.
Madelene frowned at her cousin. "Who?"
"Lord Langley, of course!"
"Julia, I shall just remain here, and if he remembers to ask me, then I shall allow it."
Julia rolled her eyes. "Surely you don't think he forgot."
"Surely I hope he has," Madelene replied, crossing her arms in front of herself.
Just as they spoke, a dashing young man with hair as red as copper approached the girls and Christopher, who all stood in a circle. "Good evening, all," the young man said.
"Good evening, Lord Henrick," Christopher replied for the group. "You remember my sister, Lady Julia? And this is our dear cousin, Miss Blackmore."
The young man smiled at Julia and nodded at the girls. "Charmed, I'm sure." He removed his hat and rested it beneath his arm. "Lady Julia, I am most pleased at attending such a joyous event. I do hope you have enjoyed your day."
Julia beamed at the man, and the way she fluttered her long, dark eyes at him, Madelene realized how handsome Julia must have found the man.
"Oh, most assuredly, Lord Henrick. You are quite kind to honor us with your presence here."
"I would not miss it for anything on this earth," he replied, and Madelene wished to remove herself from the conversation. She felt as if she was intruding on a moment that she had no part of.
"Would you care to dance?" he asked, proffering his arm to her.
Julia grinned at him and accepted it graciously. "I would, good sir. Thank you for asking," and without a look back at her brother or her cousin, they made their way to the dance floor together.
Christopher smiled. "Cousin, do you mind terribly if I find my wife and ask her to dance?"
"Why in the world would I mind?" Madelene asked.
"I do not want for you to be all alone here," Christopher said. "Shall I fetch my daughter to keep you company?"
Madelene smiled, thinking of his daughter that reminded her so much of her sister when she was young. "No, that will not be necessary. Thank you, though. You go and enjoy the evening with your wife."