By Way of the Rose

by Cynthia M. Ward

  Sarah went to Miss Ruby's room to dress. Mrs. Jenkins was there too fussing over her own hair. Tad was dressing in her own room with Tess to help her.

  Miss Ruby curled and pinned Sarah's hair until it was perfect. Roses were gathered from the gardens for her hair. In the back she wove in the small clump of rosebuds. Then Mrs. Jenkins helped her dress. She pulled the corset tight, making sure every slip and undergarment was in place and then they slipped the gown over Sarah's head. As the gown fell down around her, Sarah was facing the full length mirror. She was stunned, she'd never seen herself looking so grand. “I— I can't believe that's me!” she gasped. “That girl in the mirror is beautiful! That can't be me!”

  “Believe it, sweetie! You are wonderful!” Mrs. Jenkins cupped Sarah's face in her gentle hands. “An angel on earth, that's what you are!”

  “Thank you both so much for this! Thank you!”

  Miss Ruby smiled. “You're most welcome, my dear. But it was mostly you that made our work a success.”

  “Yes, without you it would have been just another hairdo and dress. You make it outstandingly beautiful!” Mrs. Jenkins nodded.

  Sarah felt tears coming to her eyes.

  “Now we mustn't have that.” Miss. Ruby warned, “You'll make your eyes all red and puffy!”

  They heard a knock at the door. Miss Ruby opened it to reveal John in his evening clothes. He was so handsome and dashing Sarah's heart began to pound hard in her chest. What would tonight hold; was she ready for this? John was a part of a magical world she knew nothing about, but she desperately wanted to fit in.

  John felt his heart drop when he saw Sarah. She radiated like a light in the dark. The dress, the hair, the face. All perfect. “Oh my Lord,” he gasped as all the air left his body.

  “Do you like it?” Sarah smiled and turned about so that he could see the entire view.

  “I— I'm totally speechless.” He looked at Sarah now, not as his little sister, but as a woman. He didn't even try to see the little girl she had been. That exercise had worked well over the past few months. Yet now, he didn't want to see her as anything but what she was right here, right now. This beautiful and desirable woman. His heart yearned to touch her, to hold her, to have her. His eyes were fixed on this vision of womanhood and beauty as he made his way toward her. He threw all caution to the four winds as he felt an odd pressure in his chest. He fully knew now what it felt like to be in love— completely overwhelmed and not caring who knew it, not caring if it was wrong or right, not caring about anything but the one who had taken total possession of his heart. He took her hand in his and gently kissed it. “You are beautiful.” He looked into her eyes.

  Mrs. Jenkins seemed to look knowingly at Miss Ruby. John realized that they must have seen his expression and manner wasn't one of brotherly adoration.

  “Well, let's get going.” Miss Ruby hastened them along.

  John took control of his senses and held his arm up for Sarah. He led her downstairs with the two ladies following behind in somewhat of a victorious manner.

  Then Tad came gliding down the stairs in a ball gown of light blue and white. Her hair was swept up in an elegant fashion with ringlets bouncing above her left shoulder. She was a vision. John left Sarah and held his hand up toward Tad. “You look exquisite.” He smiled at her.

  “Thank you, sir.” She grinned.

  “Look at my two lovely ladies.” John looked at them adoringly as they stood there, side by side.

  “You look beautiful, Sarah.” Tad smiled.

  “Thank you,” Sarah snapped.

  As though noticing for the first time Sarah's hostilities toward Tad, Miss Ruby jumped to her defense with, “Why dear Tad... you are beautiful! That dress is outstanding!” The woman smiled kindly at her.

  “And your hair... did you do it yourself?” Mrs. Jenkins asked her.

  “Yes, Ma'am.” Tad beamed with pride.

  “Well, let's get going. We don't want to be late. Can't have the carriage turning into a pumpkin on us!” John said as he opened the front door. The carriage sat at the end of the sidewalk ready to take them to the ball. John helped Tad in first then Sarah who he noticed made sure to sit on the opposite side of the carriage away from Tad. Mrs. Jenkins and Miss Ruby climbed in and sat down with Sarah leaving John to sit with Tad. John looked out the window the whole way to Mr. Tyson's. He wanted to avoid showing any more of his true feelings for Sarah. As if anything he saw out there could have held his attention better than the woman sitting just across from him, just a few inches away.

  As the carriage came to a stop, Sarah looked out to see the Tyson mansion. She thought it was magnificent. The gleaming white mansion was three stories high, with elaborate carvings over the doors and windows and great columns in front that made the boarding house columns look like sticks. “John, this is even bigger than the boarding house and I thought that was the biggest house I'd ever see.”

  “Yes, it's a bit bigger. This is Mr. Tyson's main house and where all his big parties are held.”

  “This is a real mansion. How I'd love it if Jennie and Betty could see this!”

  “Maybe they can come someday,” John absentmindedly answered.

  The carriage shook a bit as the driver climbed down from his seat. The door opened and he held out his hand to help the ladies out. A group of people standing near the entrance turned to stare at Sarah. “Who's that with Mr. DuVal?” one of the women whispered. The others stumbled around on their words trying to figure out who she was.

  “Maybe he's finally found himself a lady friend. She certainly is lovely.”

  As they went into the ballroom, Sarah noticed Doug Mahaffey standing near a wall, talking with a woman. He was smiling and flirting as big as anything. As he looked up and noticed her, his face went pale, whiter than it had ever been before. His gaze froze on her. For the first time he looked at her without a silly grin. He didn't even wink. As a matter-of-fact, he didn't do anything. It was as if he had turned to stone. Sarah smiled politely as she went on scanning the room.

  “There's Mr. Tyson, Sarah.” John pointed to a tall slender man with salt and pepper hair. His face was handsome, even if he did look a bit gruff. He wore small spectacles near the end of his nose, looking a bit too small for his face. “Come, I want you to meet him.” John guided her through the crowd towards Mr. Tyson.

  “Well, good evening, DuVal!” He exclaimed loudly. “Who's this lovely Miss you have on your arm?”

  “This is Sarah, Sir.”

  “So, this is the famous little sister we've heard so much about?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Mr. Tyson looked at Sarah. “She's not little anymore, is she? Quite grown up indeed.” He took Sarah's hand and kissed it. “He's told us all about you so many times, I feel like I already know you... although I don't remember him describing anyone with the looks of an angel.” He smiled warmly.

  “Thank you, Mr. Tyson, sir.” Sarah smiled shyly. She soon found him to be a man of charm and a gentleman. A learned man of books, wisdom and compassion.

  The evening was a whirl of excitement with seemingly hundreds of people wanting a chance to meet this young Miss Sarah DuVal. Finally, Sarah made her way out of the mob and into the hallway. Just as she was letting out a sigh of relief she heard a voice behind her.

  “Havin’ a good time, Miss DuVal?”

  She turned to see Doug. He was smiling at her as a gentleman ought. She couldn't help but notice how pleasant his smile really was without that aggravating wink of his. “Yes, I am, Mr. Mahaffey. I just needed a break. Everything and everyone is just wonderful, but a little overwhelming for me.”

  “So, this is ya first big event? And by the way, ya can call me Doug.”

  “I barely know you, Sir.”

  “I'm yer brother's best friend... and this is the first steps to gettin’ to know me better.”

  “I'd prefer to keep things as they are.”

  “Does that mean ya don't want to get to know me better?
”

  “I'd rather keep our relationship a formal one, thank you just the same.”

  “I can see ya already know quite a bit about me... quite a bit. I also can see ya won't give me a chance based on the gossip you've heard. Not the kind of person I took ya for at all.”

  “I don't listen to idle gossip, I am basing my opinions on what I've seen of you.”

  “And what exactly have ya ‘seen'?”

  “The way you look at me borders on disrespect. Every time I've seen you outside the house you've been with a different woman, and unless Miss Ruby and Mrs. Jenkins are liars, you are engaged. Out of respect for your fiancee I don't believe we need to get to know each other too informally, sir.”

  “So, I shouldn't have friends if I am engaged? Ya give yourself airs, Miss DuVal. I didn't ask for a love affair with ya, just a friendship. Now, if ya will excuse me, madam,” he said making a deep bow, “have a wonderful evenin'.” He strode back toward the ballroom.

  Sarah's face burned red from the bluntness of Doug's comments. She actually felt bad about treating him that way. But why should she feel sorry about keeping a man like that away from her? Why should she tolerate a man who would dangle a woman while he ran after countless others? But still, he acted so, so... human tonight. So much like a man that was thoughtful and kind. He was flirting when we walked in tonight, Sarah... don't forget that! But the ice had begun to chip.

  Sarah heard music filling the ballroom. She walked back to the entrance and saw John dancing with Tad. They looked so graceful together, gliding around the dance floor with little effort as if they weren't even thinking about what they were doing, like it was just natural and something that everyone should know. John had taught Sarah a bit when they were getting ready for tonight, but never had they glided like this. If only that were she floating so freely in his arms, she felt they could both dance into the clouds.

  “May I have this dance, Miss?” A voice intruded into her dream. She saw a tall man with jet black hair and a thin mustache. “I'm Mr. Atkins.” He clicked his heels as he bowed to her. He was so well groomed and articulate. Suddenly Sarah felt very inferior.

  “I don't really know how to dance, not very well.”

  “But you do know a little?”

  “A very little.” Sarah wanted so badly to dance.

  “Everyone has to start somewhere, care to try?”

  “Well, let's try it then!” Sarah smiled. She placed her hand in his.

  “I lead... All right?”

  “I know that part. It's about the only part I do know,” she laughed. He led her around the dance floor. A few stumbles and near collisions later, she felt herself gliding. “This can't be real!” She was amazed at the feeling.

  “You're doing wonderfully!”

  “But you're doing better.” She smiled. Soon, another man came to dance with her, then another, but none of them were John. Sarah noticed him laughing and talking with Tad by the refreshment table. He wouldn't even look her way. Was he ignoring her? Sarah walked toward them. “Having a good time?” She looked at John.

  “Yes, fine, how about you?”

  “It's wonderful.” Sarah wondered if he were going to ask her to dance. “That Mr. Atkins helped me learn to dance better... it's grand.”

  “Yeah, I saw you. You're doing so well I didn't know who you were out there.”

  “Really? Well, thank you.” She took a drink of punch and coyly smiled at him. “I wouldn't step on your feet if you danced with me now, would I?” She hoped he'd pick up on her hint and ask her to dance. The band started playing a new tune. “Oh, that sounds lovely!” Sarah exclaimed.

  “Yeah, come on, Tad... this is our favorite!” He took the girl's arm and let her to the dance floor leaving Sarah standing by the refreshment table. She looked down as she began to cry then quickly swiped away the tear. I must really look like a fool! Someone to be ashamed of! She noticed Doug walking toward her and quickly composed herself.

  “Would asking ya to dance be too ‘informal’ for our relationship, Miss DuVal?” He smiled at her.

  She returned his smile, glad to see him, glad he'd asked her to dance. “No, Mr. Mahaffey, I don't suppose it would be,” she boldly answered. He held his hand out, she took it and he whisked her onto the dance floor. She noticed John looking at them with a worried expression on his face. His jaw was clenched and nostrils flaring. She looked around her to see if something were wrong but everything seemed fine. Doug placed his hand on her waist. Sarah looked into his eyes and she saw something more than she thought she'd see from such a man. She saw a kindness, an unexpected warmth in him that she liked. She smiled at him. “I hope I don't step on your toes. I'm very new at this.”

  “I doubt I'd even know it if ya did. The way ya look tonight, ya could stomp me into the ground and I wouldn't even notice it.” He smiled back at her.

  She blushed. “You know this is my very first formal dance and I very well could end up dancing on your toes instead of the floor.”

  “Yes, I saw ya and Mr. Atkins stumblin’ across the dance floor. But ya catch on really quick. Yer a natural. I'm not afraid of those sweet little feet of yer's.”

  “Mr. Mahaffey, I'd like to apologize for being rude to you earlier. I really had no right to say those things. It's just that in the past, the way you looked at me, made me feel degraded. I didn't want to be one of your conquests. If you're offering me your friendship I'll take it, Doug.” She smiled at him.

  “I'm sorry I ever made ya feel uncomfortable. I can see where ya might get the ideas ya had. I am terrible and I do like to flirt, but believe me, that is all. But yerself, I just couldn't keep my eyes off ya. I wanted to look at you and I wanted you to notice me.”

  “You are terrible!” Sarah laughed gaily.

  “Well, how many other men that stay at the boarding house do ya recognize here tonight?”

  “I hadn't thought about it. Really, you and John are the only ones I can think of.”

  “See, my strategy works for me.” He grinned down at her. “My, but yer an exquisite creature! There's such a fine air of perfection about you that just takes my breath away.”

  “Thank you.” Sarah's cheeks blushed as he whorled about the dance floor. She absorbed this man's every word like a sponge. She felt beautiful in his arms. John had often called her a princess, but tonight, the charm of this dashing man made her feel like one. She actually liked Doug, just as John said she would! She hoped his words were meant for her alone and weren't simply those he used on all his conquests.

  Sarah noticed John coming towards them. Someone had stepped in on him and Tad. He tapped Doug on the shoulder.

  “May I dance with my sister?”

  “Of course, my good man.” Doug thanked Sarah for the short dance as he bowed to her and walked away.

  John took Sarah in his arms and began to waltz across the floor. “Whatever made you dance with him?”

  “He asked me to.” Her reply was short and curt.

  “I thought you didn't like him.”

  “I didn't. I just wanted to dance and since you were dancing with Tad, I thought he'd be just as good as anyone else. But you know, he is rather nice. I do think I like him. He's quite the gentleman.”

  “And how did you come to that revelation in such a short time, my fickle girl?”

  “Oh John, it's his eyes. There's something in them. I see a kindness. A realness. A warmth that I like. And the way he talks, it's so pleasant. Not Irish exactly.”

  “Yes, he's been here so long he can't figure out whether he's Irish or American. His accent was really thick when he first got here.” John chuckled then he stared into Sarah's eyes. “Watch yourself. You'll be swept off your feet, too, just like his other lady friends.”

  “Well, it wasn't Doug that I wanted to dance with in the first place. I've wanted to dance with you all night.” As the room whirled around them their eyes were fixed on each other. Nothing existed out there but them. For a few brief minutes, Sarah and John
were dancing freely as if through the clouds of Heaven itself. She couldn't believe that she was finally in his arms dancing like this. It was wonderful. When the music stopped, John didn't turn her loose. They stood there, gazing into each other's eyes. Both were frozen in place, then John slowly backed away and bowed to Sarah. “Thank you for the dance, young lady.” He smiled. “Care for a refreshment?”

  “Yes, please.”

  As they neared the refreshment table Doug cut through the crowd to meet them. “Not too tired out, I hope?” Doug looked at Sarah.

  “Oh, no! Just needed a drink.”

  “Good, then may I have yer next dance?” Just as Sarah smiled to say yes, John interrupted her.

  “I think she's had quite enough dancing for the night.”

  She frowned. “But, John... I'm not even tired.”

  “We'll talk to you later, Doug.” John pulled Sarah towards the hallway and out the door.

  When they got outside, Sarah pulled her arm free from his grip. “Just what was that all about?”

  “I don't want you getting too friendly with him.”

  In stunned disbelief, Sarah looked at him. “I don't understand you! First you tell me what a great person he is, and now you act like this. What has gotten into you tonight?”

  “He isn't someone you should become too friendly with.”

  “Fine enough. But, I hope you know, partly because of you I've already led him to believe that I would be friendly with him. What am I to do now?”

  “Just steer clear of him.”

  “You know him better than I do. I'll trust your judgment and steer clear.”

  “Thank you.” John breathed deeply. He felt a bit guilty about undercutting Doug, yet he knew in his heart that Doug wouldn't dare approach the sister of his best friend unless he was serious about her. That must mean that he truly cared for Sarah. What if they did fall in love? John couldn't stand the thought of that! Not now that he himself was in love with her! What should be done with this love that he was too shy to reveal? Could he follow her around and discourage any possible beaus? He'd never been comfortable with ladies. Love had never entered his mind; besides, he'd always been too busy. “Why don't you sit down out here while I go in and get you that drink?”