As more and more patrons entered the hall Ana Marie realised she would have to act quickly before the seats were all taken. She must not be stuck in a corner out of view of Lord Gregory's attention. For surely she would be able to claim his attentions.. one way or another. On that she was most assured.
The slightly wicked smile forming on her friend's face had Cecily wondering what on earth she had gotten herself into by agreeing to help Ana Marie. "Oh my I hope I don't regret this night!" she thought to herself as Ana Marie started pulling her across the room.
"Ouch!" said Cecily. "You're pinching my arm." Ana shushed her friend as her mind whirled with just the right words to say to get to her objective... Lord Gregory.
Out of the corner of her eye she could see he was watching their every move. Hmmmm.. already interested I dare say, she thought to herself... and I haven't even begun my quest. This is going to be so easy!... she surmised to herself.
As they neared the group that included Lord Gregory he leaned down to whisper something in the ear of the lady next to him. She glanced over at Cecily and Ana Marie as they approaced and directed a warm and inviting smile to them.
"Cecily, Ana Marie... how lovely to see you both this evening. My but it is starting to get rather crowded already. Word has it that this is THE game to play in the upper circles. And well... that's us isn't it."... she proclaimed unabashedly with a slight genteel laugh. But then there was no hiding that from just one look at Mismerelda... daughter of Grant Thortonbush III.... who made sure everyone knew her status in society. Wether they cared to know or not.
Lord Gregory stood in his most gentlemanly stance, nodded kindly and spoke in greeting... "Ladies...".
Ana Marie... who thought she'd not be able to take another breath could scarce take her eyes off him. Then a quick poke in her ribs brought her back to reality. "How do you do Mismerelda. My how lovely you look this evening, as always. Sir... " she bowed slightly to the object of her affection. Good manners were not her forte', much to her mother's chagrin.... she new what not to do...but she often found herself doing it anyway... like speaking out of turn. "Lord Gregory I believe.... how good to see you this evening.." Poke.. another punch in her ribs caused her to grit her teeth at Cecily.
Mismerelda could hardly contain the frivolity of the moment... and decided she best speak up before things got too out of hand... for she did care just enough for Ana Marie t not let her make a 'total' fool of herself. She had a duty she felt.... to help those less able than herself to follow all the correct proprieties of their social status... not that she herself would be looked down upon or any such thing from the behavior of her friends... the thought never entered her mind. One couldn't be too careful though, could one. Especially when the possible attachment to the likes of Lord Gregory was at stake.
"Oh please do excuse us dear ladies.... we are being called to my father's side ... it was so good to see you again."... and she hurried of with Ana Marie's hoped-for conquest before she had a chance to speak another word to him.
It was with great lady-like restraint that Ana Marie didn't stomp her foot that very minute in total exasperation. How like Mismerelda to get all the luck this evening. Instead, she turned her frustration on the nearest target... "Cecily... that elbow jab hurt! What on earth did you do that for?".
"Don't act all innocent with me Ana Marie... you know exactly why I did it... it was not proper for you to speak before being spoken too first. If you want to win the favor of the like of Mismerelda and Lord Gregory you better be willing to play their societal games properly. If word gets back to your mother of any improper behavior on your part this evening she just might not let you attend the Harvest Ball with me! And you promised you would."
From somewhere far away Ana Marie could faintly hear her friend speaking words of disdain..... for her attention was glued to Lord Gregory who at that very moment had turned away from his conversation with Mismerelda and her father and their eyes were locked as everyone else in the room seemed to fade away for those few breathtaking moments. "If mother knew what I'm thinking at this moment she'd never let me out of our home again!" she thought to herself.. with a wicked gleam in her eye and a beguiling smile on her face.... which seemed to have Lord Gregory finding it a bit hard to contain his gentlemanly airs.
The room began to buzz as the patrons were instructed to take their seats to begin the game. "Ana Marie...!! Have you heard a single word I've been saying to you??... Cecily exclaimed loudly in her ear. "Come on... we've been invited to sit at the table with Lady Beth and Lady Beatrice. We must go take our places. Hurry... I'm getting rather curious now to see how this game is played. It better be worth what you are putting me though."
Gathering their skirts and making their way across the room Cecily and Ana Marie found their chairs and were seated and comparing their cards and wondering about the rows of numbers when suddenly Ana Marie felt the hair stand on the back of her neck. She looked up and saw Lord Gregory sitting at the table in front of theirs, his seat facing hers and again.... their eyes met and time froze. She would get a moment alone with him before the evening was over, no matter what she had to do to do it! Oh this was going to be a very exciting evening... and it would be worth whatever punishment she may suffer at her mother's hands later. She'd make sure it was!
Cecily glanced up in time to see the two of them making a spectacle of themselves in front of everyone and warning bells went off in her head. She knew Ana Marie would involve her in her shenanigans one way or another... and she did not look forward to it one bit! Until she saw who else was sitting at the table with Lord Gregory and Mismerelda!
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
First 