Chapter 10
“ Charles, what a lovely surprise “
My mother glances over to me then at him. I avoid his gaze and greet my father and sister who were also in the room before greeting Charles in silence as well.
“ I don’t mean to intrude I come with an invitation.. “
The tension in the room grows thicker I notice my sister smooth her dress and stand up straighter, My father fiddling with the edge of his coat and smoothing out the sleeves on his arm. My mother just stood there nervously knowing exactly what he would be asking. Completely confused I just stand and wait for what was going to come out of his mouth next.
“ Ms. Helena I would love to have you on my arm for the Churchill ball “
Well I believe that is something I never thought I would hear coming from him. His tone of voice was completely forced. His attempt at being charming and chivalrous failing to win over my heart miserably. I narrow my eyes at him slightly and tilt my head. Our eyes met and I didn’t allow myself to be the one to break the eye contact. My mother was about to speak up for me when I decided to answer.
“ Thank you Charles but I must politely decline seeing as I have already accepted another invitation “
The room falls into an uncomfortable silence as Charles tries not to show his shock and disappointment in the rejection. I can feel my father and sister shoot their head in my direction my mom signaling it is a discussion for later. Charles clears his throat then nods to my parents and smiles at me.
“ Very well then thank you all for your time, Helena it is always a pleasure “
His voice lowering at the end of his sentence. He bows and it looked to me like he would have left faster if he was capable of it. Once he makes his leave my mom speaks up in the silence
“ Well Helena and I were wanting to go out for a new dress for the ball, Emilia would you care to join us “
Emilia smiles and nods in response almost robotically as she’s still in a state of shock by what just unfolded in front of us all. Everyone having so many questions but remaining quiet. We all look at each other and it was almost like none of us wanted wanted to move or be the first to leave the room. My father looked at us girls than down at his pocket watch.
“ Alright I will leave you ladies to it then “
With that he spins on his heels and was out the door. I walked over to my sister and hooked our arms before walking out to the carriage together. She was very quiet, I did not expect Charles to have such an impact on her the way he did me. I assume it’s just how close we are and she understands how much he bothers me, not to mention once more how unexpected his visit was.
“ Sister are you alright ? “
In response she rubs my arm that was hooked with her own and gives me a reassuring smile.
“ I am, just don’t enjoy being caught off guard you know ? “
I nod agreeing with her as we step into the carriage. Why was he here ? After our last interaction I really had hoped I would have nothing more to do with him and he would want nothing to do with me. It like he comes in out of the blue and I can’t shake him off. I wish things went back to how they were before.
I know that’s not true
Imagining myself his forever date to every soirée. Being the one woman on his arms that drew eyes from every part of the room. To be the only one he truly desired..
“ What do you think Helena ? I say we go for shades of Violet perhaps “
Snapping out of my thoughts I look to my mother and just nod aimlessly.
“ Violet yes “
Emilia and my mother continue the conversation they were having before paying me no mind and I can’t help but allow myself to question if I made the right decision in choosing to go to the ball with Theo. From a young age Theo had developed his distinct personality he was always a very like able. Always super flirty with the girls and he loved to push people’s buttons, test them. Charles on the other hand has always been so serious. I’m not sure if it’s just an older brother thing ? My older brother can be very serious at times but Charles definitely takes the cake so maybe the Older brother thing is ruled out.
The carriage comes to a stop and we each get out one by one making our way in to see the modiste. I love seeing and touching all the different fabrics. Being fit for a dress may be a lot of ladies nightmare but, I just love it I love it all. The whole experience and watching it all come together in the end to create such a beautiful creation it is just so wonderful. My sister and I immediately keep our eye out for any shade of violet fabric that caught our eye. At the same time we reached out to touch a beautiful Lavender silk we swooned over together. My sister looked at me with a knowing look and with that I took my hand off the fabric.
“ it’s alright sister I’m sure I can find something “
Once I back off the fabric I allow my eyes to wander once more In search of the perfect fabric for this dress. This is our first dress of the season, for the first ball of the season. This had to be perfect. Just as I had that thought my eyes caught sight of a sheer fabric almost like a lace it looked like with the most beautiful violet flowers littered all over it seeing that my mother mentioned the color violet. This fabric was obviously used to overlay another fabric but as beautiful as it was, it just seemed so..basic..like something I would clearly go for . My mom had already situated Emilia with the modiste, Madam Monet, when she noticed me fixated the fabric. She made her way over to me to take a look at the fabric as well.
“ oh this is lovely darling “
“ isn’t it mother “
I exclaimed shortly, trying to force some short of excitement..
“ Now darling I must ask you something and please do not take it in a distasteful way “