Tea with a Bard

The sound of my new dress tearing made me cringe. Her foot was firmly planted on the hem. Before I could stop myself, I was pummeling forward, and down the velvet stairs.
My arms stretch out in front to brace my fall but I continued to tumble down. Without hesitation my hands brush the dirt off the front of my dress, but it was too late! The whole audience was staring at the spectacle, and just before the kings announcement none the less!
The inferno rising in my cheeks fueled my embarrassment.
I turned around just in time to see my cousin snicker. The smile on her face expressed how pleased she was.
Instantly my lip quivered, I stood there just like a motionless stone, and let my eyes cloud over. A torrent of tears fall down my rosey cheeks, just before fleeing the room!
I needed air, away from the suffocating myriads of eyes.
Then there it was; my escape! Two glass doors with diamond panes opening to a marble balcony. I could see a garden just beyond, and a fountain in the middle.
Once through the doors, I didn't stop, and one glance behind confirmed that no one followed. Down the steps and into the garden, tall bushes conceal my figure bringing relief. The path leads up to a fountain with an angel posed in the middle. An Archway stood just over my head, laced with ivy, and small white flowers.
A pillar hid a bench tucked tightly behind, and it was a safe place to rest.
Every few minutes, I peered out from behind to ensure I wasn't caught off guard.
The cold night air felt good against my hot cheeks. A sigh escaped my lips. It felt good to be away from the wondering eyes.
"Lovely night isn't it?" A startling voice behind me interrupts the night.
Across the bench sat a man with black hair slicked tightly back. One could see facial hair lightly covering his face. His black tux fit tightly to his body, suggesting a muscular form below. His wondering eyes examined my dress.
"Umm...yes it is." I staggered. Now this was predicament I had been trying to avoid. Tonight had been embarrassing enough without being alone with a man. If someone were to find us, what would the ton say!Promiscuous rumors ruined every woman. I needed to leave right away.
"I really must be going," I while standing. I felt rude in doing so, but it was risky to stay. We couldn't be seen alone.
"No, please don't go. At least not yet," he said grabbing my hand and shrugging his shoulders.
In that moment I couldn't imagine a man more handsome. The way his hair flopped slightly off to the side, and his boyish grin that melted me down to my shoes. Just that simple little gesture tugged at my heart strings.
"Well then, one minute couldn't hurt," I said sitting back down. I could feel anxiety flood my body. How could I deny this man? How could just a few simple little words have such a hold on me?
"Tell me, what do you think of the ball?" He inquired.
"Honestly I don't like it at all. The crowds are a bit much," I admitted, I could feel my cheeks slightly flush with the memory. That was the most of the truth as I was willing admit. I couldn't tell a stranger that I'd fallen down the stairs in front of the ton!
"You are very lovely, I spotted you from across the garden in that yellow dress. If I recall it is out of style, but I think you put it back in fashion," he complimented.
I felt my cheeks heat up again. No one had ever told me I looked beautiful in such a manor before. Surly this was the highest complement I could be given. I didn't know what to say!
"Well thank you, you are very handsome," I said trying to keep my composure, I had never complemented a man before. In a brief moment our eyes met.
"Really, I must return to ball," I insisted yet again. This time I had to leave it wouldn't be lady like to stay, and risk being ruined.
"Would you mind if I was to come calling on you?" He questioned further, "at least to get to know you better?"
"Yes, that should be quiet lovely," I replied and rose from my seat.
Rejection of a possible suitor wasn't something I could afford. Not that I would mind if he came calling. He was a very good looking man, and that was enough to hold my interest. Only time would show his true colors.
"Till later, m'lady," he caught my glove, and kissed it.
I summoned my dignity and left the garden. It took all my courage to walked back into the ballroom.
With my ripped gown, I tried to blend in with the crowd. If luck held, the rip would go unnoticed.
It was my duty to find a husband. My aunts words rang in my head, "Have no doubt you will be married before the season is over. Mark my words, the first man to come calling will be your husband." I was nothing but another burden laid on her when my parents died.
It was imperative that I danced, and make my presence known. Maybe by pretending to be interested, someone would offer me a dance?
My attention turned to a man in a dark blue suit, who was twirling a girl in a glassy pink. Together they spun endlessly, each step flawless. For a minute doubt clouded my judgment on my abilities to dance. Was if possible to dance half as gracefully as them?
Someone tapped my shoulder from behind. I turned around, and stood face to face with yet another handsome man. He bowed and offered me his arm.
Heat flushed through my cheeks at his recognition. It was the king!
"I hoping to bring you to the refreshments," he said with a smile.
"I would be delighted," with a curtsy take his arm. A smile settles on my lips maybe I hadn't been so unnoticed.
He lead me over to the refreshments and poured a glass of wine.
"From the earlier events I assumed this would help," he hands me the glass. Before drinking, my hands twist it examining all the facets etched into the sides.
A common teaching was that ladies didn't drink wine quickly, so as not to make a fool. Instead they were to sip, and that is what I proceeded to do.
The silence between us needed to end. "Everyone is quite lively wouldn't you say?" I struggle to start a conversation, all the while savoring a moment to admire his attire. I hadn't noticed all the jewels adoring his coat, nor the necklace with a golden cross sitting on his chest. In this moment fine silks that made his attire shone.
"Agreeably so, it's such a pity that I haven't found a dance partner out of all these lovely ladies." He smiles and hints, "you a good dancer?"
"I think it's only fair to judge for yourself." I replied smartly. Boastfulness was never part of my demeanor.
"Come now, we shall see," he takes the wine glass from me. With a clink both glasses are placed on the table, and he offers me an arm.
Once again all eyes were on me. Everyone in the room stopped and stared. The music came to an abrupt halt, and lights were dimmed.
"Pianist, play..." he chose a song, while I drifted into my own thoughts, and my plus beat rapidly. Sweat started to pool across my forehead, and my palms felt clammy. Was the room spinning, or was that imaginary? Was it possible to dance in front of the crowd?
He could sense my nervousness, and leaned in to whisper, "I'm right here, dance as though no one else exists. Look at me and pretend we are the only two."
I nodded and focused on his face. The music began to play. I let my feet follow the rhythm of the music, and follow in step. Each foot was careful not to miss a beat, and we danced as one.
"I have made my choice, the announcement must be made," without further explanation, and leaving me puzzled he hurries to the top of the stairs. A page came running after him, unraveling a scroll.
"To whom it concerns, the king has chosen a lady to court. She will be brought to the castle and groomed. If she then chooses she shall wed the king or return home. Have no fear, her innocence will not be tarnished, she will have her own accommodations. She will report to the castle tomorrow evening," he pauses holding out the suspense.
"Will the lady Alice Devonte please come forward?" Effortlessly he calls my name.
My heart stopped, frozen in awe. The king had chosen me? This couldn't be so, it was a dream!
Before I could even react a man beside me called out, "Here she is!" The crowd parted giving me a clear path. Cautiously, I walk through the crowd. My aunts bitter face, and my cousins jealous expression gave me a boost of hope.
Once standing beside the king, cheers break out. Only when the crowd subsided the king kissed my hand," Pardon my leave, there other duties to attend. Let my squire escort you home." He beckoned to the man I had met in the garden, and he bowed politely.
"Allow me to take you home lady Devonte," he said.
"Thank you," I took his arm still in shock, and he leads me to a horse drawn carriage. The horses whinny impatiently.
The door was held open to me.