Jade (Chapter Three)
“He said that? After a week of dancing with you? Wow...” Louise said “Yes” I nodded “Do you believe him?” I started to answer but Mary-Anne cut in “She can't! No one can fall in love that quickly” “Oh Mary-Anne, where's your sense of... adventure” Louise finished excitedly “The real Question we should be asking is: Are you in love with him?” Mary-Anne asked sharply “No! I'm not, I don't think I am” “See Mary? She likes William, good girl Jade, good girl” “What? No! I don't like him either!” They looked at me expectantly, as if I was going to make something clear for them, as if I was going to tell them every little thing that went through my brain. I turned their attention to the upcoming banquet, which was two weeks away. “Father said it was going to be the biggest banquet this year had ever seen!” I said so fast the words started to trip over themselves. The girls giggled excitedly “Did he? Did he really?” I nodded and a resounding squeal of excitement was heard from all three of us, Snow started to get excited and jump up at us, and we laughed at him. “Is there a dinner tonight?” Louise asked “Yes, I think so, why?” I asked her “Will Lord Thornton be there?” “William? Oh I suppose...” “Do you not want him there Jade?” Mary-Anne that time I thought about her question, I did want him there I discovered, he was arrogant, beautiful and vain, he was charming, exceedingly graceful, everything that anyone would want, and he had asked for my hand, well not officially, but he had indeed asked for my hand. But my thoughts strayed to Brian. Brian was sweet, and innocent, a fool even with his intelligence. He did not excite me as William did, he also did not anger me like William did. “Oh no, I want him there, he's quite... extraordinary” I glanced down to Louise when I said that, she frowned slightly and looked away. A knock on my door signaled the end of our immediate conversation, the door opened and nurse stepped through it “Young Jade, you have a visitor” the three of us stood up and moved forward, but nurse put up her hand, with a slight smile “Just Jade girls”. Mary-Anne and Louise stepped backward bowing their heads into a slight curtsy, and sat back on my bed. I smiled at them quickly and walked out the door, surprised that nurse had not followed me out. I walked down the hall towards the banquet hall, but I had only gone a few meters when a hand snaked around my waste and pulled me off to a small corridor. A small squeak escaped my mouth, and I heard a deep voice chuckle slightly, “William” I breathed softly. My heart was racing wildly as a small smile played at William's lips. “What, what do you want?” I whispered. His grin widened, and he started walking, his hand still on my waist pushing me backwards until I hit the wall, cushioned by his arm around my back. He smiled again at my shocked face, I could feel my face getting redder as he moved closer towards me. He bent his head down to my ear and whispered softly “did you talk to your dad about my proposal?” I shook my head to enthralled in his eyes and voice to answer him. He put his head closer to mine and he kept whispering softly, “are you going to?” I nodded this time, and lifted my head to meet his, I was planning on stealing that kiss from the balcony back from him, and just as our lips were about to meet, he turned his head and walked away. Leaving me alone with the sound of my own heavy breathing. I watched him walk away, his shoulders hinted at some heavy breathing of his own, and I smiled. I walked slowly back to my room, pausing once to get some composure, I saw Brian stumbling his way up to my room, and thought silently 'please don't let him see me'. It is not that I did not want to see him, but he would know something was different or wrong as soon as he saw me, I tried to walk the rest of the way to the room quickly, without him seeing me. I had almost made it when I kicked my toe the door frame, hearing my pained cries, he looked up and jogged his way towards me. “J-Jade, are you alright?” “Yes, I'm fine Brian” He smiled at me “You called me Brian” “That is your name, sir” He nodded “yes, but you were calling me Lord Brian before” I shrugged “That is also your name, can you help me up please?” He again nodded, a smile on his face as he grabbed my hands and lifted me up slowly asking again if I was alright, nodding I shook his hands off me. He frowned slightly, but his enthusiasm shone through and he smiled again, “I was just looking for you Jade” I nodded and smiled at him, he was like a little puppy, easy to please and easy to make smile. “Why? Is something the matter?” I asked him, “No, nothings wrong, well I hope not. I was wandering If you'd like to take a walk with me” I took his arm smiling, and he led me out across the fields to my little sanctuary near the blue lake and my stone chair. He waited for me to sit myself down before making himself comfortable next to me. We sat in silence for a while, until I couldn't stand it any longer “what was it you wanted to talk about Brian?” He looked at me sheepishly, and a laugh escaped my lips, he looked quite adorable with that slight embarrassed look on his face. He grinned and said “My father, and your father of course, have made arrangements for the big banquet in two weeks” he paused, I motioned for him to continue “Well I thought I should tell you that, well that my father, and your father, have made plans for you and me to.. well to...” He paused again, I put my hand on his shoulder and smiled at him, saying “Well spit it out Brian” “For us to marry” He looked down at his knees as my hand dropped from his shoulder. I smiled, unsure whether I was happy or sad at this event, Brian looked up at me, and I leaned over to hug him, and he sat there unsure what to do “You could hug me back” I whispered in his ear and giggled, he blushed crimson and hugged me back tight. “Jade, I'm glad that my father chose you” he said after a long silence, he blushed furiously, “and I just want to tell you that it's not because you are beautiful,” and then he hastily added “Even though you are, I only meant...” he trailed off. I smiled at him, and told him to continue with what he was saying, after a deep breath he continued, “I only meant that I believe we could be friends, and not just husband and wife.” He shrugged as if what he said had no real meaning, but I could have cried, that was the sweetest thing someone had ever said to me. I was betrothed to a friend, and that was all that mattered and all that I could ask for. Brian ended our hug, and stood quickly, “I should get back, before your father catches us alone again” he helped me up and took my hand and kissed it, shaking him off my hand I hugged him, and kissed his cheek, he blushed again and grunted a thank you, and then quickly walked away, I watched him go smiling, and then practically ran my way back to my room, to tell the two girls what had happened, but as I burst into my room panting heavily, no one was there. Slightly disappointed I walked to my bed and collapsed, I took out the letter that was still under my pillow and re-read it. It was signed “your betrothed”. Brian was my betrothed, he must have written it... who knew Brian could be so romantic? After a while nurse walked in smiling, I looked at her, “did you know who my visitor was?” she grinned “Lord Brian, perhaps?” and walked into my wardrobe, grabbing a light, sea blue dress, and bringing it out to me, I looked at her again suspiciously, she was up to something. I asked her about it, but she just shrugged and smiled, holding the dress up to my body, “tonight, you shall wear this” I looked down at it, it was brand new, nurse must have had it made for me, it was beautiful, it had long sleeves and a low cut neckline edged in white lace, a high collar was enhanced with pearls laced throughout the seams, a low waist line and a flowing skirt made the dress stand out beautifully, father must have really wanted me to impress someone that night, nurse helped me out of my corseted dress and then helped me change into the beautiful blue dress, telling me that every night until the big banquet in two weeks, a smaller banquet was going to be held. And I must look my best every one of those nights, until the big banquet, where I must not look just my best, but extravagant. As nurse was tightening the laces on the dress, my mind started to drift. I was wondering whether it was too late to put forward William's name, it was an absurd thought, and I quickly put it from my mind, but every time I repressed that thought, it came sneaking back ever so quickly, like a cat pouncing on it's mouse, only for it to be scolded and return to the shadows to await another time to strike. I also felt guilty, I had given Brian a thought that I was somehow in love with him as he was apparently with me, it is true that I had a soft spot for him, and that he was so adorable, unlike William, who I never had a soft spot for, and did not find adorable. I suppose it was more a matter of which one I was more attracted to, and that was certainly a harder question, on one hand Brian was so sweet and I knew would take care of me, and who I adored whole heartedly on the other, William, who excited me, who frustrated me, who teased me. They were both attractive men, but William had something about him, that was more appealing than Brian, it was an acute attraction to being rebellious and going against everything that our society stood for, like him being a violin player, or climbing up my balcony just to annoy me. I was abruptly pulled from these thoughts as nurse pulled on my corset strings a bit too roughly, I cried out in pain, and received a scowl and a little slap on the shoulder. Nurse spun me around to face her and helped me into my dress, it took some time getting dressed, a couple of times I stumbled, and once I fell, nurse and I were in gales of laughter, but she soon stood me back up and got me into the dress a lot smoother than the previous attempts, facing the mirror I looked at myself, my cheeks were flushed and my dress was breathtaking. I fumbled through my jewels and selected a simple gold chain. No rings, no bracelets, no fancy head pieces, the dress was a jewel in itself. Nurse pushed me into the seat and told me to sit still so she could do my hair. I obeyed and didn't move my head until nurse pushed me into a different position, I watched her swiftly tie my hair up into a high bun, piling my hair on top of my head, little tendrils of dark curls escaped and framed my pale face, I asked her about my dress, where she had gotten it from, she shook her head and smiled merely saying it was a gift and would not tell me who it was from, all that I could decipher from her vague answers was that it was not a gift from my family, or from Mary-Anne and Louise. After nurse had finished my hair, she made me stand up and twirl around to show off the dress, she clapped her hands and I laughed, I hadn't had this much fun with nurse for a long time. She rushed to my wardrobe and grabbed out some silver slipper like shoes, and a silver wrap, sitting me down on my bed she put my shoes on for me much to my horror. I could do that myself, and told her that, she just smiled and continued to put them on, standing she checked my hair and hung the wrap around my shoulders. Nurse helped me up, and pushed me towards the door, where I was greeted by three people, William, Brian and my father. Brian stood there, his mouth had dropped and his eyes had widened, and he blushed as he realised he was staring at me, William stood there, a smile played on his lips, both boys offered me their arms, but I walked towards my father, kissed his cheek and took his arm, “you look beautiful Jade, you look prettier than your mother did at your age” I giggled as he added “But it's our secret, she'll kill me if she finds out I said that” he winked at me, I turned my head slightly as we started to walk, and caught William winking at me again, and I smiled. Brian looked at William in anger and I quickly averted my eyes, not wanting to cause any mishap. My mother met the four of us in the hall, she looked beautiful wearing a deep red dress, father offered her his arm and let go of mine, he winked at me once more and mother smiled, and they entered the room together. William and Brian once more offered me their arms, but I walked in by myself, and took my seat next to Louise, Mary-Anne hadn't arrived, but she always arrived late, William sat next to me, Brian sat across from me, and Louise and I laughed quietly. Louise smiled at Brian and asked him how he was going with learning about his estate, which made Brian stop staring at me and really get into the conversation with Louise. I laughed again, although this time it was silent, William took a sip of the drink which was placed in front of him, and as one was placed in front of me he grabbed my hand as I was about to reach for it. “I see your wearing my dress” he whispered “Your dress? I don't see you wearing it dear William, so I believe it is mine” “I'm glad you like it” He smiled “I do, I guess a thank you is in order then” “Yes I do believe one is, but I'll get that from you later” “Later?” “Yes, later” he chuckled “Did you ask your father about me yet?” I shook my head, and he growled slightly, “Why not? Do I disgust you that much?” I shook my head, he shrugged, “I will get my thanks later” I went to ask him again when Mary-Anne appeared, we waved her over and sat next to Louise. She looked fabulous, she was wearing a royal purple dress that dusted the floor, her hair was out and came over her shoulders, she wore a pearl necklace and she was so elegant that it looked like she floated when she walked. She sat down and grinned at us, she started to tell us something, but her father's voice filled the room, he stood up and said “A toast to Lord Dixon, for sharing his home with us on this special night for my family and my daughter, Mary-Anne” a round of applause was followed by a sip of our drinks, and resulted with two confused looks directed at Mary-Anne, and as dinner was being served, we excused ourselves and hurried into the hall. Mary-Anne just grinned at us, and we pushed her softly until we were all laughing. Louise spoke up first “What's the news? Why are you so dressed up? Why are you-” “You're getting married” I squealed, Mary-Anne nodded and we practically jumped on her, We asked her who, but she wouldn't tell, only saying that she was happy with who she was marrying, and that she hopes that she hoped when we finally got married we would be happy with our decisions. We hugged her again and we cracked up laughing, we were startled by someone clearing their throat, it was William, he frowned and told us dinner had been served, and that we were to be seated at once. We laughed at him and he scowled, quickly composing ourselves we stepped forward, William offered me his arm and I took it this time, and we were led into the hall once more, the three of us trying hard not to let a chuckle escape our lips. We sat down to a huge meal of meat and vegetables, and we ate that in silence, except for the occasional escaped giggle as Louise, Mary-Anne and I participated in an elbowing competition, which made Brian laugh and knock over his peas, which in turn made us laugh resulting in an embarrassed Brian and three amused girls. William sat in silence, seemingly frustrated, so I ignored him for the moment. Dinner ended and once more Mary-Anne's father stood up and commanded our attentions, “Tonight, is a special night, our beautiful daughter, Mary-Anne, is now engaged to young James Wright” We all clapped once more as Mary-Anne and James stood up, I smiled at them both, and Louise grinned. We were excited for our friend, and we were also excited for ourselves, soon it would be our turn. The music started to play and Mary-Anne and James started the dance, we watched them for a few minutes, and then slowly people started to join in, Louise motioned for Brian to come and dance with her, he looked hopelessly at me and conceded, and came around to ask her to dance properly. She winked at me and walked off with Brian. Leaving William to ask me to dance, but he didn't, he sat there and watched the others dancing. After a while he stood and walked outside, and I watched him just stand there outside in the moonlight, and I felt the need to go and talk to him, comfort him if he needed it. I excused myself and headed in his direction, I opened the door and just stood there. He turned and smiled at me, that sparkle in his eyes again. He motioned for me to come forward and offered me his arm, I took it and he led me down past the pergola and underneath a big flowering tree that shadowed an old, carved wooden seat. The moon was bright and we sat in silence for a long time, I just kept staring at the moon, and wondered what it could see from all the way up there, if it could see the heart aches and the smiles of the people it was watching over. And as the silence continued, I kept watching the sky, not only the moon, but the stars, listened to the silence of the night, as the animals finally rested. It was peaceful and I was enjoying how quiet it was, and how cool and fresh smelling the night air was. “Jade...” William interrupted the silence “William” I said turning to him, and then he moved closer to me and smiled, he reached his hand up to my hair, I nestled my head into his hand and he leaned in, and he gently pulled me closer to him, it seemed like forever, but finally our lips touched, my arms went around his neck, and his hand moved from the back of my hand down to my lower back, pulling me in even closer so that our bodies were touching slightly. We broke away slightly and I whispered “Thank you” and he smiled again, kissing me once more. “Jade? What are you doing?” “Brian?” I pulled away from William, standing up “Jade.. I thought... but you... what...” he stuttered and spluttered, his face turning red in anger. “Brian... it's okay” I tried to walk towards him, but William grabbed a hold of my hand and stood up beside me, his hand sliding around my waist holding me tight. “Well Lord Flint, it's quite a lovely night isn't it” William pleasantly announced “Lord Thornton-” I cut in quickly “William. Brian. Stop it, and let me go for goodness sake!” William looked at Brian and grinned, but he let me go, stepping away from him I walked towards Brian and he too walked forward, bypassing me and heading straight towards William who still had that stupid grin on his face. “Lord Thornton, I don't think what you did was appropriate to a betrothed young lady” “Lord Flint, it depends on to who she is betrothed” “Lord Thornton, she is betrothed to me” “That is not what I heard Lord Flint” Brian stuttered and became enraged, while William stood there seemingly without a care in the world. I stood there watching, silent and slightly afraid. Brian glared at William, and became even more infuriated, and before I knew what was happening he punched William in the face. William retaliated with a punch of his own, and a fight broke out. Crying out I rushed in to try and break it up, and was pushed away with such force that I fell over, the fight stopped almost immediately. Brian rushed over in an instant, kneeling beside me he asked if I was okay, held my hand and helped me up. I smiled at him assuring him I was fine. He led me over to the seat, his lip bleeding and his eye bruised, I had to laugh, and when he looked puzzled, I told him that I should be looking after him, he grinned sadly and I looked at William, who stared at me and stalked away grumpily. Making sure Brian was okay, I asked him if he would wait for me, assuring me would, I excused myself and followed William, I noticed the frown on Brian's face, and I smiled at him. William had walked around the house out onto where my fields were, I walked up to my room wanting to get changed into something less constrictive than the dress I was wearing before I went to find him. I entered my room silently pulling on the laces of the corset, a knock at my window made me jump slightly and I skidded over to the window pulling it open, William stood there his cheek had received a cut and his shirt had been torn open. He climbed in to the room and sat down on the ledge, staring at me, making me realize that my corset had been loosened. “What?” I asked him “I could ask you the same thing” “What?” “That was some thanks you gave me” “Which part the beating from Brian? Or the fact that you kissed me?” “Brian is he? Well your precious Brian is still outside” “And that's exactly where you should be Lord Thornton, outside” “I want my thank you” “I believe you stole that from me just a few moments ago” I was getting angry at him “You call that a thank you? I'd rather take the dress back than accept that as a thank you” “Fine! Have the dress back” I immediately started to pull at the laces of the corset and pulling it off I threw it at him, the dress pretty much fell off without the corset holding it in place and I stood there in my petticoats, I threw the dress at him “There! Are you happy?! Have the dress back! And get out! Don't you dare think you'll ever get a thanks off of me” I fumed at him, he looked down at the dress which had landed at his feet, he bent to pick it up scowling. “Don't worry Princess, you wouldn't catch me standing here for a minute longer” and he stormed out of my room. I flung myself down on my bed and cried, remembering I had left Brian waiting for me, I pulled on a nightgown quickly and ran down to where I had left him, to my surprise he was still there. I ran to him and he smiled sadly at me again, and he opened his arms as an invitation to me, one which I gladly accepted, and I fell into his arms and he held me as my tears fell. I don't know how it happened or when it happened, but under that moon and surrounded by all of those little white flowers, but that night I fell in love.
Copyright © 2009 Chloe L Batey |