Michaela looked across the ball room to Sully and his wife. She took a deep breath settling herself. She had heard he would attend the charity ball as his wife was the daughter of Owen Wilcox, one of Boston's most renowned businessmen, who had also made a large donation for the new hospital wing. Still she had not anticipated the effect his mere presence would have on her. She looked away smiling wistfully. It seemed ironic that he who had been rejected by her family because of his social status was now part of her social network. She only wished she had been strong enough to…. She stopped herself thinking more about it. Going there would only bring pain. After all they had been very young.
"It is not up for discussion, Michaela" her mother had insisted, and for the first time in her life Michaela knew she had lost the argument. "But… I love him." She looked at her father who shook his head, and her mother continued "you're 18, Michaela. It is nothing to do with love – it is infatuation. You'll thank me someday. Now go to your room." Michaela walked off defeated. Her father reached out touching her shoulder as she passed him, but she withdrew. She had counted on his support, and he had let her down. Once she was inside her room the tears fell, and she sobbed loudly. She had to let him go … her life was ruined.
"What's on your mind, dear?" her husband Charles smiled at her, and she smiled back "Dancing" was her answer. He knew she loved to dance, so it seemed plausible enough. "Well, we'll see what we can do about that later. First we have to mingle. I want you to meet someone." He took her hand leading her across the large room greeting friends on the way. When she realized where he was taking her it was too late.
"Meet Mr and Mrs Sully", Charles introduced her, and she politely greeted his wife. She was pretty no doubt about it, and she reminded her of her older sisters. "Mr Sully, my wife Michaela," Charles said, and he took her hand and kissed it politely. "My pleasure…" he complimented her, and their eyes met for the first time that night. She nodded trying to break the connection, but it was difficult. "No, the pleasure is entirely mine, Mr. Sully" Her hand and arm was tingling from where he had just touched her, and she withdrew a little and turned to his wife. She was expected to make conversation now – and that was what she hated about these formals.
As the evening progressed she found herself on her own with her sisters and acquaintances. Charles had disappeared to talk business. She did dance a few dances, but she knew Charles would not ask her. He hated dancing and only did it if he could gain something from it.
At one point she went out on the balcony. She felt like she was suffocating, and she needed air. For a moment she stood watching the stars and the moon inhaling the crispy air. "Michaela…" he spoke her name from the shadows, and she turned, startled. He took a step toward her. "I am sorry, I did not mean to frighten you". His piercing blue eyes met hers, and she steadied herself against the railing. "I see you still like to watch the stars." He stood next to her now, and they were both gazing at the sky. "Yes, I still do" was her answer, and then she continued "shouldn't you be discussing business with your father-in-law and my… husband?" The word husband was a reminder of the fact that she was married, and his reply came swiftly "No more than you should be discussing fashion and the latest gossip with my wife." They both laughed a little implicitly aware of the fact that neither enjoyed business talks or smalltalk about nonsense. "It is good to see you" he finally said his hand casually touching hers on the railing. "It's good to see you, too" she admitted feeling the electricity between them charging.
"Let's dance", he didn't ask, but simply took her by the arm and led her into the ballroom. She did not protest but went into his arms. His hand on the lower of her back and the intensity of his gaze. "Don't worry I have practiced" his voice was soft, and she nodded "I hope so, because last time you weren't much of a dancer." He chuckled at her words. "Well I think you are right about that."
One dance led to another, and after the third dance Sully led her toward the punch stand. Her senses were reeling, and he handed her something to drink.
"When can I see you again?" They both knew that no more dances were appropriate, and she was about to give him an answer when Charles interrupted. "It's good to see someone dancing with my wife, Mr Sully. I'm afraid it is not one of my talents." Sully smiled at her "It's my pleasure, do let me know if I can be of assistance some other time." She felt her cheeks go red, and prayed Charles would not notice. "Now, please excuse me Mrs Wilson… Mr Wilson. I must see to my wife." He left them standing at the punch stand, and Charles put an arm around her waist. "What do you make of them? I hope you like them, because I am negotiating a big deal with her father, and we are going to their house for dinner on Wednesday."
She took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "You look great, darling", Charles emerged from the bathroom, and she gave him a faint smile. "I'm not sure I'm up to it" she mumbled. She had had a long day at the hospital and really felt like sleeping. "Nonsense, darling" he kissed her cheek, and said "This is really important, Michaela. This deal is important if I succeed I'll be the supplier of materials for the new hospital wing" he paused meeting her gaze in the mirror. "I know the hospital is important to you, so please work with me on this, if for nothing else then for that."
The Sullys lived in a neat townhouse close to Beacon Hill, and frankly Michaela was a little surprised. When they arrived the door was answered by a maid who led them into the hall. Annabel Sully immediately greeted them, kissing both Michaela and Charles on the cheek. "How wonderful to see you. We have been looking forward to having you over." She motioned for them to come through to the dining room. "Meet my parents Mr and Mrs Wilcox" Michaela greeted the elderly gentleman and his wife, and Charles immediately started talking business with them. She smiled politely and turned only to see Sully a few feet behind her. He was talking to the butler but sent her a smile nonetheless.
Dinner was uneventful. After her long day at the hospital Michaela was happy to put her mind to something else even if she felt a little tired. Charles was the perfect gentleman sitting next to Sully's wife, and Michaela could not help smiling to herself. When he really wanted to he could make an effort. "So Mrs Wilson, do you have any children?" Mr. Wilcox asked loudly, and suddenly all eyes were on her. "It is Dr. Quinn, and no we are not blessed with children." She smiled at the older woman who said "children are a true blessing" while eyeing her daughter across the table. "I already explained that to you, Mother" Annabel Sully explained, and Mrs Wilcox added in a low voice "my daughter says she does not feel like having children, Dr. Quinn." Michaela did not quite know what to say. Normally she would go into doctor mode, and just look at such things rationally, but she knew that Sully had always wanted a big family. Their eyes met across the table just then, and she saw a little regret there. He on the other hand saw compassion in hers, and he wanted to reach out to her knowing that she remembered.