Chapter 1 – Masquerade Mistress
Chapter 1 – Masquerade Mistress
Titania? Ophelia? The Lady of Shallot? I've often wondered where these beautiful characters are born – or are they always just distant figures of an artist's lonely imagination? Are we, as human kind, sick and tired of the world that we live in, that we all like to believe in fairytales, that there is something more to life than the smoke from the factories, the clicking of rickety carriages and the shuffling of busy feet on the streets below? I am no intellect, I do not know science or logic. I do not care for fact nor truth – if that is what it is. No, I prefer to bury my head in literature whether they be Shakespeare's romantic tragedies or a weeping poets moving words. As well as many folk, I love to believe that such tales may have actually occurred, sometime in the past. People of today's society are usually too narrow-minded – they've moved away from tradition, and now I guess we're moving into a new era, with these amazing new inventions that are making miracles in the world of industry. Is money all we crave? Is that all we live, and die for? I hate the vast and empty world that we have created. I wish we could travel back to the times of folklore…
My name is Elizabeth Scott, born on the 31st October, 1863. I am the youngest daughter from a reasonably wealthy family, so I suppose I am quite lucky in this day and age. My family and I live in a beautiful mansion home, which originates back to the 13th century when it used to be an abbey. The gardens surrounding our home are simply exquisite. Beyond the main gate, we have a beautifully kept lawn, where as children, my sisters and I would play. Beyond the lawns, we have the rose garden which is one of my favourite places to read as the smell of the roses ensnares your mind, and senses. The stony path through the rose garden brings you to the lakes. Here, I could sit for hours, listening to the trickling of the nearby stream and the singing of the birds, living in the dense woodland which breaches our land.
Sitting here, beneath the trees I feel at home. It's so quiet; all you can hear is the swaying of the branches above you and the whistling of the wind as it dances with the leaves. I don't know why I love this tree so much, I guess it's because I feel protected. The branches embrace me. The Great Oak, how old it is, I'm not quite sure, I just know that it has been here for as long as my family have held our home. It's very dear to me because it holds my family's history. My mother used to love this tree when she was young, and so did her mother.
Sometimes I just need to be on my own, away from the rest of the world, and the particularistic opinions of others. My eldest sister, Anne, was preparing for her wedding to a man whom I had never met. I can understand why, it is such a big day for her to be giving her body, her mind, her soul to one man on this day where everyone's eyes would be on her, but the peace back up at the house was disturbed because of that.
Last night, I left my balcony doors open, so that I could listen to the wind and the movement of the leaves, and watch the moon and the stars glistening in the midnight sky as I fell asleep. I don't know why, but I've always done this since I was a small child because it made the nightmares go away and ensured that I would have a peaceful night. I had dreamt the same dream that I had always dreamt - the same dream of fairies and elves in some mystical land that was hidden from the world. Every time I awoke from this dream, I would wish I could just disappear and hide myself from the world too. But this morning, I didn't have time to escape properly, because Alice, our maid, came in and woke me up at the early hours in the morning.
"Elizabeth, wake up please," she whispered into my ear, as though she was determined to disturb my slumber. "You know we have a big day ahead of us with Edward's parents coming to meet the family. You need to be up early to get ready for their arrival, it is essential that we give the best welcome we can, as the first impression is always vital."
Edward was the man that Anne was going to marry. He was from a very wealthy family, who had much more money and status that we ever did. My parents thought it was very important that Anne married someone much richer than ourselves, for some reason that I don't quite know or understand. It's not as though we are struggling, I mean, we live in such a beautiful house and can afford much more than we need and are much luckier than many people in the world today. I don't know why it is, but everyone just seems to be obsessed with money now. My father is a doctor, a well respected profession in our society, and most nights after work he will go to places and mingle with people who came up with truly amazing things, that really helped to shape the world of medicine. He, himself, hasn't actually done anything like this just yet, but he's determined, although I wonder if he just wants to do it because there would be lots of money involved. My mother on the other hand, is just a dreamer and doesn't attempt to make us any more money. She just hopes that one day her three daughters will marry Prince Charming and live happily ever after with everything that we could ever have dreamed of.
Although I had never actually met Edward, I knew that he was a very nice man from what Anne had told us. He was part of the army, and also very fond of travelling. For the past six months, he had been in North America studying the life of the American Indians, but he was due to come here this morning with his parents. Anne had actually met him one night about a year ago, when she had been out with her friends, and they had started a romance, but kept it hidden from us until she actually got engaged. I think it was because my father was very protective over us, and she wanted to make sure that Edward was serious about her before telling my father, because he might have done something he would have regretted otherwise. But I just know how much Anne loves him, and I'm happy that she has found someone.
My other sister, Victoria, was a musician and travelled to many places with the orchestra. Currently, she was in Paris and apparently she was now seeing someone called Jacob, who also played the violin. She had been sending letters home, telling us all about him. Although she was a couple of years older than me, almost twenty one in fact, she was still very fickle, and could never decide what she wanted, so part of me felt like this relationship wouldn't last very long, and that this 'Jacob', whoever he was, would end up getting hurt. At least she's with someone though…
After I had finished breakfast, I ran quickly back up the stairs and into my room to get ready for the big arrival. When I entered, I was surprised to see Alice sat on the edge of my bed, with a large parcel on her lap which was decorated with a beautiful crimson ribbon.
"Your father has just informed me, Elizabeth," she said, with a smile across her face. "That Lord Nicholas and Lady Jane are also bringing their youngest son, and he apparently has been showing great interest in you. So, your father has bought you a new dress for you to wear when they arrive."
"But I don't understand, how can he show interest in me, when he doesn't know me, or has never seen me?"
"Your father has been writing to his parents," she replied. "They have been asking for more information about the family, you know, to gather more of an idea of what their son was marrying into. So I understand that your father probably described you to them, and told them more of the type of person you were and what you were into, along those lines. If I were you, I would be very flattered, because I hear that their youngest son, James, is a very handsome young man."
"But Alice, you know what daddy is like…"
"Yes I do, Elizabeth, but this just shows that he must think very highly of young James, and of his family, if he would happily give two of his daughters away to these boys. Now, shall I help you with this dress?"
Alice was a very loving, sweet woman who I had always got on with since I was little. My father had picked her up from the orphanage when she was just thirteen years old, and from that day she had worked in our house as our maid and nanny, but had always been more like a member of the family. My mother saw her as a sister, she always shared her problems to Alice, even the things she couldn't share with my father. I think Alice probably knew more of the family secrets than we did. She was a very curvaceous, pretty woman. Her large bust and behind often had my father locked in a daze when she came to wait on us at the table, which usually left my mother with lips pursed, eyes glaring.
She untied the ribbon, and lifted the lid off the parcel. Inside, was a beautiful white gown with delicate lace detail. I slipped it on, and it hugged my body perfectly. I truly felt like a princess, in this flowing white gown. Alice also took out a deep crimson corset, and as she laced me in, I could feel my ribs being pushed together. All of a sudden, this made me uncomfortable. But I guess the first impression always takes the less important things into account, for example, how perfectly a woman is sculpted. I often wondered why a tiny waistline and curvaceous figure attracted a man to a woman so much, after all, the corset just over exaggerates everything, and makes it seem like something it is not. It hurts so much and I can hardly breathe when I'm wearing one, especially when Alice fastens me into it as tightly as it will go. But in the end, I guess that 'no pain, no gain' is usually the outcome. Basically if you want a man, you have to work for it – another lie that society has sold to people. But, I wasn't complaining, that corset certainly flattered my shape.
"Oh Elizabeth, you look beautiful!" smiled Alice, as she carefully slipped an ivory comb into my hair. "I chose this comb, because I thought it complimented the dress, and your beautiful red hair. Now, don't you make a lovely picture miss?"
As I was checking my hair in the mirror, my father announced Lord Nicholas' and Lady Jane's arrival.
I walked downstairs with Alice and waited in the hall with Anne and my mother, who were also both dressed up smartly. The front door opened, and four people entered. The Lord and Lady both looked very posh, you could tell that they were upper class just by looking at their faces, how perfect their skin was and how clean their hair was. Lady Jane was a very elegant woman, I would have guessed she was in her mid fifties, but she had a very petite figure, and her greying hair was tied back into a tight bun.
Edward took my sister into his arms, and kissed her passionately. He was also very smart and proper, and had short dark hair, and a moustache that seemed to highlight his face, although I suppose the great big smile on his face also did that too.
The fourth figure was hiding behind his parents, as though he was shy, but then he emerged. My eyes widened, and my jaw dropped slightly, as he was the most beautiful looking creature I had ever seen. He was quite tall and well built, and it was amazing how you could see his manly figure in the attire that he was wearing. His face was well carved, with perfect cheek bones and deep brown eyes … and how soft his intensifying black hair was, it was just at that perfect length when you could run your fingers through it playfully…
He smiled at me softly, and I felt my stomach give a playful leap. As he took a couple of steps forward, I felt my cheeks flush into a rosy red. When he reached out and took my hand, I felt a shiver run down my spine.
"Greetings my lady," he whispered. "My name is James. I've heard so much about you, and may I add, you look very beautiful on this fine day."
So that is how I came to where I am now. I just had to get away to reflect upon things I guess. The trees and the water are so comforting because here, I can escape in my thoughts. This was the first time I'd ever felt anything for a man. He made me go weak at the knees, my palms sweat, and my heart race. Was this love? Surely not. We all know that love at first sight is myth, don't we? Do you think that my father knows something? I don't quite know what, but perhaps he just happens to know that myself and James are destined to be together, after all, he was very accepting.
I can see everything. The day when he proposes to me, will be such a beautiful day. We'll go riding in the countryside, laughing as we go. Birds that usually hide in the long grasses, will take flight as we gallop through the open fields, and the deer will look up to watch us as we pass. After a short while, the horses will start to tire, and he will suggest that we take a bit of a break and go and fetch some water. So we will lead the horses down to the beck, set them loose and sit down on a chequered rug next to the stream. Here, we will eat lunch: fresh bread from the bakery, fine cheeses, and juicy tomatoes. For a while, we shall sit and watch the fish in the stream, as they sit in the flow of the water, still and waiting, only moving when a smaller fish comes its way. Then, as if by surprise, he will take a beautiful diamond ring out of his pocket, tell me how much he loves me, and will ask me to spend the rest of my life with him. Gladly, I will reply with a yes. Then, I shall sit for hours in his arms, watching the sun set behind the trees.
For the wedding, we will hire a beautiful medieval church, with tall arched windows and a renaissance style painted ceiling. This will be the day that I have waited a lifetime for. All the people I love and adore will be there, waiting for me, and when I walk in through those big wooden doors, they will all turn and stare at me in amazement, with tears in their eyes. I will see him stood at the front of the hall, which will feel like a million miles away, but there he will be stood, waiting just for me. It will seem kind of blurry, like a dream, but it will be real. From then on, we will spend the rest of our lives together, grow old, and watch our children grow up and take our place in the world.
A few weeks later Anne and Edward were married and happily starting their new lives together. James and I had been spending a lot of time together as well. Even though his parents had moved back home, he had stayed with us for a little while longer. He was sleeping in one of the guest rooms, but it was no problem, we had lots of space. The last few weeks had been magical, and I really felt like finally somebody appreciated me for who I am, and not who they want me to be. I had been showing him all the places that I consider sacred and close to my heart, and he was really understanding and almost inspired by my perspectives. His smile made me melt. And his eyes, oh his eyes….I don't think I ever wanted him to go home. I think I'm in love with him.
Not only were these feelings based on the time we shared together, but also from the type of person that he was, and where his interests lay. He had been telling me of how he was fascinated by literature, especially Shakespeare and Homer. He was fascinated with the middle ages, and loved the idea of living in a castle, becoming a knight and fighting, hands on, to defend the ones you love. Well, that's what he'd read about it anyway, we don't know for certain whether things were exactly like that all those years ago, do we? He really was an amazing person.
As it was the night before James left to go home, my father decided to host a masquerade ball as a farewell party. He invited all our friends, and made sure it was going to be a night to remember.
It was a Saturday evening, and my father had taken over the town hall of the nearest city. The main room was spectacular, with its marble floors, and classical style columns that circled the three floors. Gold and white emphasized the grandness of the place, and in the centre of the room was a very beautiful, elaborate baroque staircase. Angels carrying harps and smiles were painted intricately on the ceiling above, which gave me a distant feeling of heaven. I bet that every woman that walked into this place tonight would feel like a queen, because I certainly did.
Many of the guests had arrived earlier than expected in spectacular outfits, each with their faces hidden behind some form of mask. Five minutes before the party was about to start, a string quartet started to set up their music in one of the corners, and then bang on seven, they began to play a slow, majestic waltz. More and more guests kept pouring in through the door, mostly in pairs. Those that didn't come in pairs however, quickly found someone to dance with. The place was beginning to get very full, and I'm sure more people turned up than were invited, but as they were all masked, you couldn't tell who was supposed to be there and who wasn't.
I stood for a while, and watched the crowds dancing, turning and spinning in time together. I was so captivated by the elegant beauty of the hall, and everyone in it. I began to daydream once more of times long gone when these dances would have been regular rituals for the royal and wealthy. How I wondered, what would it be like to have been brought up in such a magnificent splendour of lifestyle? I know that it would have been well suited to James and I.
It had been a while since I had seen James, so I decided that I would go and look for him, after all, he had promised me a dance or two. I began to squeeze past through the crowds, and searched all over the dance floor, but couldn't find him anywhere, but then I saw him stood in a hidden corner on the right hand side of the staircase. He was talking to a woman who had her face covered that I didn't recognise, and curious as I am, I decided to slip behind one of the columns and watch them. They were laughing and joking, but then, she stopped laughing and smiled at him, and brushed his cheek with her palm. He clasped her hand with his, removed her mask and…..kissed her.
I literally felt my heart break in two. Something was being wrenched out from inside of me and was causing me so much pain. Feelings of anger and hate began to brew up inside of me. He betrayed me – he said he loved me. How can someone say those three most precious words, and yet not mean them? I really believed that we had something special. He had shown me something so wonderful and so beautiful, something that I had never seen nor experienced before. Now I just felt like he had deceived me, as though he had purposefully set out to break me. I felt so ashamed of myself, that I had let myself dream about him and I spending our lives together, because now those dreams had been tortured and there was nothing left but pain and sorrow. I had felt appreciated, adored and beautiful when I had been with him, but now I'd lost him, I felt like an empty shell. Ugly. Useless.
I couldn't stay within the same space as him any longer, so I moved back across the hall, this time pushing my way through the crowds with my head down and tears gushing down my face. People watched me as I went past, wearing faces of both disgust and curiosity. They didn't understand why I was crying. They all just thought life was perfect and that you should always be happy. The masks they were wearing, they didn't need, because each one was wearing a permanent mask anyway – covering up their true selves and how they really felt. I couldn't do that, I just had to let it go. I had to be real.
I guess I felt like I was neither here nor there, not anywhere. My dreams, dignity and values had been stripped from me and left me bare and cold. The room started to spin, and the faces of the people surrounding me began to blur. I fell to the ground, and saw a disguised face peering over me. He looked different from everyone else, by the fact that he was wearing a mystical green colour, and there was a visible image of a dragonfly on his mask. I felt a pair of strong arms pick me up and carry me somewhere as I drifted away.