Enchanted
I looked around the ballroom; at the couples twirling around the dance floor all smiles and happiness. I on the other hand was the opposite, on the outside I looked like any other debutante, thrilled to be at yet another ball with all the beau. But I was bored. I was sick of having to fake smiles and laughs at jokes and wits which, if I could, I would happily snub.
Don't misunderstand me, when I was first brought out into society I was so happy, it was all I had ever dreamed about and all I had ever been taught. But after the first few balls, routs and card parties you realise that underneath the grandeur, society is rotten to the core. Appearance was everything and it wasn't uncommon for women to spend hundreds of pounds on a dress which they would wear once, at a function of no importance. All anybody cared about was your social status. It was easier to be shunned for a tiny indiscretion than it was to click your fingers. All that was wanted by mothers was a good match for their offspring, however unwilling that offspring may be. My mother, as much as I loved her, was no different. I had already been introduced to all the beau and other eligible bachelors bar one or two.
"Isabella" I turned around to see my greatest friend Alice Brandon standing behind me. Alice was small with a fine figure. Her dark hair setting off beautiful dark eyes, and her happiness making her a charm to know.
"Alice" I said as she tucked her arm through mine and led me off through the rooms.
"How are you finding the ball?" She asked her bell like voice lowered so that there was no chance of being overheard by unwelcome ears.
"Excessively dull, yourself?" I giggled and she smiled,
"Much the same, I am being courted by the same people, danced all the same dances, and seen the same atrocious jewellery on Jessica Stanley" She laughed and I followed her pointed gaze to a girl across the room, in a vivid yellow gown obviously brought to try and catch a husband with strings of rubies and diamonds across her neck. This necklace was infamous as it was garish, out of fashion and clashed with every outfit. However nobody had told Miss Stanley and she wore it everywhere, causing my dear friend Alice much pain.
"Somebody ought to mention it to her" I said trying to be kind to a girl, who was unlikely to make a suitable match,
"Why? She has never done anything nice for anyone, and besides it would deprive society of a joke" Alice said laughing. I agreed Jessica had never been nice to either Alice or I, even trying to snub Alice once, until it was pointed out that Alice was in the position to make Jessica shunned by society. "Is Mr Black here again?" she asked, and laughed again at the look of pain which appeared on my face.
"Yes and has already danced once with me. I was obliged to hide in the card room for a few minutes to avoid another attempt to ask me to waltz. I have no desire to even dance a country dance with him; I refuse to waltz!" I finished. Alice patted my arm sympathetically. Mr Jacob Black was a beau who had, in his own words, developed a "tendre" for me. I am not a cruel person, and I do not care that he has no fortune or prospects, but he is not handsome, is known for his indiscretions and his gambling addiction which needs a fortune, which he doesn't possess, to feed. I knew that he attached himself to me because of my fortune and I refused to accept him when he proposed to me, three times!
"Poor Mr Black. I declare you are quite nasty to him!" Alice laughed. I shot her a despairing look only for it to make her laugh harder. Recovering herself she turned to me and said "Have you heard about Rosalie Hale?" I shook my head. Rosalie was my age, and the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. "She is engaged to Emmett Cullen" I smiled, it was known how much he loved her and I was so happy for Rosalie as she deserved it.
For the next quarter of an hour Alice and I gossiped, occasionally being interrupted by a request to dance. It was around midnight when I noticed them. I turned to see two men enter the ballroom. One was a tall blonde, with the name of Jasper Whitlock. His clothes were the height of fashion and he was once of the most handsome men I had ever seen. I felt Alice tense beside me as she saw him and smiled. They would make a good match, as he was known for his charm and character, much like Alice. Then I saw his companion. Edward Mason. Again he was tall, with copper hair brushed back fashionably. His coat set off a magnificent set of shoulders, his neck cloth tied in a fashion of his own, that every man attempted, and every man failed at, his boots were polished so that you could use them as a mirror, his breeches showed of a well muscled leg and his sparkling green eyes looked haughtily around the room. Edward Mason was the tulip of the ton as it were. He was the head of society, one small conversation could elevate you to the height of fashion and one snub could drop you off the map. He was four and twenty, possessed a large fortune and good title. He was every mothers dream. However it was well known in society that he had his flirts, but they were nothing more, he grew bored of them quickly and the poor girl would be dropped, all hopes of becoming a Duchess dashed. He had been at my debutante, and although had never spoken to me, had stayed for over an hour which elevated me to the top of society.
As he looked around the room, everyone watched him as he flicked open his snuff box with and elegant flick, took a little then replaced it. All with one hand. My chest tightened and I felt a blush creep to my cheeks. Mr Whitlock saw Alice and I, muttered something to Mr Mason and then they both made their way over, exchanging pleasantries with people on the way.
"Bella, he's coming over" Alice squeaked, I knew she had been in contact with him, but I didn't realise how particular his attentions were becoming. I smiled at her, and then realised how dry my throat had become and how fast my heart was racing.
"Miss Brandon" Mr Whitlock said, bending and kissing her hand as she curtseyed, "May I introduce my good friend Edward Mason" He motioned and Mr Mason bent and kissed Alice's hand but was watching me.
"Mr Whitlock, Mr Mason I am delighted to introduce my good friend Isabella Swan" Alice motioned and we went through the same niceties. I blushed as I noticed that Mr Mason was still watching me,
"Miss Sawn would you like to dance?" he asked,
"I would thank you" I replied, my heart now thundering. He took my extended hand and led me to the floor, I then realised that it was a waltz. I had no objection, Mr Mason was regarded a fine dancer, and I could think of nothing I would like better than to be held close to him, but I was worried about betraying myself by stammering.
As he led me around the floor, I watched his waistcoat quite overcome by the strength of his hands guiding me and the heat I could feel emanating from his body.
"It is a very fine waist coat isn't it Miss Swan?" He asked a laugh in his voice. I flushed and looked up at him.
"I'm sorry, I'm being dreadfully rude" I apologized realising that, thankfully, my voice was not betraying me.
"It is not rude Miss Swan it is just depriving me of seeing your beautiful face" He said looking at me. I flushed again and thanked him,
"You look absolutely charming when you blush Miss Swan, I cannot believe that I have not met you before" He commented,
"You did not seek an introduction at my début Mr Mason," I commented, looking cheekily at him. He laughed,
"I remember I was most rude. Accept my most humble apologies, I lay myself at your feat Miss Swan. What can I ever do to make it up?" He said looking straight into my eyes almost causing me to faint.
"It is of no consequence Mr Mason" I answered. I was not sure where this conversation was going.
"Forgive me" he whispered in my ear,
"You are forgiven" I said, my voice shaking, my heart thudding as blood rushed yet again to my cheeks due to his close proximity.
"Miss Swan may I be bold to you?" he asked,
"Of course Mr Mason" I answered, my voice was shaking at this point.
"You enchant me Miss Swan, I am enchanted to meet you"