"Mary, isn't he just so handsome? I swear that my heart stopped beating when I saw him. Such wonderful face. Did you look at his eyes? They are magnificent. He is surely the art creation of god. Say something Mary." Kitty demanded. What did she expect from Mary anyway? Mary was such a bore.
"I find that you shouldn't swear as it is a blasphemy and looks are just superficial. We are supposed to look beyond that." Mary voiced her opinion. Yes, the duke was handsome as sin. He looked like a devil in disguise that is here to tempt the maidens to stray from their virtue. But she did not say so as she didn't want Kitty to be giddier than she already was.
"Oh Mary, why are you such a prude? Don't you ever change? No wonder you don't have a life. Mary, if you are going to continue being like this, believe me when I say you will die as a spinster who was never been kissed before. Such a shame you are." Kitty said blinded with anger at her sister. Mary always tended to make Kitty feel like a fool.
Usually, Mary would just ignore Kitty's retorts but today, her retort struck her as wasn't she having the same worries herself? Tears threatened to fall as she just wished there was just a single person who understood her. She longed to say she wished she had a life and she too wished she could talk effortlessly but no matter how hard she tried, she just can't come out of her shell. What was wrong with her? Why didn't she suit?
Failing to control her tears, Mary hurriedly walked blindly and came to a secluded area. It was pitch black. She couldn't even see her own hands. There were lights several feet before her though. She wanted to go but didn't find the energy to do so. She just stood there and started sobbing. Just then she heard footsteps and immediately stifled her tears. She became still as a corpse. If luck was at her side, whoever it is will just retreat and go somewhere else.
"Hello, is anybody here?" She heard a male voice ask.
Mary was holding her breath. She wanted whoever it was to be gone.
"I know you are here. I heard you. If you don't give me your agreement, I'll just bring the candle here." He continued.
Mary's eyes widened and her heart started pounding.
"What is your business may I know?" Mary voiced with anger. Couldn't she even have some privacy?
"So, there is someone here after all. What are you doing here in this isolated area miss? Am I interrupting some private meeting that is to be held here?"
Mary got so angry at his implication that she was here to meet someone that she marched towards him and in the dark she misjudged the distance. She tripped at his leg and both being unprepared, took a fall whereby he ended up sprawling on Mary. He immediately took the weight off by bracing his elbows.
"How dare you suggest such a thing? And get off me!" Mary spoke towards the darkness.
"I'm sorry if the suggestion offended your sensibilities. It is a common occurrence in every ball. Haven't you been to many balls?" He asked without getting up.
"That sir is none of your business. Now, please move away." Mary tried her best to collect her composure. She doubted anybody will come this way now but still, she didn't want to risk it. Thank god he moved away after a moment.
"I apologize. I was here for a walk and I heard someone crying actually. Are you alright?" He asked tenderly.
"I….." Oh god, she didn't want to blabber in front of a stranger. Here was a man who asked her with such sincerity and kindness.
"I'm alright, thank you." Mary said finally. Just then, they heard more footsteps. Mary was filled with panic and suddenly she found herself dragged to the corner and in a tight hold in the arms of the man. They stood still afraid that they will be noticed.
"It is too dark in here. I can't see anything. Come, let's go somewhere else sweet." They heard a man speak.
"Yes, dear. That we shall. Come now, hurry darling." Said a throaty female voice. After a moment, they left.
"That was a close call." The mystery man said to Mary.
"I was so afraid." Mary answered not realizing that he was still holding her. He had such firm body and heat engulfed her.
"I noticed that. I heard your heart pounding. Let me tell you, I'm not prepared to marry yet and especially not because for a stupid reason."
"So, you are not married yet?" Mary cursed herself for asking.
"No, not yet. I can assume you are not too."
"You are right. Please let go off me. I need to go. I can't risk it again."
"May I know who are you?" He asked.
"My name is M-…. I'm sorry. I can't say. Not like this. Please forget this incident. Hope to meet you in better circumstances." Mary withdrawed herself only to be pulled back and be kissed. Kissed for the very first time. She started to push but her hands crept up slowly on their own accord. It was everything and beyond what she had imagined. She felt something awaken inside her.
Damian just wanted to give a goodbye kiss but what he got was more than he expected. This lady in his arms was different. The kiss was different. Damian stopped before it went out of control. He was surprised to feel his hands shake. He heard her taking deep breaths. And he heard her running.
"Wait!" Damian called and started to go after her. He stopped when he saw her passing in the lighted area. He was shocked to see that the lady in his arms not so long ago was none other than Mary Bennett.
"Mary, where have you been?" Her mother, Mrs. Bennett asked the moment she saw her middle daughter came running.
"I….Nothing mother." Mary said still feeling her whole body vibrate.
"Are you sure you are alright girl? You look flushed." Her mother placed her hands on Mary's forehead.
"Why, you are so hot. Now, I think you better go back home. Mary, what am I to do with you? You can't even handle a late night." Her mother nagged until Mary left.