Benvolio and Mercutio thought it wise for Romeo to go to the Capulet ball later that evening, as the servingman had asked Romeo to read the guest list to him, as he was illiterate. I could have read it, but of course, he chose the nearest man to read it for him. Gender roles in society…ugh.
Rosaline would be there, so I heard about it from her as well, besides from my family.
And so it came to be, that we were going to the ball, donning masks for the occasion as it was our identities that could get us killed, for a Montague at the Capulet Manor was unheard of, and forbidden. We walked in the dark, with torches guiding our way. I was the only woman, and all the torch men and drummers seemed to want to be next to me, but Romeo and Benvolio quickly squandered their hopes by walking on either side of me, while Mercutio led everyone.
We laughed and talked as we walked on, but I was worrying about two things. Rosaline and Romeo- at the ball- that might not end well and also that the man I'd seemed to have fallen in love with would be at the ball tonight, as it was his kin throwing the party.
Romeo brought up a dream he'd had the night previous, and Mercutio mocked him in front of everyone, saying dreamers often lie, which got a laugh from everyone.
Queen Mab was brought up, and I tuned it out. I'd heard Mercutio's view on this matter many a time as a child, when I'd tell him of dreams I'd have myself. I learned not to tell him if I dreamt anything. I guessed Romeo never had the honor of Mercutio's speech until then.
Everyone else seemed deeply immersed in Mercutio's tale, but I fell behind, in turn of Romeo.
I went to him.
"Romeo, we must go, or we shall arrive too late."
"Elizabeth, I fear we shall arrive too early. You know dreams- you've told me yours for as far back as I can recall."
I nodded vaguely, and he continued. "I dreamt something will happen tonight that will lead to a premature death for myself."
"Romeo- dreams are fantasies. I can't imagine you dead, it's much too painful for me, don't let me picture it, I might turn home now, in order to hide my face from everyone, as tears would stain it. If I were to say you were right, I'd be agreeing to your death. I don't think the dream is an omen, I don't see anything happening to you that could change your life so dramatically, and that you'd die within a few short days. No. Let us not dwell on this so. Dreams could be a sign, but I feel that this one is just that, a dream, nothing more or less."
"See Elizabeth, you're so capable of opinions and emotions, why do you shun them from the world?"
"For the world not wish to see those opinions and emotions from me." I stated.
Benvolio motioned for us to come, and we three went forward, pushing our way to the front of the crowd. Mercutio seemed lost in his own thoughts, and Romeo jogged forward to his own best friend.
They said words I cared not for, and Benvolio intervened, leaving me, and then, our mood was restored, and we continued on, laughing and playing music. I danced with Benvolio and Mercutio in turns on the way there, somehow still moving forward.
We got into the ball, Lord Capulet not thinking twice about us, and the men donned their masks, and I went to dance with Benvolio.
Our arms around each other in the proper form, one arm holding onto the other person, the other arm out, holding the other's hand, and we danced. We went quickly and I threw my head back as I laughed and danced. Benvolio grinned at my laughter.
"You are quick on your feet, brother." I stated, grinning.
"Ah, Elizabeth, as are you. And it brings me great joy to see you having so much joy for yourself."
"Does it now? Well, I'm glad to share my happiness with you!" And we continued to dance, leaving poor Romeo and the others on the outskirts of the circle of the dancing circle, as we danced in the middle with everyone else.
I looked to Romeo quickly as we spun around and glimpsed him. "I do hope he isn't looking to Rosaline." I frowned.
Benvolio pressed his forehead to mine. "Do not worry sister. Mercutio will talk sense into him, and I'm assuming you will do so with Rosaline."
"I did so already." I breathed, looking into the eyes that were identical to mine. "She said she will not tolerate his flirt, but she will treat him as a friend, or a acquaintance. But she will take it no farther. She hopes to make herself very clear to Romeo."
"Well then, it's settled, let's have fun!" he twirled me around and I began to laugh again.
Rosaline soon joined the dancefloor, and now we were dancing on our own, swaying to the music. Rosaline went next to me as we went.
"I see you have been with your brother." She winked.
"If you're with me…that means-" I looked around. Romeo was looking right at us, but when I caught his eye, he turned away and went back through the crowd to where I could no longer spy him.
"Dear Elizabeth, you worry too much…I love your dress. Scarlet, very nice. I wear blue. Strange, isn't it? Montagues usually wear blue, and in turn Capulets red."
"Not tonight." I sang as we danced. Then I spoke again, in more serious tone. "So you still swear on your vow? You find no interest in any men here?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Not really, no. Your brother, of course, but I learned long ago, he could never feel the same way. He barely knows I exist."
"He knows you're my friend- and the one Romeo lusts after." I said hopefully.
She nodded, "But not as my own person, Elizabeth. What say you? Any men you hope to marry?" she winked. We were taking very different paths. I would marry, and she would be a nun. But we'd always be friends.
"Who's that?" I pointed to a man in the corner by Juliet Capulet.
"Paris. He's related to the prince- like Mercutio. He hopes to marry Juliet."
"Juliet? But she's nearly three years younger than I. Much too young to marry. And Paris? He's very handsome I must admit- but not my first choice."
"Oh? Then who is your first?"
I was about to say, when I was interrupted by the song changing. Benvolio intervened, and we began to do the other dance. Rosaline winked and disappeared, with a look on her face that our conversation was far from over.
As we danced, I noticed the man's eyes on me yet again.
I smiled, he was a few rows behind me, but I'd turn my head frequently to see if he were still looking, and he was. I bit my lip to contain my excitement. Then, his head turned and his smile fixed on me fell. I looked to what he was looking at and saw Romeo. He recognized Romeo. Suddenly, he was more fixated on my cousin then me, but instead of a gentle smile, and his eyes sparkling from the fun he was having, his eyes grew cold, and he wore a lopsided frown. Suddenly, he broke the dance steps, and spoke to Lady Capulet, saying Romeo was a Montague. He bowed to her, and left, and so did Romeo, hurrying out of sight of the man.
"This, by his voice, should be a Montague. Fetch me my rapier, boy." He spoke to his page, and his page left as well.
I quickly looked back at the man's retreating figure, and whispered to Benvolio, "Pardon me, for leaving you so. But I must find Romeo." I wasn't lying, not really. I'd look for Romeo after I saw what the man was up to. And so, holding the sides of my dress with one hand, and guiding my way through the crowd with the other, I followed him.