Chapter 5 – B
Mid-December 1758 – Oxford University
Lady Oswell had invited a few of the young gentlemen of Oxford to the last ball before Christmas. Her niece Angelica had been attending since the season began all the proper ball. She had learned that Lord Christham grandson and Lord Dunsmore's son were both attending Oxford and had been allowed to attend balls and social events this year.
Both of these young men were quite the match , if she could get one of them to be interested in Angelica there would be favor to be gain.
She had one of her maid placed near the butler and as soon as those two young men, she would be notified. She had made sure that Angelica was dressed as appropriately to attract either one of them.
The weather outside was unusually warm for December. Henry and Christopher had walked the few blocks from their dormitory to the house of Lady Oswell. They wore warm cloaks, lined with thick furs. Neither one seemed to mind the cold that much. Henry was very excited. Starting Monday, they had multiples exams to fill and then, they would head on to the Dunsmore's estate for a whole fortnight. Tonight ball was a well deserved in their life, professors had thrown a lot of homework and studies their way. Christopher had told Henry at the beginning of the term that he didn't intend to go back after the end of the summer term.
Christopher asked Henry as they neared the manor "Are you ready for the history exams on Tuesday?"
"Well, as much as I could. I asked Mrs. Burton if she could lend the appropriate literature and I have been reading all she gave. You know that she is on very good term with the professor. I might just work in my favor." Henry always felt that with the right connection, he could get away with getting enough of the required grades to please his grandfather. "You still want to tell your father about not returning to the university next fall?" this news was distressing Henry. He had not thought about the Colonies in a long time, having learned to enjoy his life in the British Empire.
"I will take all I can from the next semester. I like my books, I like learning. But it's time to leave this behind as well. I remember your youths Henry; you also wanted to go home."
"Home seems to me like it's here now. Your father and you don't fight anymore. You'll have a grand time at Christmas this year and you know it. But let's forget about this. Let's think of the dance tonight. Remember Levina Duncan, she told me she was keeping a dance in her carnet for me. I …. I .. I mean eh …" although Henry was used to tell everything to Christopher, he started to stammer. He was only a year younger, but at times, he seemed like a much young man.
"You mean to say you like her and hope she will keep her promise?" smiled benevolently Christopher.
"You know. But you too, don't you? You like to dance with these young pretty ladies as well. And you had a grand time with Miss McLeay last month if I recalled correctly".
"Father had written to me before hand. He had told me to make sure she was happy at the dance, and to help her fill her dance carnet full. I meet her four years ago remember, I think you saw her once. Her parents and her spent a whole weeks at the estate and I had to help ride her pony every day. She does not do a thing for me. This woman can't do anything but order her maid around." Christopher had no sympathy for most of the young ladies of his class.
"But you will be charming them all as usual tonight. I've seen you with them. You smile at one of them and they are all under your spell." Henry teased Christopher good-naturedly. He knew that his friendship with Lord Dunsmore's son made him as interesting as being his grandfather heir.
Their two summer of dancing lessons had paid up too; they were both excellent dancers and they love music. Christopher had taken to learn the violin as well as adding to his dance lesson, while Henry contented himself with attending as many plays with him as they could crammed between their homework and the season's attendance to all the proper parties. Father and grandfather regularly wrote and made sure the proper invitation were send their way. They were too far from London during the school year, but there would be two Christmas balls in London they would attend before heading to the estate.
Christopher walked up to the step on Lady Oswell's manor, making sure he was free of dust and properly groomed. He did the same to Henry's outfit. Then he took grand pleasure to use the heavy knock on the door.
"Master Dunsmore, Master Christham, welcome. Lady Oswell was pleased you could attend her ball tonight. If you want to give me your hats and cloaks?" Elmer, Lady Oswell's butler, was a distant cousin of Nigel Parker, Christopher's old tutor; he had come to visit the estate during his vacation and had taken a liking to Henry Christham early on.
The young maid at the door quickly ran to her mistress to let her know about the arrival of the two young men.
The young men entered the great hall, smiling and extending their hands to gentlemen in the circle on their fathers. Whispers were heard by elderly women as they directed their steps toward the buffet table. Impeccable of dress and manners, these young gentlemen were nevertheless students living under the tight budget allocated to them. Food was always a major attraction at first.
Lady Oswell walked toward them after they had made themselves happy with platters and goblets of sweet red wine.
"Master Dunsmore, May I introduced my niece Angelica", she said smiling, moving slightly to the right to let the pretty young woman advanced, head bowed, clutching her tiny handbag. She was dressed in a lovely gown of very light pink, her blond hair shiny and full of ringlets adorning her small visage.
"Miss Oswell, it is my pleasure!" said Christopher, extending his right hand to lift her gloved one and he delicately pressed his lip to the fine glove. He smiled at her, cordially. "May I request the pleasure of a waltz with you this evening my lady?"
The young lady blushed demurely and nodded politely.
Christopher took this as it was. Her carnet was probably quite empty. He nudged Henry discreetly with his left foot. "May I introduce my dear friend Henry Christham?"
Henry took his clues and repeating Christopher's action to perfection asked her as well for a waltz. Angelica answered that she would be delighted to dance the second waltz with Master Christham.
Christopher had taken the opportunity during Henry's little chat with Angelica, to invite their hostess to a dance as well. Lady Oswell accepted to dance with the young gentleman for the second waltz.
As the two ladies left the young men, two more youths came to join them. Robert Fraser, who was a fellow student, asked Christopher how he had managed to get the first waltz from Angelica. It had been obvious her carnet had been empty. Henry sniggered, realizing that Lady Oswell had her mind set of John Dunsmore's son for her niece.
"You know these young ladies; they always know ahead who they are going to dance with. We are stuck, asking and remembering the order of all these dances without this benefit", laughed Henry good-naturedly. He was not known to dance all evening at these events; he made sure however to have the right lady on his arm at least once an evening. Everything happening to these balls always was known to their parents after all.
Shortly after their arrival, the pianist stopped playing solo and stood to greet his fellow musicians. Young ladies sat themselves alongside the wall by the French windows. Young men and older gentlemen approached those they had previously asked. The first waltz began with the soft tones of violins.
Christopher approached Angelica, elbow bent appropriately; she rose from her seat and followed him to the middle of the floor. He led her graciously and she followed him in light steps. But more so, she was showing suddenly a bright streak in conversation. She was vivacious and full of smile and it all seemed to shine naturedly. He ended up having a wonderful evening, coming back as often as decency allowed to dance some more with her.
They had reserved a coach to return to their dormitory; it was the one luxury they could get away with it. John Dunsmore wanted his son to be known in the right circle and to be in attendance at all the proper events. So he did granted this special allowance without questions.
Henry could not wait for them to reach their rooms; he had noticed his friend's pleasure at dancing with the lovely Angelica.
Henry could not have predicted how this burgeoning relationship would change things between them. But more than a woman in his friend's life, he could not fathom the secret he would hold soon.
