Chapter VI: The "Elite" Ball

AN: Sorry it has been so long, but I lost my must for awhile (blame the dissertation) and then thought I lost my edits…I found them and discovered I didn't really have any! So I am, at this time, deciding on whether to just post…so if there is a lot of errors, I decided not to make you wait 

Also: One of my reviewers asked why I felt inclined to have Peter come to the "real" world and land higher in society than Wendy. To be honest, I didn't want to…I've never understood why other fan fics do that, either! But it was part of the inspiring story, so I left it that way. However, Aunt Millie is definitely an elite, so there you have it.

Wendy stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had actually made herself presentable, and the dress made for her was perfect. However, she didn't see it that way. To her, it was, well, not her exactly. She didn't feel she was beautiful enough, but her reflection was trying to tell her she was. She sighed, and then stood up to go downstairs and meet her aunt, who was waiting for her.

They rode in silence to the ball, Wendy had to smirk inside when she saw who was driving the first available cab they found.

They arrived and found a few other "elites" waiting to enter the party, waiting to give their cards to be read before being announced. A few couples were in front of them, and some families with very pretty…no, beautiful…young ladies who seemed eager to make an impression this night. Some were giggling, especially when they noticed the "new girl" waiting behind them with her aunt. One was even so bold to whisper something to her companion. Wendy straightened herself with a huff as Aunt Millicent looked at her approvingly.

It wasn't long before it was their turn. The gentleman read their card and escorted them to the ballroom entrance, which had a staircase leading down to a very elaborate room. The guests were mingling, but many had their eyes on those who were still arriving. Wendy's eyes quickly scanned the room and saw far too many people standing as if they were the center of attention.

Had she the time to look more carefully, she might have noticed the circle of young men standing behind a pillar, deep in conversation.

"This party has already gotten off to a horrible start." Oliver complained. He had tripped on his way to the buffet table, which wasn't quite ready for the crowd, and bumped into an elderly woman whose arm was draped with one of the diplomats. She scowled at him as others watched the seen with a frown.

Julian was chatting with a young lady he thought was pretty enough for his attention, while Alexander and Robert were taking their first sips of wine that evening.

The foursome had arrived at the ball nearly an hour ago, and Alexander had already had an encounter with Isabel. She batted her eyelashes at him as she proudly displayed her latest dressed. In a demure manner, of course, but to Alexander she was just showing off. He exchanged pleasantries with her, and sighed in relief when Robert fetched him to get drinks.

Isabel scowled, but smiled anyway telling him "Remember, we have the first dance."

Alexander didn't answer. He really could care less.

Julian returned to the group of friends as the lady he was with was beckoned by her parents to meet another young gentleman. He didn't mind, the evening was still young.

As he joined his friends something caught Julian's eye across the room. "Well, now, there's a fresh face."

Alexander and Robert hardly listened, but Oliver turned in time to see a young, beautiful woman at the top of the stairs. He gasped. She was gorgeous!

Oliver and Julian stared as the young lady was announced.

"May I present Lady Millicent Bennett and her niece, Miss Wendy Darling…"

As the two started their descent down the stairwell, Alexander's head whipped around to see the woman who had been haunting his dreams. And a dream she was, in her in her elegant yet simple dress that flowed as she made her way down the stairs. Its color was ivory, the small sleeves draped loosely on her shoulders. Small flowers the color of blood red were intricately woven with silver thread on the skirt.

Julian and Oliver couldn't believe their eyes. Wendy Darling was here, at the very ball they were attending. They noticed that others about the room had their attention on the latest arrival, whose name was not known to most. Of course, several had business with Mr. Darling and respected the man greatly. These men nodded approvingly as their trusted advisor's daughter made her entrance.

Alexander felt as if he was in a trance. He felt himself taking a step forward but Julian held him back.

"Don't make your self known yet. Does she expect your attendance?"

Alexander shook his head. "No, I haven't seen her since…" he paused, wondering if it was only his imagination that saw her leaving the Jolly Roger. "Since that day in the park."

"You've met her more than twice?" He said crooking his brow. "Just how often have you casually run into her?" He asked.

"Just those three times. I tried…"

"That day you ran off to the library. You were looking for her." Robert mused with a smirk.

Alexander nodded, not wanting to lie to his friends. But he was starting to feel uncomfortable about Julian. The young man could be quite sneaky, and sometimes he wondered how far his friend would be willing to go in situations. The way he had beat them all to the ship, something about that bothered him.

He turned back to his friends. "You are right. I should wait and then let my presence be known."

While the others nodded, Julian gave him another smirk. "This may prove to be an intriguing ball yet by far."

Wendy and Aunt Milllicent began their mingling. Millicent's friends immediately began their subtle approach to introduce Wendy to their company. Within minutes Wendy was introduced to many important people in the most elite society of London and its vicinity.

Two young gentlemen appeared quite eager to introduce themselves, stopping with the others as others were introduced and then returning their attention to Wendy and her aunt.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Darling," a young gentleman by the name of Frederick Wellington said as he kissed her hand and bowed. He was a few years older than Wendy, tall and slender with pale blonde hair, and attending medical school.

"I, too, and grateful to meet you this evening," The other told her as he followed his friend's example. His name was Henry Rollins, and he had flaming red hair that suited his pale complexion. He was introduced as an investment apprentice in his father's business. "I have met your father on several occasion, he is most respected among my peers and supervisors. My father as well."

"That is most gracious of you to say, Mr. Rollins," Wendy said. "My father works very hard; it is nice to hear his efforts are well received."

The man quirked a brow. "You are most humble, Miss Darling. Or perhaps your father is not the man who boasts his power to others. He certainly does not in his business dealings."

Just then an announcement was made to start the dance in the adjoining ballroom. Wendy looked over and was surprised to see that there was another great room through a set of wide doors that were now being opened. Her eyes passed over Alexander, and for a moments she paused and looked back, but did not see him. Perhaps it is my imagination, she thought.

She felt Mr. Rollins taking her arm. "Would you care to accompany me and join me in the first dance?" He asked politely.

Wendy smiled demurely. "I would like that very much."

"And perhaps I could have the second dance, Miss. Darling," Frederick asked as he stood upright.

She turned to him. Not wanting to be rude, she replied "I shall look forward to it,"

He smiled and went off in search of a partner.

Alexander frowned as he watched Wendy from the corner as Henry Rollins escorted her to the other ballroom. Just then Isabel approached him. She smiled flirtatiously at him, wondering what he was watching. She would have to keep her eye on him.

"Isabel, would you care to dance?" He asked forcing a smile on his face.

"Of course, dearest Alex." She replied. As she walked, she attempted to make conversation. "You have yet to compliment me on my dress."

He remembered when he first saw her when she arrived at the ball. Her dress was made of a dark pink satin over a white petticoat. White ornaments that reminded Alexander of large balls of cotton were draped around the dress.

Upon entering the dance floor, Alexander took note of where Wendy was standing in place with Henry, waiting for the music to start. Other couples were also waiting, and Alexander quickly took Isabel over to an area far from Wendy.

The music started and the couples began to dance. Isabel noticed how her partners eyes kept wandering. She frowned and tried to see what or whom he was staring at.

Several dances later Alexander found the opportunity to approach Wendy. He didn't even notice Julian watching him with a careful eye, as he had too busy waiting for Isabel to go back to the other room, where food was beginning to be served, with a handful of her friends.

"May I have this dance?" He asked from behind her, noticing a few other men had started their way over to her. She turned, a smile forming on her face.

"Alexander, it's so lovely to see a familiar face."

"Not to mention our last meeting was interrupted by your need to attend to your brother. He was alright, I take it."

"Thank you asking, yes, he was fine. A rather deep cut, but our physician came right over and fixed him up quite nicely."

He held out his arm for her, which she took as the orchestra started again.

"How come I haven't seen you before at such affairs?" He asked as they glided about the floor. He noticed she was an excellent dancer, and more comfortable and relaxed with her in his arms compared to the other women he had danced with on such occasions.

"I suppose the circles my family is acquainted with…"

"Please don't say it, Wendy. I am just glad you are here." He said with a husky tone. He hadn't meant to, but being with her touched him in a way he wasn't used to.

His words also touched Wendy. She knew there was something about this young man, and when he spoke in that tone it was as if a memory was trying to break free. Something about him…it was similar to the feelings she had when she was on the Jolly Roger with the Captain, but not quite the same. The Captain made her nervous and excited at the same time. With Alexander, it was more meaningful.

Their bodies seemed to come closer, as close as they dared considering where they were. The hand that was wrapped around her own felt as if they were caressing her. The hand as side seemed to grip her tighter, yet it was pleasant. She could tell a blush was forming on her face, but when she looked back at her partner his eyes seemed to bear into to soul.

They continued dancing and Alexander refused to release her when the dance was over. They danced the next two sets, neither realizing that they were being carefully watched.

Mr. Dumont frowned when he saw his son's attention on the young lady. He knew she was respectable enough, but he and wife had been discussing with the Sheltons on the union between Isabel and Alexander for a long time. A large piece of his business was at stake.

Alexander no longer cared what others thought. He proudly led Wendy over to his friends who were preparing to head for the buffet.

They paused their conversation as their friend approached them with Wendy at his side.

"Robert, Oliver, Julian, this is Wendy Darling Wendy, these fine gentlemen are my friends and attend university with me."

The three men took turns greeting Wendy and giving their formal names. "It's so lovely to meet you."

"And we have been most anxious to meet you, Miss Darling." Julian said with a smirk. "Our dear friend has spoken of you in the highest regards."

Alexander, who stood at Wendy's side, frowned at Julian.

"He has?" Wendy said looking at Alexander.

"How could I not resist telling them about our library encounter."

Wendy blushed. "Oh, but I was most horrid to you."

"Nonsense. You were merely reading your delight."

"Yes, Alexander said you had interesting subjects on the table, but would not indulge us with the details."

Wendy laughed, feeling more comfortable. Oliver smiled at her. He liked that she was not the giggling type, as many girls did at these affairs. Except those that refused to giggle or laugh, the type whose only intention was looking beautiful throughout the night. Oliver liked this girl, Wendy, and hoped Alexander would hold his interest in her. It was more apparent seeing them together.

"Well, I must tell you I have a rather sordid reading list. Jules Verne is one of my favorite authors, and I so enjoy literature on sea voyages. Pirates, I must say, are quite captivating."

Alexander felt strange as she mentioned pirates. An image flashed through his head. A red coat. Long black curls and a menacing smile. A girl with a pale blue nightdress on. The image was gone a second later and he drew his attention back to Wendy. "Shall we go and eat? All that dancing has made me famished."

She smiled and let him take her arm, the others accompanying them to the dining hall. It was the same room they had first entered into, but now small tables were placed out and nearly half the crowd was already sitting and chatting.

"I never expected such an affair to feel so casual," Wendy mused. She already knew there would be no dance cards; they were seen by the elite crowd as somewhat undignified.

Alexander laughed. "It is the latest trend, trying to imitate the French styled café's that are most popular these days."

Wendy nodded, and then spotted her aunt watching her approvingly. One of her aunt's friends also smiled, and she smiled back at her.

Throughout the meal Wendy shared conversation with Alexander and his friends. They all seemed to like her, well, except for Julian. Wendy couldn't help notice the way he rather stared at her, as if studying her, rather than laughing with her or telling jokes as the rest of the gentlemen did.

Julian wasn't the only one watching; Alexander's parents had noticed Wendy, too…of course, Mr. DuMont had already seen the two share a few dances, but Mrs. DuMont was rather excited over the scene. Personally, she never thought Isabel was right for her adopted son. Alexander was too much a free spirit, no matter how much the couple tried to bring him in the right circles. Of course, he always managed well, but Mrs. DuMont often wondered what truly made him happy. It certainly was not their money.

Meanwhile, off by the terrace, Isabel was standing with her friends and a couple of admiring gentlemen. One of them was trying to ask her to dance, and she smiled flirtatiously at him to accept. Looking about the room to see if Alexander perhaps noticed, she quickly set eyes upon him and his friends. Her eyes flew open as she noticed Wendy. Instead of accepting the dance, she quickly waved the men off, asking that they bring her and her friends some refreshments. The two men went off, eager to comply the ladies' wishes.

"Who is that?" She asked Amberlyn, who seemed to know everything about everyone at these affairs.

Amberlyn, guessing her friend was looking at Alexander's table, went in search of him. She saw the group just as they burst into laughter over something. She frowned. "I don't know her. Carolyn, do you the woman seated with Alexander and Julian?"

Carolyn looked, then frowned and shook her head. "I have never seen her. But she does seem a tad bit familiar."

Amberlyn noticed the upset look in her Isabel's eyes. "You shouldn't worry, perhaps she came with Robert or Oliver." There was no reason to guess Julian. He only had his eyes set on the wealthiest of women, all of whom were known to the three women.

Isabel nearly snorted, not that she actually would being a high-class lady. "As if! Oliver wouldn't manage a date if his life depended on it. And Robert, well, he's been flirting with nearly everyone tonight!"

"Perhaps one of them shared a dance with her; that would explain why she is sitting with them." Amberlyn suggested.

Just then, the two gentlemen returned with refreshments and handed them to the ladies. "Now, pray tell us what, or rather who, you ladies were discussing."

Isabel shook the loose curls handing down the sides of her face as if to act nonchalant, but Carolyn spilled. "The young lady with Julian and his friends."

The two looked over to the table in question. One of the men shook his head. The other recognized her. "That's Miss Wendy Darling. Her father is George Darling, the a new division President of Crest Bank and Investments."

"Then what is she doing here?" Isabel said with a pout.

"She came with her aunt…I cannot recall her name right now, but she's quite well known to my mother and her friends. Travels quite a bit, and her primary estate is in the country so she hardly comes to these affairs."

Isabel frowned, not caring that her companions might notice. She was going to find out more about this…this girl.

To be continued…

AN: for a view of the dresses, if they are still available (some of my earlier choices were taken off the site, but the ivory one is my favorite anyhow) are at Notice I did not include the bodice decorations for Wendy's dress…too much! Thank you Coconut Girl for checking them and giving thumbs up 

11-07: by now some of the dresses have changed…mine not be available by the time you look! Maybe the one I was mentioning on is the tulip mist dress? The cotton ball inspired dress is there as well.