I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
Ch 14: Dance (BPOV)
I was getting ready in a spare room with Elizabeth and Maria. We were at Mr. Masen's partner's second house located just outside the city. Actually, I should say mansion. This house was huge, even bigger than the Cullen's house.
I was still in a housecoat with a corset on underneath and Maria was working on my hair. It started with a chignon and tons of coiled curls that she was pinning everywhere with some hanging loose down my back. She worked with precision and I wondered why I didn't see the family resemblance sooner.
There was a knock on the door and Elizabeth went to answer it.
"Edward, you are supposed to be getting ready," she told him, one hand on her hip.
"Please, I need to see Bella for a minute," I heard Edward's muffled reply. I started to stand and Maria pushed me back down.
"Bella is getting ready," his mother informed him. I tried to glance back to see him, but Maria made me face forward.
"Will you please give her this for me?" Edward asked him mother.
"Yes, dear. Now go finish getting ready, then get downstairs to help greet your guests." Elizabeth took something from him.
"Yes, mother." Elizabeth shut the door behind her. She walked over to us. I noticed she is completely dressed in an emerald green dress that matches her eyes. She handed me the black velvet box. I hesitated briefly before opening it. Inside is a beautiful pearl drop necklace. The pearl is in a diamond chip with silver setting and the thin chain is delicate with a twist to give the illusion of it sparkling.
"It is beautiful, but why. This is supposed to be his celebration. Why is he giving gifts to me?" I asked letting my finger lightly brush it.
"Does he need a reason?" Elizabeth asked back and I shrugged knowing that a refusal would be offending, but I felt guilty that I have nothing for him.
"I just feel guilty that party is for him and he is giving me a gift." I bit my lip.
"Do not worry, dear. I am sure he is not expecting anything in return." Elizabeth took the necklace from the box and placed it around my neck. It so light it barley feels like it is there.
"I am heading downstairs. Come down and join us once you are done," Elizabeth informed me.
Once she was out of the room, Maria released me from the chair that I have been in. I stretched as well as I could in a corset before she pulled me to the center of the room.
"Let's see if we can get this on without ruining your hair. Kneel down and I will hold it over you." I did as she asked. We managed to get me into the dress without too much difficulty.
"Turn. Let me, see you." I spun slowly for her. She adjusted the necklace slightly.
"There. You do know what the hidden intent is behind the necklace." Maria gave me a smirk.
"No." I looked down at it.
"Besides showering you with attention, he is laying his claim. That way, if anyone comments on the necklace and you tell them Edward gave it to you, they know that he has serious intentions with you and you have accepted him." I looked at myself in the mirror and pondered that thought. Part of me can't help to think how old fashion that is. But then again, I am in 1918. However, part of me hopes it wards off unwanted attention.
"Thank you for all your help, Maria."
She gave me a smile. "It was a pleasure, dear. Remember to wear gloves, expect when eating." I nodded as I left the room.
The music coming down the hall led me in the right direction so I do not get lost in this vast house. I held on to the hardwood banister as I walked down the steps carefully so I do not trip. I immediately spot Edward in a coat and tails. He looked gorgeous, as always. Although, his wild hair was slicked back and looked shiny.
He stood next to his parent's as they greeted guests. I stumbled slightly and caught myself before I fell. Edward's head shot up as he spotted me and he took the stairs two at a time to me.
"Are you alright?" He asked. I see the concern is his eyes. I nodded. He offered his arm and guided me slowly down the rest of the steps. I took my spot slightly behind him and to the side as we greet the arriving guests. Edward introduced me to the guests as they walk in. I only speak in front of a few, mainly the other females and the men that are obviously married or taken. When the Sutton family arrived, most seem to be looking down their noses at me, as though they were trying to prove that I don't belong at Edward's side. Every single girl glared at me for being at Edward's side. However, Millie gave me a quick hug and a big hello before moving on.
Finally, we get the signal from Mr. Masen to move into the ballroom. I let Edward guide me along behind his parents. He paused and pulled me off to the side.
"Bella, would you do something for me, if I asked you to?" He asked softly.
"Well, I guess that depends on what you asked," I tried to tease, but I can see Edward is really worried about something. "What is it that you want me to promise?"
"Stay away from Jason Sutton tonight. Do not even dance with him, and do not speak with him." Edward seemed worried. I knew at the dance, even though I came with Edward, we were suppose to dance with others at some point. Stupid etiquette rules!
"I can promise that, but can you tell me what has you so worried?"
Edward avoided my eyes. "Bella, just trust me, please," Edward pleaded.
"I do trust you. You just seem upset and I wanted to know, why," I answered. He glanced towards the door.
"Now is not the time." He started to pull me towards the doors to the room, again. We entered the room and I was blown away by the arched, vaulted ceilings with hanging chandeliers. The floor was a soft grey marble and there were giant windows throughout the room. At the opposite end of the room was a staircase that led to the dining room. I had never seen anything like it before in real life, only in movies.
"I take it they did not have anything like this in Port Angeles." Edward grinned at my awe. I shake my head. Edward guided us to the stairs.
"One more thing, promise me that you will not attempt stairs on your own tonight," Edward requested with a smirk on face. I gave him a scowl, then pinched the arm that my hand is resting on. Edward flinched and tried to scowl at me.
"I am sorry, clumsy me." I batted my eyes at him. His scowl turned into his half-smile as he chuckled. "No stairs by myself either." I gave him an angelic smile.
"There you two are. Edward, go join your father. Bella, stay here with me." Elizabeth pulled me next to her and then handed me a champagne glass.
Edward joined his father and his partner, Mr. Weston, at the top of the stairs. His father also handed Edward a glass.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf on my family, my partner and myself, I would like to welcome you to our celebration tonight. Tonight we celebrate my son's accomplishment of finishing his understudies. Edward will start Law school in the fall and will be apprenticing at our firm until he passes the bar. Please, lift your glasses and toast him with me. To Edward."
Every lifted their glasses and then drank. I followed suit and tried not too make a face at the bitterness of the champagne. I noticed Edward impressively downed his in one gulp.
"So, let us celebrate his achievement with food and dance. My son will lead off the dance with the young lady he has been courting, Miss Swan," his father concluded. I froze in shock. I was going to have to start the dance with everyone looking at me? I was already aware many were staring at me.
I think over the past week Edward practiced dancing with me at least twice a day. Only the first few days did I really struggle. Once, I tripped over his feet and we landed on the floor with him on top of me when he tried to catch me. Not long after that, I was able to dance with him without much stumbling. I didn't complain that we kept practicing, because it meant Edward was holding me in his arms.
"Bella?" Edward was at my side with a hand extended. I robotically placed my hand on his as he led us out to the center of the dance floor.
"Bella, you are as white as a ghost, are you alright?" Edward whispered in my ear.
"Just nervous. Everyone is staring," I whispered back. I was getting anxious that I was going to trip or step on his feet with everyone watching.
"Ignore them. Just let me lead and we will be fine." Edward paused in the middle of the floor. He bowed to me and I curtsied back, I hoped that my shaking was not too obvious. Edward took one hand and placed his other on my waist.
"Relax and do not fight my lead." Edward's voice was soft and velvety in my ear. I relaxed as much as I could. The music started and we started to move with it. Soon, we were smoothly waltzing, staring into one another eyes. Edward's smile was gentle and the rest of my nerves left me.
"I have not had a chance to tell you yet that you look beautiful this evening." Edward gave me another soft smile. I blushed and looked down.
"Thank you. I also owe you a thank you for the necklace," I told him. Edward's eyes lit up with joy.
"So you like it," he asked. I shook my head slightly, teasing him. His face fell.
"I happen to love the necklace." I smiled. He started to grin again. "As for everything else, the credit belongs to Maria. She reminds me so much of Alice." The words were out of my mouth before I realized it.
"Who is Alice?" Edward looked intrigued.
"She was a good friend of mine. I miss her greatly." I avoided eye contact. Edward realized it was a touchy subject so he changed it.
"By the way, for someone who was so nervous, do you realize we are already on to the second song and you have not stumbled or stepped on my foot once?" Edward grinned at me wryly. I looked up and noticed other couples gliding around us.
"Well, Mr. Masen, I guess you can commend yourself at being a good teacher." He smiled briefly and then glanced around the room.
"I wish that I could keep you to myself this evening. I do not like the idea of you dancing with other men." Edward sighed.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I wish I was only dancing with you. Also, I am not that thrilled with the idea of you dancing with other girls," I told him shyly. The song ended and Edward backed up. He kissed my hand.
"I will try to dance with you as often as possible," he said quietly. He stepped back as his parents approached. I danced with his father, then his law firm partner. Right after that, Edward claimed me again.
By then, I am grateful for the break when he led me to the table for dinner.
I am seated next to Edward and across from his mother. On my right is a gentleman I am not too familiar with. I believe that he is a judge that Mr. Masen is friends with. He was addressed as Justice Greene. I avoided drinking the wine, sticking mostly to the water. I did not need anything that would inhibit my balance anymore.
The break did not seem long enough and Edward was pulling me back out on to the dance floor. His face was slightly flushed and he was a bit clumsier. It was then I realized that Edward had not only finished his wine with the dinner, but mine as well. Hmm, I wonder how drunk he is or if he was just tipsy at this point. Edward's stare seemed more heated and I found myself blushing. At the end of the song, instead of just kissing my hand like the other times he nipped the lace glove slightly in his teeth, as he gave me a wolfishly smile and a wink. My heart fluttered in my chest. I realized that if he tried anything, I was going to have a hard time resisting.
After that, I danced with Millie's Thomas, Mr. Cutler, and Justice Greene. I avoid Jason by turning in the opposite direction whenever I saw him. Unfortunately, when I was trying to avoid him I ran into Professor Hillsgrove.
"Miss Swan, would you care to dance?" He asked. I nodded since I wasn't sure what else to do. I tried to avoid looking at him, since he was sweating profusely. He also managed to step on my foot twice.
My eyes fell on Edward. He was standing with his father and a group of men. He had another drink in his hand. Edward glanced my way when he felt my stare. He started to give me a smile, but he frowned when he sees who I am dancing with.
"What is it about him that attracts you girls? His looks or is it just the money?" Professor Hillsgrove spoke.
"I beg your pardon?' I turned back to him, glaring at him with narrowed eyes. I wanted to pull myself away from him but his grasp was too tight.
"I can be better for you. Older men tend to be better in other ways," he hinted. I am not sure if I was able to hide the disgust on my face.
"May I cut in?" a golden voice spoke up. I breathed a sigh of relief as I took a step back.
Professor Hillsgrove frowned at the newcomer.
"Cousin," I rejoiced happily as I saw Carlisle standing before me in a tux.
"Bella, would you like to dance?" He smiled, holding his hand out.
"I would love to." I grabbed his hand eagerly. He spun me away from a disgruntled looking professor. "Thank you."
"Maria saw me coming in and said you would need some saving. Where is young Mr. Masen?" He asked.
"He was over there a moment ago." I gestured where Edward was still talking with the same group of men.
"Ahh, he is with some of his father's clients. No wonder I had to make the rescue. Sounds as if they were not letting him get away," Carlisle concluded. "You look lovely tonight, by the way, cousin."
"Thank you," I tried not to blush and then I stepped on his foot. "I am sorry"
"That is okay. Probably hurt you more than me." He chuckled.
"I am glad you could make it tonight." I told him. I realized Carlisle has me partly lifted so we were dance smoothly across the dance floor.
"Well, I figured I would like to get to know Edward a little more so I am not such a stranger to him." Carlisle told me. "In fact, here he comes now." I turned to see Edward walking towards us just as the song was ending. Carlisle spun me out to face him.
"Dr. Cullen, I am glad you could make it," Edward greeted him, his eyes are slightly unfocused.
"I am glad to have come." Carlisle shook his hand.
"Bella, I came to see if you would like to join me on the balcony for some fresh air," Edward asked me, his words slurred slightly.
"That would be nice. I could use a rest from the dancing," I answered, but I felt awkward leaving Carlisle at the same time. Carlisle was frowning slightly. However, the fresh air would maybe sober Edward up some.
"Dr. Cullen?" Edward asked politely.
"I will join you momentarily. May I bring either of you anything?" Carlisle seemed to be eyeing Edward closely.
"Some water or punch would be nice, thank you." I answered.
"I would appreciate some water as well," Edward answered. Carlisle nodded and moved swiftly through the room.
Edward guided me outside where he promptly placed his coat over my shoulders with his hands trailing down my arms before he sat next to me on a bench.
"Are you enjoying yourself this evening?" Edward asked. He was slurring his words.
"I have. What about yourself?" He gave me a half smile.
"Well, I have enjoyed some dancing. Although, most of my time seemed to be taken up by talking about my future job. However, now I can get the attention of a beautiful young lady." Edward gave me a smile then scooted closer.
"Well, if you have a chance to talk with a beautiful young lady, what are doing here talking with me?" I teased. Edward moved slightly closer to me again, his eyes burning with emotion. His breath smelled of alcohol.
"I am talking with her, beautiful silly girl. What did he say to you?" Edward's voice suddenly sounded tenser.
"Who? Carlisle?" I was suddenly confused. Edward shook his head fervently.
"Professor Hillsgrove. He said something that upset you. I saw your face. I wish I could have gone to you. I am glad your cousin was able to break it up," he fumed softly. I see the anger in his eyes. I paused. Under the influence of alcohol I wouldn't be surprise if Edward confronted him here.
"I am sorry, I do not remember. It must not have been important." I waved my hand airily, hoping Carlisle would be back soon. Unfortunately, it was another voice I heard.
"Miss Swan, there you are. I was hoping you would care to dance." Jason Sutton's voice came from behind me. Edward's eyes shot up as he glared at the new annoyance. Oh boy! Scratch Carlisle. Where was Jasper when you need him? I knew that Edward was near his boiling point.
"She does not want to dance with you," Edward spat angrily.
"Now, be polite, Edward. I believed I asked her, not you." Jason sneered.
"No. Thank you, Mr. Sutton." I told him coldly. I gave him a small glance before turning my attention back to Edward.
"Just one dance," Jason insisted, he grabbed me by the arm and hauled me to my feet.
"Let her go. She told you, no," Edward exploded. He was on his feet.
"Stay out of this, Masen. I am warning you." Jason squeezed my arm. I cried out in pain and Edward snapped as he shoved Jason hard. Jason shoved me away, causing me to land hard on the stone balcony. The guys started to shove each other. I know that Edward got at least one good punch before they were yanked away from each other by their fathers.
"What is going on, out here?" Mr. Weston was between the two. Carlisle was suddenly there offering me a hand up. Both boys were just glaring at one another not saying anything.
"Miss Swan, could you enlighten us, please," Justice Greene asked.
"Mr. Sutton asked me to dance. When I declined, he decided he was not happy with my answer and he tried to force me," I said softly. Carlisle supported me with his arm.
"I believe you owe my cousin an apology?" Carlisle's eyes flared. Since I was close, I noticed that they were black.
"My apologies, Miss Swan," Jason sneered.
"Mr. Sutton, I think it is time for you and your family to leave my home." Mr. Weston looked at the elder Mr. Sutton. He nodded.
"My apologies as well, on my son's behavior." Mr. Sutton gripped his son's arm as he pulled him away.
"Bella, have you been hurt?" Carlisle turned to me. Out of the corner of my eye I see Edward looked at me worriedly.
"He grabbed my arm tightly, but it is probably just a bruise." I answered softly. Carlisle examined the red marks and nodded.
"He hurt you?" Edward's eyes flashed dangerously. Edward lunged to follow the Suttons.
"Calm down, son." Mr. Masen held on to him. I stepped forward.
"Edward, I am fine. You already defended me, thank you. Please, do not fight more on my behalf," I told him. He looked at me, then relaxed enough that his father let him go.
"She is right. It is the end of the night. Would you not rather dance with the young lady?" Justice Greene tried to hint gently.
"Would you like to dance with me?" Edward asked as he looked at my feet.
"Yes, I would," I accepted, Edward looked up with a hesitant smile. He led me back inside and onto the dance floor for the last dance that evening. We danced without speaking for awhile.
"I am sorry you got hurt," Edward whispered into my ear.
"It was not your fault. He was the jerk," I told him. I felt Edward's arms tighten and held me closer than previous dances.
"Edward?" He looked down at me. "Thank you for teaching me to dance and for inviting me tonight. You made the experience pleasurable." I wanted to reach up and kiss him, but I fought the urge.
"I am glad. I just wish I got to do what I planned earlier." Edward mumbled.
"Which was?" I prompted. Edward's face turned pink.
"Another time," Edward promised. His hand slipped from my waist slightly and gave me a pinch on my bottom. I instantly jumped and Edward laughed as he started to spin us.
A/N:
So Jason Sutton is becoming a nuisance. Unfortunately, this not that last we see of him. However, it is the last we see off Professor Hillsgrove. Edward drunk is fairly amusing. He gets even more amusing in the next chapter.
Thank You for All your Reviews.
Preview:
"I think it is wise that we all get to bed, the hour is late." Elizabeth advised we followed her into the house. Edward was whistling as he followed me closely. Elizabeth eyed him closely then turned to me.
"Bella, lock your door tonight." She headed up the stairs with Mr. Masen chuckling behind her.
Edward smiled at me.
"Shall we see if there is any pie in the kitchen?" Edward grabbed my hand and started to pull me in that direction.
"No, it is time to go to bed." I pulled him to the stairs. Edward came to a stop in front of me.
"You are pretty, when you are bossy." Edward told me.