CHAPTER 25

'Miss Whitlock, how delightful to see you once again. And for you to join me in Forks shortly, I must confess, I am very pleased about your news.'

Miss Swan says idly while they wait for the assembly to fill with the balls' patrons.

'As am I Miss Swan, I have education enough for the position and I have never done such a thing before. I do so hate being idle.'

'Well, Mr. and Mrs. Smith have enough children to be busy enough, free time can become quite droll however. The town is rather small and there isn't much to entertain. I find enjoyment enough, for I love to walk and read, so I am usually quite content.'

'Well, I can't say much for either I'm afraid, so I do so hope there is plenty of society to acquaint myself with.'

'Yes there is many people to acquaint with, I'd be more that happy to make introductions.'

'How very kind. Peter should have arrived, I wonder where he can be.'

Isabella cranes her neck, looking for the man in question, spotting him immediately in a sea of red coats. 'There, he comes now.'

'I do so hope Mr. Woods has come, he is in Peter's regiment, you know.'

'Good evening Charlotte, Miss Swan. Charlotte, Mr. Woods will be over shortly. That being said, the orchestra is about to start, may I have your first dance Miss Swan?'

'Yes indeed.' A second man joins the group and asks the same of Charlotte.

'So how did your afternoon fare, Miss Swan?'

'Very well indeed, I sat down in a quaint courtyard and read my book. And yours?'

'I just did my usual boring duties with my regiment, nothing to signify.'

The music starts and they commence the courtly dance, smiling when they catch each others gaze. Isabella catches a glimpse of his sister, quite in raptures with her dance partner.

'They look quite…'

'In love?' He offers. 'Indeed, but he is of little consequence, a lowly foot soldier you see, and our father wont approve of the match.'

'How very unfortunate, did he protest to your sister taking up a governess position?'

'Our father not yet knows, I presume she will evade his censure for as long as possible.'

'Then I am sorry for them. What is an income to a life of love, comfort and security?'

'Spoken like a true heiress!'

'I'm sorry if I offend, sir. But could you be forever content with a woman whom you do not love?'

'Indeed I could Miss Swan, but I think of my youngest brothers and know that if they are to secure a future, they they must secure a well-financed bride. It is easy enough for us to say love this and that, but we are a fortunate few. Could you be happy living in a shack no better than a pig pen?'

'I suppose I haven't actually imagined a life of sacrifice, but I have not loved so deeply either. I imagine that if I loved someone so deeply, a house or nice things would mean very little.'

'So you have not been in love then, Miss Swan. I must confess I am happy to hear it, but your dear Captain Cullen has assured me he has you in raptures. I imagine he will be quite cast down by this news.'

'Indeed he will not, for he knows I do not care for him in such a way! How awful of him to be talking about such things! I am quite cross with him now.'

'Yes, he will be cut quite deeply indeed. But I imagine many men will be quite sore to hear this news, for you see, you create quite a stir.'

'And I am sorry for it, Mr. Whitlock.'

'Sorry for it? Pray tell Miss Swan, what can you possibly mean?'

'Sir, I like to dance and I like to socialise. Men however, like my Fathers… my estate,' she corrects. 'And are convinced that the reasons for my dancing and talking are because I must be in want of a husband.'

'Miss Swan, is this your polite way of saying you will never be interested in a husband?'

'I say no such thing! I am open to love, and marriage. But I will not accept a mans hand because he offers it.'

'Then pray tell Miss Swan, if you enjoy dancing and talking exceedingly, how is a man to know if he has secured your attentions or not?'

'I presume I will act quite differently if a man catches my eye, than to simply banter foolishly.'

The music silences and the dancers still in a uniformed position. All the couples bow and then all of the men escort their partners away.

'Miss Swan, allow me to introduce you to Charlottes dance partner, Mr. Alistair Woods. Mr. Woods, this is Miss Swan of Forks.'

'Forks you say, then you are to be seeing much more of Charlotte? How fortunate that she has an acquaintance already in the town. Such a move with no connexions could become quite uncomfortable.'

'Yes indeed Mr. Woods, it is quite the coincidence.'

'And is the township all together amiable?'

'Yes indeed, for myself, that is. I prefer smaller towns and a smaller circle, and reading and walks give me amusement enough. For someone not much like myself however, may find it rather constricting and tiresome.'

'That is what I fear, for I love being around a great many people and walks and books offer no entertainment for me. I do so hope I bear it well.'

'Pray tell Charlotte, when are you to take up the position?'

'In just over a month Isabella, but I will arrive prior to acquaint myself with the town and the children.'

'And what of your regiment Captain Whitlock, Mr. Woods?'

'We are stuck here for a few months yet Miss Swan, but I personally will be escorting Charlotte to Forks and I will stay there for two weeks before returning.'

'Then you both simply must call on me at Swanfield and I will invite some families I am positive you will get along famously with.'

'Very kind indeed,' Charlotte replies.