Chapter 10
The remaining days until Christmas Eve and Christmas flew by in a flurry of hustling and bustling and cooking and laughter. Before they knew it, it was the morning of Christmas Eve. The town had planned to turn the annual Christmas party into a dance this year! All-day, Mabel fretted about what she was going to wear. She had nothing that was fancy enough to wear. Finally, she decided it would be best if she feigned sickness and stayed home. Michaela entered her room a few hours before the planned time to leave.
"Mabel? Aren't you feeling well? We are planning to leave in several hours and you aren't getting ready."
"Well, actually, I think I am just going to stay home tonight. I'm not feeling so great. It's nothing too serious. I believe an early bedtime will work wonders." Mabel said as Michaela laid an experienced hand on her forehead.
"You don't feel hot. Are you sure that's what's wrong?" Mabel hung her head, unable to meet Michaela's motherly searching eyes.
"No.," she said guiltily, "Truth is, I don't have a dress. The three I have are in no way acceptable." Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Michaela wiped at one that escaped, and then stomped from the room. Mabel sat there, bewildered. Her plans to stay home were completely thwarted when Michaela came trampling back into her bedroom. She laid a ball gown on the bed and turned to face Mabel.
"Here. This should help. Why don't we get you a rose water bath, and then I'll help you dress and fashion your hair." Mabel looked up in surprise, and a look of wonder crossed her face. Michaela would do that for her? "Oh, and don't worry about Anna, I've already found one of Katie's that she can use. I'll get the hot water started and we'll get you ready in no time at all!" Michaela said as she exited the room.
Mabel sat at the bed, completely amazed. Her heart raced as she imagined scenarios, of dancing and conversing and maybe even sparking, that were once not possible, but now, thanks to Michaela, were. Thoughts of Matthew crossed the forefront of her mind, and a silly blush rose to her cheeks once again. Maybe he would ask her to dance. Mabel dreamily shrugged her shoulders and shook her head and then followed Michaela into the washroom. A short hour later, Michaela helped Mabel slip the dress over her head, careful to not disrupt the gorgeous hairstyle Michaela had fashioned. As the dress fell and swooshed around her feet, Mabel gasped at her reflection in the mirror. Michaela stood behind her, buttoning the small buttons up her back. Mabel let her eyes flow down her body as she observed herself. Her copper hair was loosely french braided from her left temple around the back of her head and then it merged into a beautiful messy chignon at the base of her skull on the right side. A few curls were allowed to frame her face. Michaela, along with the dress and shoes, had lent her a necklace that lay perfect at the hollow of her neck. Mabel's eyes then drifted to the dress. She reached both hands up and placed them on the base of her throat, where the lace collar of the neck was. The lace merged into the fabric of the dress. It was forest green and provided the perfect contrast to her copper hair and violet eyes. It was long-sleeved and fitted at the waist. From the waist down, it billowed out and swooshed at her feet. The last third of the dress was ruffled. Michaela commanded Mabel to spin slowly around as she finished the last button. Michaela pressed a hand to her bosom and gasped.
"Mabel! You look amazing!" The clock chimed five times downstairs, signaling it was time for them to take their leave. Michaela swished her own red dress down the hall to her bedroom to retrieve a heavy shawl for Mabel. Mabel followed after and made her way downstairs. Sully was outside on the porch with Brian, waiting for the women to make their appearance so that they could assist them in the wagons. Matthew stood at the door, with Katie and Anna Rose spinning at his feet, swirling their dresses around. "Pretty dresses!" They cried. Michaela and Mabel quickly bundled the girls and themselves up and then allowed Sully and Matthew to help them onto the seats. Matthew had brought his wagon over so that Mabel wouldn't have to ride in the back. After assisting Mabel to take her seat, he handed Anna Rose up to her to sit in her lap. Then he promptly took his spot and they were off, following Sully, Michaela, Brian, and Katie.
Music and laughter could already be heard as they pulled up to the party. After aiding the ladies and children to disembark from the wagon, Matthew and Sully went to pull the wagons out of the way and to get the horses settled. Michaela and Mabel, each with their respective daughter on their hip, swished through the door. Dorothy rushed to greet Michaela and Mabel. Dorothy gave Mabel a hug too and gushed over how adorable Anna Rose was. Katie asked to be let down, and so did Anna Rose. They didn't stray away but instead plopped down on the floor right by Dorothy's feet. Matthew, Sully, and Brian returned from taking care of the wagon and made their way over to the women. Matthew extended his arm out to Mabel.
"Would you care to dance?" A stunning smile from Mabel answered his question, and he pulled her to the dance floor. Sully, Michaela, and Brian, stared after them in awe, as Matthew led Mabel in a waltz. They meshed very well together and soon, people stopped to stare after them. They whispered amongst themselves about who this mysterious woman was.
"I'll watch the girls for a bit, Ma. Pa, why don't you go dance with her for a bit?"
"You know what Brian? I think that is a wonderful idea. Don't you Mrs. Sully?" Sully teased Michaela. He lovingly pulled Michaela into his arms and escorted her to the dance floor.
Mabel's heart beat erratically as Matthew swung her 'round and 'round the floor. The people around her were but a blur in her vision. She only had eyes for the man who had his hand gently, yet firmly at her waist. Almost like he was staking his claim on her. The music changed, and Matthew switched the style of the dance. And so it went on and on and on. Finally, after a particularly fast-paced reel, Mabel had to take a breather. She was still recovering from her fainting bout caused by famishment and exhaustion.
"Are you okay?" Matthew asked. He placed his hand in the small of her back and took her to a chair.
"Oh yes! I'm having such a wonderful time! I am just plum worn out!"
"Okay then. How 'bout we go an' get us some food and a drink? Does that sound alright?"
"Yes, that would be great. Could you by chance go and find Anna? I bet she is hungry as well."
"Sure thing. I'll be right back." Mabel started after him as he made his way to the crowd. What a fine man he was.
Matthew searched through the crowd, looking for Anna Rose and Katie. Soon enough he found them; Chattering amongst themselves in the gibberish only they could understand. Dorothy was watching them.
"Oh, Matthew!" Dorothy exclaimed and rushed over to him. "You look like you are having a fabulous time with Mabel! She's so sweet isn't she?"
"Yes, ma'am she is," Matthew said with an exaggerated drawl and a cheeky smile on his face. Dorothy placed a hand on her chest. Oh to be young and in love again. Anna Rose heard Matthew's voice and picked her head up, searching him out. Once she saw him, she stood up and bolted over to him. Katie was quick on her heels. Matthew crouched down and caught them in his arms.
"Mattoo!" Anna Rose yelled, burrowing her face into the crook of his neck. Matthew stood up and walked back to Mabel, as they chitter-chattered in his ear. As Matthew arrived by Mabel with the girls, Michaela and Sully made their way over. They stood together and observed the crowd for a while. As Matthew scanned the crowd, Brian caught his eye. He was approaching Sarah Sheehan, his long-time crush. Matthew smiled as Brian held out his arm and Sarah took it and they started dancing. Good for him! Matthew's attention was then drawn to the door.
"Look! There's Grace and Robert E and the new baby!" He pointed out to his family. Michaela and Mabel walked briskly towards them and met in a hug.
"Grace? What are you doing here? You should be resting at home!" Michaela admonished.
"I know! But we heard the party goin' on an' we jist couldn't resist comin'! 'Sides, I wanna show Nadine off!"
"Okay then. I'll allow you to stay if you take a seat over here." Grace nodded her head, and Michaela led her over to a chair. Grace handed Nadine to Mabel as Michaela and Robert E helped her to sit and get settled. Matthew watched as Mabel stared lovingly into the face of the baby. Her eyes held a look of awe and amazement. A small smile pulled the corner of Matthew's mouth up. At that moment, he knew that Mabel was the one he had been waiting for. The one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The one he wanted to have and hold and to raise beautiful babies with. He knew that he had only known her for a few days, but he just knew that she was the one. Now that he knew, the trick was that he had to get her to realize it… and what a challenge that was going to be.
