Love... ahhh the early stages
Alison had become instantly nervous when she saw Edward moving towards their seating area. Her heartbeat increased and she had to force herself NOT to check her hair. She took out her fan to cool herself as a blush was spreading across her cheeks.
Alison felt an instant connection when she looked Edward South in the eyes... 'South... that name seemed familiar' she thought... but she forgot about it as soon as he took her in his arms to dance.
She chose to ignore the looks of amusement on Charlotte and Susan's faces. She knew she had bright red cheeks!
"Mr South... I thought I was not going to get too dance with you tonight... you certainly took your time." teased Alison... trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Ahhhh... there were many people asking to dance with you ... and... I really wanted to dance the waltz with you" Edward deciding to be honest with her.
Alison secretly was glad as they could remain connected as they danced... she felt for some reason she fitted well in his arms... she had never felt this way before with any man.
Alison speaking the most ... her vibrant personality drawing out conversation from Edward. It was evident he was a shy and quiet man who struggled in these types of situations. Alison observing she liked his calm personality and truly enjoyed being in his presence.
Edward on the other hand was drinking in her image and was captivated by her voice... laugh... everything about her. Since he had seen her months before he hadn't be able to get her off his mind. Now he had her in his arms he didn't want to let her go...
The music concluded and they were forced to seperate and he reluctantly took her back to her family.
"Would I be able to call on you tomorrow? he asked hopefully... he was being very brave and knew he couldn't miss this chance
"I would be a happy to receive you" she looked at her sister and brother-in-law and they agreed on a time.
Henry knew he had to find out about this man before deciding to approve of him or not... he wanted to give him a chance as Alison seemed to prefer him but Henry remembered his promise to John concerning London gentlemen.
As they made their way back to Susan's Alison was staring out of the carriage window... unable to contribute to any of the conversations. Charlotte and Susan laughing at her while Henry had taken on a concerned look.
"There is something about him... he draws my attention..." reflected Alison. Susan and Charlotte both seeing the early signs of love... looked at each other knowingly.
"Alison... be careful... we don't know this man" Henry cautioned her
"Let me remind you were very confident in asking for a dance partner at Sanditon... my love" Charlotte teased
"Charlotte!" Henry took on a pained look and Charlotte instantly realised she had hit a sore spot... Leading in close to his ear "Please forgive me my love... I will make it up to you later" finished by intensely looking into his eyes.
Turning back to the ladies...
"Henry is right... we need to find out more about the man before we come to our own conclusions... he could be anyone?" Charlotte commented and held her husband's hand as a sign of support.
"Now I know his name... I can talk to a number of my ladies..." Susan commented but was thinking... 'South'
