Disclaimer: The Watsons, all characters, places, and related terms are the sole property of Jane Austen.
A Fairy Tale Night
Once upon a time, they passed like ships in the night during their first encounter. Miss Emma Watson's interest focused on Tom Musgrave and Mr. Howard attended to his sister as the Osborne party joined the ball. The young lady was considered the mysterious belle of the ball; the gentleman was cast in the role of companion-at-arms to the prince. Thus, she continued to dance, while he went to the card room.
Once upon a time, there was a sense of the changing of the tide when their paths crossed again. Tales of Miss Watson's good deed had already reached Mr. Howard when she and Charles appeared on their way to tea. "Uncle, see how pretty she is!" Her face was averted when he looked up, and in the next instant she disappeared into the crowd. Curiosity rose in the gentleman and he sighed. He wished he could have had a better view of Miss Watson. (Emma, too, felt curious as she walked away. What would have Mr. Howard replied to his nephew?)
Once upon a time, a rushing tempo hurried them along when they finally were introduced at their third meeting. They just had enough time to bow, to curtsy, to exchange how-do-you-dos. Boldly (in the eyes of some, for he was not a nobleman like Lord Osborne nor as handsome as Mr. Musgrave), Mr. Howard asked for the next two dances. Shockingly (in the opinion of others, for she was like a princess), Miss Watson accepted his request. Then they separated, hastening in opposite directions, each smiling in anticipation.
Once upon a time, the world faded away as Emma danced with Mr. Howard. He was a good dancer, his manners pleasing, his conversation worth hearing. He was the best partner she ever had. Alas, how soon the dance ended! Any hope of another was dashed: midnight – the Osborne party was to depart. Emma's smile of farewell was sweet while regret and longing swirled inside her. (Unbeknownst to her, Mr. Howard shared her feelings, and his eyes lingered on her a moment more before he followed the others.)
Once upon a time, thousands of stars twinkled down on a certain lady and gentleman stargazing from their respective windows. What a lovely night! They had not expected to receive so much pleasure from the ball. Nor to make such a fascinating new acquaintance. When might they see each other again? "Soon!" sang the stars. Yet Emma and Mr. Howard did not hear. (Fairy tales were not meant for their world.) "Soon…" the stars promised our sleeping heroine and hero; and the two met for the final time tonight, dancing together in their dreams.
THE END