Chapter One

Keene Residence – Gothic Revival Mansion – Newport.

May 3rd, 1896.

"Miss Keene! Your package has arrived!" The voice of the maid announced.

Belle smiled as she approached the doorway. In her hands, she held the Weston Brothers' invitation to their manor, Diamond Springs, when her maid, Oliva, informed her of the package which the seamstress in town sent.

"Must be the new dress for the event." Belle thought excitedly.

Her suspicious were correct when Olivia, one of the ones Rose could have informed was a little clumsy, held the package in her hands as she spoke.

"Here it is! The butler informed us the letter carrier had it dropped off early this morning!"

"Do bring it in and open it for me." Belle replied.

"Yes. Right away, Miss Keene." Oliva answered and Belle took a step back, allowing the maid to enter her chambers so the package was on the bed. She held the brothers' invitation behind her back for her heart was beating like a drum. The way Phillip Weston composed the invitation touched her more than any bouquet of flowers ever could! As Oliva progressed with untying the strings, Belle drew the paper out as she re-read the brothers invitation.

"You are cordially invited to attend the Ball

Of Phillip and Henry Weston

May 3rd, 1896

7:00 Evening

At Diamond Springs Manor

44th Ochre Point Ave

Newport, RI, 02804."

Ignoring how Olivia was untying the package papers now, Belle felt her cheeks heat when she remembered the last time she'd spoken with Phillip Weston. He was one of Rhode Island's well to do men and his social standing was one which plenty of admirably ladies were seeking to have his attentions. Belle also knew he had a brother, Henry, who was of equal quality. Phillip Weston met her in town, which was in Newport, when she'd been leaving the seamstress townhouse after she'd been shopping for her newest gown. Their encounter occurred the week before which was on a fine, spring morning and wearing one of his notable suites, Mr. Weston bowed to her when he greeted.

"Why, Miss Keene! The Queen of Beauty! What a pleasure it is to have stumbled upon you!"

Belle, who was accustomed to her nickname, merely smiled as she extended her hand as she replied.

"No, indeed, Mr. Weston! The pleasure is mine! And what brings you here in town? Taking a stroll?"

"No, Miss Keene. I was happening to be…" he'd briefly paused, which was a little strange for him, but he quickly recovered, when he continued, "doing some business when I chanced to meet you! I don't suppose the 'Queen of Beauty' would be delighted to hear she will be receiving an invitation to Diamond Springs Manor where a ball shall be hosted?"

Was she delighted to have heard such news? Yes! Belle felt her heart pump when she politely nodded as she answered.

"A ball, you say, sir? Well… I shall be enamored to read it when it arrives! Pray tell: what kind of ball shall it be? One with masks or something of more fashion? You do recall that the latest women's' fashion in dresses are approaching and I for one am inclined to follow them!"

Belle wasn't surprised when Mr. Weston answered.

"As you probably know, Miss Keene, we gentlemen are not inclined to such things but I will say this: no. The ball will not be masked. I am sure you will be pleased when you shall receive it. Good day to you!"

And tilting his hat, he'd left and Belle watched his retreating figure. His handsome features, the jawline, the manner he held his cane, the light grey color of his suit, the matching boots… the man must have ridden into town… the way he greeted each lady on the street…

"Nothing good comes out of Diamond Springs!" The voice of the coachman announced.

Narrowing her eyes, Belle turned and staring up at papa's coachman, answered.

"Norman? What a notion to say! Mr. Weston is the most honorable man I have ever known! And if someone was eavesdropping – I would suggest next time – you keep those ears of yours closed with sheep's wool!"

The coachman, a man in his late fifties, only slouched on top as he replied.

"Yes, Miss Keene. Shall that be all? You finished with your business inside the shop?"

"Why – yes I am! Thank you for asking, Norman! Care to drive me back? I know I will be receiving some letters which I need to reply to!"

"Very well, miss." Norman answered before he jumped off to help her inside the carriage. Regardless of his age, Belle marveled at the mobility Norman had. And once the door was closed, Belle nodded for Norman to drive her back to the Keene Residence. The distance wasn't far and the familiar building appeared. When of course, she stepped out, it was Norman who took her hand before he escorted her to the front doors. And imminently – she'd entered the drawing room where she began responding to her letters.

Now, she was up in her chamber, a week later, and making sure Olivia didn't notice how she was recounting her meeting with one of the Weston Brothers, she walked over and watched as the maid finished untying the package.

"And… the last… is out!" Olivia exclaimed as she finished unwrapping.

"Thank you." Belle whispered.

But she used her hand to shoo the maid away when her eyes fell upon the decorations of the dress. She ignored the grumble from Oliva as she reached out and drew the gown out. Her eyes widened when the seamstress met her every requests. The dress was of Renaissance style – one of the dying ones – and around town – Belle was told that such dresses were to be tossed aside and the ones in the fashion catalogues were to be tried out instantly!

"Once of course, the seamstress's have them on display!" Belle thought as she held the frock out.

"Miss Keene?" The annoying voice of Oliva asked.

"Yes?"

"I take it you wish to try that on?"

Turning to her, raising a brow, Belle answered.

"Yes. I'm pleased to know you sensed that, Oliva. Do make yourself useful and hurry along! This gown will be worn for the Weston Brothers' ball and it shall be this evening!"

"Very well, miss." Oliva answered.

Pleased, Belle inwardly nodded as the maid helped her undress. Before long, the dress was on and when she stared at herself in the mirror, Belle's smile increased when the maid commented.

"Miss Keene – no wonder you are known for that nickname! You truly are the Queen of Beauty."