Your Cup Will Never Empty

Busting crowds and loud chatter was something neither Van Dort liked to experience. But after receiving an invitation to attend the Tummond's ball, they felt obligated to accept. They worried, only slightly, about what they would do once they got there. Their worries ceased since they figured they would spend most of the night in each other's company.

Lady Everglot was appalled.

"Married couples don't dance with each other!" she exclaimed, upon learning their plans, "It's not the way it's done."

Victoria sent a puzzled look at Victor from across the table. He shrugged back.

"May I ask why, Mother?" Victoria questioned.

"It's simply not the way things are. You two may dance-" Her upper lip curled, "-with each other once. But that's it. You two shouldn't even be seen together."

"But, Mother, we're married, don't you think-"

"Of course not, child. I don't know why you'd want to spend any more time with your husband. After all, you already have to deal with him every other night."

Victoria grimaced as she glanced at Victor in apology. He flicked his hand, meaning it was alright. Lady Everglot's insults were more than common, and they adjusted to them.

Upon entering the ballroom, the sight overwhelmed the two. Dancers and drinkers and nobles all crowded the room. Victoria clung to Victor's arm. Perhaps, if they left now, nobody would care. It wasn't exactly polite, but did the Tummonds really want their company tonight?

"Oh, Mrs. Van Dort!" Lady Erickson waved to her and neared the couple. "We're having the most fascinating conversation about curtains. Mrs. Stimptson thinks floral is going out, but I disagree. Come, come!"

"I'll see you later, then?" Victoria said to her husband, releasing his hand.

Victor didn't have time to reply before Lady Erickson whisked her into a conversation about chair materials. Cherry wood was fashionable nowadays. But so was evergreen. Victoria greeted the other women once they arrived. Some of whom were very engrossed in the conversation. Others covered their yawns with gloved fingertips. But Victoria's mind couldn't focus on what Lady Erickson was chattering about.

Was Victor alright? He was terribly shy at such events. Victoria wished she could be at his side, holding his arm. Carrying the conversation when he hesitated. She needed him, too. To whisper little things in her ear to keep her mind focused.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Van Dort?"

It was like magic. After Victoria thought about him, Victor appeared behind her. She took the glass in his hand, beaming.

"Yes, Mr. Van Dort?" She faked a posh manner. Even as she tried, she couldn't hide her smile.

"I thought you might be a tad parched at this hour. After all, you seem to be in such a conversation." Victor winked at her and nodded towards the others. The ladies acknowledged his presence.

Victoria took a sip of her water. She rolled her eyes in secret at him. Then, straightening her posture, she said,

"This was what I needed. I feel quite refreshed. Thank you, Mr. Van Dort."

"Anytime, Mrs. Van Dort, if you are ever in need of assistance."

Victoria would gladly need assistance for anything and everything for the night.

After her glass was empty and the conversation drifted to gossip, a gentleman approached Victoria, asking to dance. She accepted and tried to find some interest as he rambled on about the best fishing techniques. Perhaps Victoria wasn't asking the right questions. Her dance partner answered none of them for her.

The dance ended. Victoria caught sight of Victor with a goblet. Relief flowed through her and she reached for the glass. But he stopped her.

"It's a surprise," he said, covering her eyes with his free hand.

Victor lifted the glass to her lips and helped her take a sip. Victoria pushed it away with pursed lips. Her mouth stung.

"What was that?"

Victor laughed. "I have no idea."

Victoria sniffed at the mysterious liquid. "It smells like my father's brandy. Only . . . much worse."

"My speculation is that its many kinds of alcohol mixed together."

"That's terrible!" She looked up at him. "Where did you find such a horrid thing?"

"Lady Erikson has quite the pallet for these things."

"Of course, I'm still thirsty, I've only had thirteen glasses of water tonight."

"Are you sure?"

Victoria reached for Victor's glass. She grinned. "Completely sure." When he didn't relent, she placed her hands on her hips. "Victor Fitzwilliam Van Dort, it's not polite to keep a beverage from a young lady. It's only polite."

With a roll of his eyes, Victor handed the glass to her. Victoria took a few sips. Her body warned her not to drink anymore. But she wanted to persist. After each conversation, each dance, Victor was there. Waiting with a glass of water for her. Victoria wasn't keen on wine. It was shocking they offered water. Plain water which allowed Victoria to see her husband during a never-ending ball.

The music changed into a waltz. Victoria rocked on her heels. She leaned into Victor.

"Besides fetching me water, what did you do tonight?" Victoria asked with a yawn.

"Avoided having conversations about ships and finance."

"Well, you sound like you had a marvelous time tonight."

Victor kissed her cheek. "I did. Because I got to spend most of it with you."

Thanks for reading!