I fixed the typo and extended the first chapter since the first publication. Enjoy !
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Mr James Wilkins
is cordially invited to join
Mr Henri Stuart and his family
to a ball in the honor of
Miss Elizabeth Stuart's
launching into society.
What is this, he thought. Launching into society? This is probably old British tradition the Earl was trying to fulfill. He already confirmed his presence the last time he was Mr. Stuart at his office. He was quite fond of James' work and was stopping at the office often; enquiring about almost anything he needed in know in Charleston, but also enjoying his company.
Charlotte was also invited to this ball and they concluded they would share the ride. They made their way to Stuart's Manor, which was not so far from theirs. A lot of renovation had been done to the house and it was impressive, tastefully decorated with flowers.
They passed the front door and were greeted by the whole family, all lined up next to each other. Other guests were still talking to the children, but Mr Stuart exclaimed himself when he saw James.
"Mr Wilkins, I am glad you came. You will remember my wife Harriet, and you will find my children; first, Elizabeth, then Anne, Thomas and Sarah. And this is your lovely wife I suppose?" he said as he took Charlotte's hand and kissed it lightly.
"No, we are actually neighbors," James corrected.
"Oh, so you are not married?" Harriet candidly asked James.
"You are correct, madam," as he spoke, he saw Harriet elbow her daughter Elizabeth. He already saw mothers trying to present him their daughters and this evening would be no exception.
He took Elizabeth's hand and kissed it, as he looked at her. She was not an ugly woman, but not a beautiful one. She had brown eyes, brown hair, and strong feature. He walked forward and greeted Anne the same way. He saw the sisters exchanged a glance and giggled. He walked again and shook Thomas' hand. He recognised the man who interrupted them right after he saved the beautiful woman a few days ago at the concert. He quickly looked at the last of the Stuart standing in line and there she was. She was still talking with the guests before him, but he could not wait to have his turn to officially introduce himself. The guests entered the ballroom and she turned her head toward James.
"You !" she said.
"I am glad we meet again. James Wilkins. And meet my neighbor Charlotte Selton."
"Sarah Stuart, pleasure to meet you," she said as she handed her hand out.
James grabbed her hand as it was the most precious thing in the world, and kissed it, looking straight into her blue eyes.
"I hope you will do me the honor of a dance tonight."
"Of course, Mr Wilkins, I will. I owe you my life after all," she said smiling to him.
He made his way into the ballroom, with Charlotte on his arm. He looked around at the opulence of the room; musicians playing, fresh flowers all over the table and windows, servants walking around with platters of wine and food. They really speared no expenses.
Charlotte clearly had her answer; when James asked her to the ball, she had hoped they would be more than neighbors. But the second she saw the look on his face when he talked to Sarah, she knew she was not the one he would dream about. He clearly introduced her as his neighbor and she could not help but be a little disappointed. She tossed her thoughts aside and would still enjoy his company for the evening.
Of all the Stuart's sister, Sarah was the one getting the most attention of potential suitors. She always enjoyed being the center of attention, but not in a show off way. She was genuinely interested by people and made her interlocutors felt important when she listened as carefully as she could. Her father was watching her all evening. Even though this ball was for Elizabeth to have a chance at marriage, he knew Sarah would steal the spotlight. Surely, he would never admit it, but she was his favorite. He hopped for the best for her, but still hopped his two older daughters would marry this season, since they were not getting any younger.
His wife had invited all the important families of Charleston. Since they moved from England, she was busy with afternoon tea, hosting dinners, participating in the social life of the city, which placed the Stuart in an enviable position. They were slowly establishing their marks in this new life.
Mr Stuart was taken out of his thoughts when he heard the beginning of the last song of the evening. He carefully spotted all his daughters to see the dance partners they had chosen. The last dance was always the moment where gossips would start about potential courtships. He was relief to see Elizabeth with a man he could not remember his name, Anne with a friend of her brother Thomas, and Sarah with his lawyer, Mr Wilkins. He was not surprised by any of the couple since he knew well his daughters. Maybe he would celebrate more than one wedding this season.
James did not want this music to end. All evening his eyes were drawn to Sarah. She was busy all night with probably the whole town trying to speak to her. He did not want to impose, but he was looking at her at the beginning of every song to see if it was the right moment for the dance she promised him. When he heard the last music, he headed in her direction and she did the same. They met in the middle of the ballroom, bowed to each other and started to move. The second the music was over, he told her he wanted to see her again, and asked her if she would indulge him if he would call on her. She smiled and told him she would gladly accept.
On the way home, James shared the coach with Charlotte. She inquired how his evening went as he seemed distracted every time she tried to talk to him. He told her it was the most beautiful evening he had in a long time, before looking outside, daydreaming.