THE BLUE DANUBE BALL-PART 06
Lee woke up early Saturday morning, mostly due to his growing emotions, and what Emily had said.
There was something important she had to tell him.
This time, a knock came to the common door for him.
"Come in, Amanda, please," Lee answered.
"Good morning, sunshine, how did you sleep?"
"Very soundly, thank you, and you?"
Lee gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Peacefully, dreaming about you, of course," he teased.
"I'll bet," she retorted, "sure it wasn't one of your girlfriends?"
He grabbed hold of her, playfully pulling her down on his bed, "don't you wish," he teased.
He looked at her seriously, "Manda, all black books are gone, as of now. There's only you, and I did
dream about you," he returned.
"Oh, Lee, I was only kidding," she said thoughtfully.
"I'm not, there's only you, I mean it."
He leaned in and kissed her hard, she responded anxiously and possessively.
Lee rolled her onto her back, and began kissing her neck and throat, his emotions getting the best of him.
Suddenly, he pulled back.
"I'm sorry, hon, I got carried away," he was shaking, "it's just that when you're near lately, it's all I can
do not to----."
"Lee, you don't have to apologize, I understand. I feel the same way," she admitted, running her fingers
through his hair.
"C'mon, we'd better get downstairs, Emily is probably waiting." Lee was anxious and edgy.
"O.k., I'll get dressed, and meet you there, she gave Lee a quick kiss on the lips.
Once they were downstairs, and breakfast was over. "Emily, you've outdone yourself with this food.
It's all been so delicious," Lee said gratefully.
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the meals, my boy. I, myself, have enjoyed the company of both of you
immensely.
Lee, there is something important we need to discuss. Could you and Amanda please sit over here, near
me?
There is no other way to say this, except right out.
I knew your mother and father a long time ago. I knew Jennifer in high school in Britain.
Then we went our separate ways. I met Charles and married, and your mother married your father, Lee.
We saw each other in Britain socially, but the times they stayed with us in Vienna, is when we really got
to know them well personally. They attended the Blue Danube Ball with us that first year. The dress is
period formal, so, your mother and I shopped awhile before we found her perfect gown. Your dad was
with us, and purchased a formal period tux, with ornamentation befitting that time. He looked so handsome, but, your mother, she was breathtaking.
The second year they attended the ball with us, then they were transferred to D. C. Jennifer was pregnant
with you at the time, Lee. That's the last time we ever saw them alive, and I'll never forget them."
Lee was dumbfounded, he could not speak, at first. He looked at Emily, then Amanda , who came to his side.
"I have pictures I would like to show you, son," said Emily teary eyed.
They opened a small album with various pictures of the Stetsons, and the Farnsworths. One picture showed
all four together ready for the Blue Danube Ball posed by an awaiting carriage.
Lee and Amanda observed the pictures carefully, taking in the smiles and expressions of Lee's parents. Lee's eyes began to mist. He excused himself for a moment, Amanda following him.
She comforted him, as he sank into her arms, not wanting to let Emily see his tears.
"Oh, Lee, I understand, let it out, you'll feel better," she said soothingly.
Lee held her tightly, and buried his face in her hair, trying to stop his tears.
"Oh, honey, it's o.k.," she murmured into his ear.
"Manda," he whispered, "hold me. I need you."
"I'm here, Lee, I'm here, always."
They held each other closely.
Finally, Lee returned to Emily, took her in his arms, and said, "Thank you, Emily. I love you."
Emily was overcome, she just cried in Lee's arms. "Your mother and father would be so proud of you,
son, as I am. You know, you don't have to attend the ball, if you don't want to, if you feel it's too much
for you," she continued.
Lee shook his head, "I want to go, to show off my Amanda, and to be with you and Charles. Will you
show me my father's tux, now?"
"Of, course, my boy," Emily asked Amanda to join her, "we'll be right back."
Amanda followed into a darkened spare bedroom. This was the Stetson's bedroom, when they stayed
with Emily and Charles.
Emily switched the light on, and removed Jennifer's gown from it's zippered bag. All white with pink
satin inserts intermingled below the bodice, pink rosebuds setting the inserts off. The bodice was solid
pink satin, touching a sweetheart neckline, edged with similar rosebuds around the neckline. A pink
rosebud choker accented the whole outfit. Pink satin slippers, completed the ensemble.
"Emily, it's beautiful," returned an enchanted Amanda.
"Try it on for Lee and myself, please, Amanda, we'll return and surprise him. Later, we can try an do your
hair in little ringlets, the way, Jennifer had hers fixed in the picture."
The gown fit Amanda, perfectly, she looked breathtaking.
"Amanda, you look beautiful," observed Emily. She gave her a hug.
"Let's go visit, Lee, shall we."
Lee was waiting patiently, and that's a plus for Stetson. He turned and saw Amanda in his mother's gown.
His eyes misted again, as he approached her. "You look gorgeous," her murmured, giving her a hug.
"This is the period tux that your father wore, Lee," showing the garment to him.
Lee knew it would fit him. He said he would be proud to attend the Ball taking his father's place, and
with his Amanda on his arm. Amanda kissed his cheek, and returned to the guestroom to change into her
own clothes.
Emily, Amanda, and Lee talked the balance of the afternoon about Lee's parents.
Later, Emily had a light dinner for everyone. Chicken salad, and Viennese pastries, and wine to accent
the meal.
The British Embassy in Vienna was aglow for the annual Blue Danube Ball. The Imperial Ballroom was
decorated in rich satin, wall hangings reminiscent of the yesteryear timeframe of the early 1800's.
At that time, horse drawn carriages carried the patrons to this highly popular dance.
As the years progressed, the grandeur and tradition this night offered, grew in reputation throughout
Europe. Standing invitations were common. Charles and Emily were, of course, among the first long
time patrons to hold this honor. Lee and Amanda would use the Stetson's invitation.
Charles and Emily looked wonderful. Lee was, without a doubt, as handsome as Matthew had been.
Amanda descended the stairs, and took Lee's arm.
All Scarecrow could do was stare, he had temporarily lost his voice. When he finally found it, he uttered,
"you look fabulous," and kissed her gloved hand.
"Thank you, Mr. Stetson, you look very handsome yourself," she blushed.
"Shall we," he nodded toward the carriage that awaited them on this unforgettable night.
"Here is your Dad's invitation," Emily gave the envelope to Scarecrow.
"Thanks, Emily," Lee took the envelope. When he opened it, he noticed that the lettering had been
changed to Mr. Lee Stetson, and Mrs. Amanda King.
"Emily, when did this change occur?" he showed the invitation to Amanda.
"We have our ways, Scarecrow.
You are welcome to attend this dance anytime in the future, but, of course, if it's with anyone else,
except Amanda, we would have to change the name."
"Don't count on that, Emily," Lee said decisively.
"Well, friends, here we are, already."
A doorman helped all four from the carriage to the steps. Lee took Amanda's arm, and they followed
the Farnworths into the entrance of the Imperial Ballroom.
All guests were announced. After Emily and Charles's announcement, and they had descended the
stairs, you next heard, "Mr. Lee Stetson, and Mrs. Amanda King."
All the older guests who had been attending for years, paused, to stare at the young couple descending
the stairs.
"Why, he is the spitting image of Matthew Stetson, and Mrs. King is more beautiful than Jennifer. How
charming they are." chimed several of the older couples who knew the Stetsons.
Everyone of the older people wanted to greet the Stetson party to welcome them. The Davidsons, O'Claires, Hudsons, etc., all remarking "what a handsome son Matthew and Jennifer produced, and
how lovely Amanda was.
The introductions took quite a while. Lee and Amanda were gracious to everyone.
When the first waltz was called, lee excused himself from conversation, bowed to his partner, and
Exclaimed, "May I," "I would be honored," responded Mrs. King.
"You waltz divinely, Mrs. King," commented Mr. Stetson.
"Thank you, kind sir, as do you," she teased.
Amanda was asked to dance by Charles, and she graciously obliged. Some of the older gentlemen also
asked , and Amanda accepted.
Lee was starting to get impatient, and a little jealous.
A modern slow song started, and Lee grabbed Amanda to be certain she was his partner, besides, this was
his chance to hold her close to his heart. Amanda cuddled closely to Lee, savoring every moment.
Later, as the Farnworths and the Stetson party were engaged in conversation, an outspoken older woman remarked, not thinking, that she saw the same look of unconditional love showing in this couple's eyes,
as she had seen in his parents.
Gracious or not, Amanda's emotions couldn't take any more. She excused herself, and hurried to the
patio for some air. Lee hurried after her.
When the older woman's husband commented on the fact that the two weren't married, and Amanda was
his date, she became very contrite.
Amanda was near tears over the woman's comment. Lee turned her around to him, and tucked his finger
under her chin to force her to look into his eyes.
"Don't let her get you down. She wasn't thinking, that's all.
Amanda, I want to speak for myself. I'm in love with you, she is right, Amanda King. I love you dearly,"
he touched his lips to hers .
"Oh, Lee, I love you, too," she wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him passionately.
"Then will you marry me, Mrs. King. I know it's sudden, but I need all of you, and I can't wait. What do
you say?"
"Yes, oh, yes," replied Amanda joyously.
They kissed till they were breathless.
They returned to the Farnworths, Amanda announcing joyously that Lee had asked for her hand.
"Congratulations to both of you, how wonderful,' she gave each of them a hug. Charles offered his
congratulations also.
Lee and Amanda had one last waltz, and the next number was "goodnight sweetheart". They held
each other tightly, and knew they would always remember this night.
DEPARTURE
Charles and Emily bade their tow American friends "goodbye" with hugs and kisses all around.
Both Lee and Amanda said "I love you" to Emily. She had vowed not to cry, but ended up bawling
anyway.
"Keep in touch, you two. I want to know everything."
"We will, Emily. Goodbye, Charles."
The flight back to D. C, was full of hope and fond memories for one intelligence operative, and his,
now fiancé, and partner. The sun was setting on the city of dreams, as they took their leave, silently
promising to return one day soon.
The End.
Lee woke up early Saturday morning, mostly due to his growing emotions, and what Emily had said.
There was something important she had to tell him.
This time, a knock came to the common door for him.
"Come in, Amanda, please," Lee answered.
"Good morning, sunshine, how did you sleep?"
"Very soundly, thank you, and you?"
Lee gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Peacefully, dreaming about you, of course," he teased.
"I'll bet," she retorted, "sure it wasn't one of your girlfriends?"
He grabbed hold of her, playfully pulling her down on his bed, "don't you wish," he teased.
He looked at her seriously, "Manda, all black books are gone, as of now. There's only you, and I did
dream about you," he returned.
"Oh, Lee, I was only kidding," she said thoughtfully.
"I'm not, there's only you, I mean it."
He leaned in and kissed her hard, she responded anxiously and possessively.
Lee rolled her onto her back, and began kissing her neck and throat, his emotions getting the best of him.
Suddenly, he pulled back.
"I'm sorry, hon, I got carried away," he was shaking, "it's just that when you're near lately, it's all I can
do not to----."
"Lee, you don't have to apologize, I understand. I feel the same way," she admitted, running her fingers
through his hair.
"C'mon, we'd better get downstairs, Emily is probably waiting." Lee was anxious and edgy.
"O.k., I'll get dressed, and meet you there, she gave Lee a quick kiss on the lips.
Once they were downstairs, and breakfast was over. "Emily, you've outdone yourself with this food.
It's all been so delicious," Lee said gratefully.
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the meals, my boy. I, myself, have enjoyed the company of both of you
immensely.
Lee, there is something important we need to discuss. Could you and Amanda please sit over here, near
me?
There is no other way to say this, except right out.
I knew your mother and father a long time ago. I knew Jennifer in high school in Britain.
Then we went our separate ways. I met Charles and married, and your mother married your father, Lee.
We saw each other in Britain socially, but the times they stayed with us in Vienna, is when we really got
to know them well personally. They attended the Blue Danube Ball with us that first year. The dress is
period formal, so, your mother and I shopped awhile before we found her perfect gown. Your dad was
with us, and purchased a formal period tux, with ornamentation befitting that time. He looked so handsome, but, your mother, she was breathtaking.
The second year they attended the ball with us, then they were transferred to D. C. Jennifer was pregnant
with you at the time, Lee. That's the last time we ever saw them alive, and I'll never forget them."
Lee was dumbfounded, he could not speak, at first. He looked at Emily, then Amanda , who came to his side.
"I have pictures I would like to show you, son," said Emily teary eyed.
They opened a small album with various pictures of the Stetsons, and the Farnsworths. One picture showed
all four together ready for the Blue Danube Ball posed by an awaiting carriage.
Lee and Amanda observed the pictures carefully, taking in the smiles and expressions of Lee's parents. Lee's eyes began to mist. He excused himself for a moment, Amanda following him.
She comforted him, as he sank into her arms, not wanting to let Emily see his tears.
"Oh, Lee, I understand, let it out, you'll feel better," she said soothingly.
Lee held her tightly, and buried his face in her hair, trying to stop his tears.
"Oh, honey, it's o.k.," she murmured into his ear.
"Manda," he whispered, "hold me. I need you."
"I'm here, Lee, I'm here, always."
They held each other closely.
Finally, Lee returned to Emily, took her in his arms, and said, "Thank you, Emily. I love you."
Emily was overcome, she just cried in Lee's arms. "Your mother and father would be so proud of you,
son, as I am. You know, you don't have to attend the ball, if you don't want to, if you feel it's too much
for you," she continued.
Lee shook his head, "I want to go, to show off my Amanda, and to be with you and Charles. Will you
show me my father's tux, now?"
"Of, course, my boy," Emily asked Amanda to join her, "we'll be right back."
Amanda followed into a darkened spare bedroom. This was the Stetson's bedroom, when they stayed
with Emily and Charles.
Emily switched the light on, and removed Jennifer's gown from it's zippered bag. All white with pink
satin inserts intermingled below the bodice, pink rosebuds setting the inserts off. The bodice was solid
pink satin, touching a sweetheart neckline, edged with similar rosebuds around the neckline. A pink
rosebud choker accented the whole outfit. Pink satin slippers, completed the ensemble.
"Emily, it's beautiful," returned an enchanted Amanda.
"Try it on for Lee and myself, please, Amanda, we'll return and surprise him. Later, we can try an do your
hair in little ringlets, the way, Jennifer had hers fixed in the picture."
The gown fit Amanda, perfectly, she looked breathtaking.
"Amanda, you look beautiful," observed Emily. She gave her a hug.
"Let's go visit, Lee, shall we."
Lee was waiting patiently, and that's a plus for Stetson. He turned and saw Amanda in his mother's gown.
His eyes misted again, as he approached her. "You look gorgeous," her murmured, giving her a hug.
"This is the period tux that your father wore, Lee," showing the garment to him.
Lee knew it would fit him. He said he would be proud to attend the Ball taking his father's place, and
with his Amanda on his arm. Amanda kissed his cheek, and returned to the guestroom to change into her
own clothes.
Emily, Amanda, and Lee talked the balance of the afternoon about Lee's parents.
Later, Emily had a light dinner for everyone. Chicken salad, and Viennese pastries, and wine to accent
the meal.
The British Embassy in Vienna was aglow for the annual Blue Danube Ball. The Imperial Ballroom was
decorated in rich satin, wall hangings reminiscent of the yesteryear timeframe of the early 1800's.
At that time, horse drawn carriages carried the patrons to this highly popular dance.
As the years progressed, the grandeur and tradition this night offered, grew in reputation throughout
Europe. Standing invitations were common. Charles and Emily were, of course, among the first long
time patrons to hold this honor. Lee and Amanda would use the Stetson's invitation.
Charles and Emily looked wonderful. Lee was, without a doubt, as handsome as Matthew had been.
Amanda descended the stairs, and took Lee's arm.
All Scarecrow could do was stare, he had temporarily lost his voice. When he finally found it, he uttered,
"you look fabulous," and kissed her gloved hand.
"Thank you, Mr. Stetson, you look very handsome yourself," she blushed.
"Shall we," he nodded toward the carriage that awaited them on this unforgettable night.
"Here is your Dad's invitation," Emily gave the envelope to Scarecrow.
"Thanks, Emily," Lee took the envelope. When he opened it, he noticed that the lettering had been
changed to Mr. Lee Stetson, and Mrs. Amanda King.
"Emily, when did this change occur?" he showed the invitation to Amanda.
"We have our ways, Scarecrow.
You are welcome to attend this dance anytime in the future, but, of course, if it's with anyone else,
except Amanda, we would have to change the name."
"Don't count on that, Emily," Lee said decisively.
"Well, friends, here we are, already."
A doorman helped all four from the carriage to the steps. Lee took Amanda's arm, and they followed
the Farnworths into the entrance of the Imperial Ballroom.
All guests were announced. After Emily and Charles's announcement, and they had descended the
stairs, you next heard, "Mr. Lee Stetson, and Mrs. Amanda King."
All the older guests who had been attending for years, paused, to stare at the young couple descending
the stairs.
"Why, he is the spitting image of Matthew Stetson, and Mrs. King is more beautiful than Jennifer. How
charming they are." chimed several of the older couples who knew the Stetsons.
Everyone of the older people wanted to greet the Stetson party to welcome them. The Davidsons, O'Claires, Hudsons, etc., all remarking "what a handsome son Matthew and Jennifer produced, and
how lovely Amanda was.
The introductions took quite a while. Lee and Amanda were gracious to everyone.
When the first waltz was called, lee excused himself from conversation, bowed to his partner, and
Exclaimed, "May I," "I would be honored," responded Mrs. King.
"You waltz divinely, Mrs. King," commented Mr. Stetson.
"Thank you, kind sir, as do you," she teased.
Amanda was asked to dance by Charles, and she graciously obliged. Some of the older gentlemen also
asked , and Amanda accepted.
Lee was starting to get impatient, and a little jealous.
A modern slow song started, and Lee grabbed Amanda to be certain she was his partner, besides, this was
his chance to hold her close to his heart. Amanda cuddled closely to Lee, savoring every moment.
Later, as the Farnworths and the Stetson party were engaged in conversation, an outspoken older woman remarked, not thinking, that she saw the same look of unconditional love showing in this couple's eyes,
as she had seen in his parents.
Gracious or not, Amanda's emotions couldn't take any more. She excused herself, and hurried to the
patio for some air. Lee hurried after her.
When the older woman's husband commented on the fact that the two weren't married, and Amanda was
his date, she became very contrite.
Amanda was near tears over the woman's comment. Lee turned her around to him, and tucked his finger
under her chin to force her to look into his eyes.
"Don't let her get you down. She wasn't thinking, that's all.
Amanda, I want to speak for myself. I'm in love with you, she is right, Amanda King. I love you dearly,"
he touched his lips to hers .
"Oh, Lee, I love you, too," she wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him passionately.
"Then will you marry me, Mrs. King. I know it's sudden, but I need all of you, and I can't wait. What do
you say?"
"Yes, oh, yes," replied Amanda joyously.
They kissed till they were breathless.
They returned to the Farnworths, Amanda announcing joyously that Lee had asked for her hand.
"Congratulations to both of you, how wonderful,' she gave each of them a hug. Charles offered his
congratulations also.
Lee and Amanda had one last waltz, and the next number was "goodnight sweetheart". They held
each other tightly, and knew they would always remember this night.
DEPARTURE
Charles and Emily bade their tow American friends "goodbye" with hugs and kisses all around.
Both Lee and Amanda said "I love you" to Emily. She had vowed not to cry, but ended up bawling
anyway.
"Keep in touch, you two. I want to know everything."
"We will, Emily. Goodbye, Charles."
The flight back to D. C, was full of hope and fond memories for one intelligence operative, and his,
now fiancé, and partner. The sun was setting on the city of dreams, as they took their leave, silently
promising to return one day soon.
The End.