CHAPTER 1
LONDON, ENGLAND WINTER OF 1904
"Wendy darling, you look positively marvelous!" Aunt Millicent cried in delight, as her niece walked into the room, clad in a wine colored chafan, a train trailing slightly behind her.
she smiled politely, curtsying.
"Thank you." "Ahh, suitors will be lined at your feet." The older woman continued, cooing at the thought of her niece's marriage. It always seemed to make her peppy.
Wendy suspected she was already planning the actual ceremony in her mind. She shook her head, bobbing her chestnut ringlets from sided to side as she concealed a smile of humor.
"Aunt Millicent," Wendy began, in a slight scolding of a tongue.
Mrs. Darling suddenly interrupted, waltzing into the room, a feathered fan in one hand, A coin purse in the other.
"Wendy dear, if we do not leave now, we'll be late for the party." She informed, smiling fondly at her twenty year old daughter.
She nodded, grabbing her own scarlet fan from the desk.
"Yes mother. Good evening aunt Millicent." She said, kissing the woman upon her forehead.
The two women made way down the stair case to see that Mr. Darling, along with Michael and John, stood awaiting their arrival. "Ahh, you both look stunning!" George chimed, kissing his wife's cheek. "Come along then, our party awaits."
Six years had come and gone. Spring had turned into Summer, Summer faded into fall and eventually, fall chilled into Winter. And as the sands of time had ran, so had change. Wendy was no longer the carefree child she had once been. She was quite busy with her schooling and no longer had time for games and her stories, though, she still ached for them, even as old as she now was. She was enrolled in a Lady's school for etiquette, this in turn would teach her to be a good wife. In her spare time, she did her chores, mended her brother's clothing, and began engrossed in her studies, diligently going over them for hours on end. At twenty, men were beginning to seek interest in courting her however, she had turned most down with exception to a few however, they all sought prominence for themselves, and those relationships were brought to an abrupt halt.
Because of all these new changes developing in her life, she spent most of her time, gazing at the cobblestone streets of London from the back of a carriage window.
Wendy had truly blossomed over the years into a remarkably stunning beauty. Her stature was nothing extraordinary, in fact, she was quite a bit shorter for her age. It was, however, perfect for her. Her waist length hair cascaded down her back in a never ending waterfall of soft curls. Her ivory porcelain skin, accented her crystal clear sapphire gems, brining to, the light dusting of a pale pink to the curve of her high cheek bones. Any man in their right mind would wish to seek her hand in marriage.
Wendy had become serious to a fault, only relaxing in the comfort of her own home after all was done for the day. The adventure that had once lit and glowed like a beckon behind the blue glass, was gone and only a hollow shadow remained to whisper a hint of the stories over and over again. Wendy hated the fact that she was so pre-occupied she couldn't remember how some of her tales ended. She also hated that she hadn't time to tell them to her brothers any longer and what she hated most was, when she had, she was to tired for anything except bumbling gibberish to escape her lips.
Wendy had almost forgotten what it was like to be a child; so carefree, no troubles in the world. No fears of anything in the outside with the exception of growing up itself. Only one name, written amongst the stars, prevented her from forgetting all together. It was the same name that brought a smile to her heart and a flicker of life paint her eyes with the most beautiful shade of blue for a brief moment. The name that was of a child who was one who would never have to grow up, never be sick, never die. That one which held the name of Peter Pan.
She smiled at the memory, closing her eyes to the outside world.
"John, do you ever think about him?" Wendy asked her younger brother, whom was sitting beside her.
The boy gazed at her quizzically.
"Who?"
Wendy turned her head, mildly shocked at the response given.
"Peter." She whispered.
"Peter?.Pan?"
"Of course!" she snapped, shifting in her seat to face him. "What other Peter did you think I had in mind?!"
John sighed, turning towards the window.
"Wendy, I don't have time for stories any longer." He stated bluntly.
The girl's eyes narrowed sharply and she a had a strong urge to leave a nice red hand print, imprinted on the side of her brother's face.
"John Darling!" she warned darkly. "I'm not speaking of a story, and you know it!"
Her brother's eyes suddenly turned down cast as a rain cloudy on a misty day.
"Wendy, I don't have time to reflect on those memories anymore." He whispered deflatedly. "My adventure now lies with in the bank walls, and becoming great like my father. Because, I don't have the luxury of being a child forever, I have to grow up. I live in reality and this world, is all I know."
With that, he returned his eyes to the window, staring out it into a thick void of empty thoughts never to be fulfilled.
John had taken his father's place in the back when he was moved up. John was becoming very successful in such a short period of time, that he, too, had no time for childhood nonsense. In fact, the benefactor that they were gallivanting off to that very night was being held in his honor, for his had work and outstanding diligence. He was being promoted to an associate.
John had his work cut out for him. Through this all, he was also courting a young Canterbury woman by the name of Fairchild. Lexia Fairchild. Her father, wealthy merchant as well as prestigious board member, had been quite good to their family and took special interest in both boys, especially John. Lexia worked her way into the hearts of every member of the darling family, most of all John. When Mr. Fairchild found that John took interest in courting his daughter, he was positively delighted. That had been seven months ago and over the period of time, Wendy and the girl had grown to become dear, dear friends.
Then there was Michael, her youngest most energetic brother. He was as smart as a whip, taking in every ounce of knowledge he could grasp. Michael was probably the one who had changed the least out off all of them over the past six years and in a way, she was thankful for that. He still possessed his youthful vigor and radiance. It was he who now retold the stories that Wendy had started when they were all younger. Stories of adventure, fairies, cut throat pirates, mermaids and Never land.
Wendy secretly prayed that, as he grew, he would never lose touch with his childhood fire.
The carriage pulled to a stop in front of a heavy oak door that lead into a marble hall of a great mansion. John and Wendy, dismounted and stepped to the stoop of the ledge. Seconds later, a second carriage pulled to a stop, allowing her parents and brother to escape from the small enclosure into the night air that was scented with the lingering aroma of freshly fallen snow.
Wendy tightened her heavy, scarlet cloak as they ascended the stairs to the house ahead in attempt at keeping the frigid air from gnawing at her bones.
As the door opened, the small group was blanketed with the warm air beating across their face. The fragrance of fresh cranberries along with spice wafted passed their noses and Wendy could help but inhale the bittersweet air deeply.
"Good evening Mr. And Mrs. Darling." The butler greeted, accepting the family's invitation along with their cloaks, hats and gloves. "Mr. Areis has been expecting you young Mr. Darling." He told John with a semblance of a grin. "I shall show you the way, follow me please."
"Very good, lead on sir."
Mrs. Darling grabbed her other son's hand.
"Come along Michael, I see Ms. Troy standing near the governor's table"
Michael shot his sister a pleading look as his mother whisked him away towards the other woman. Wendy hid a wide grin of amusement behind her fan before walking towards the champagne table, grabbing a flute off its surface. As she was sipping the glass, an unexpected voice filled her ears from behind.
"Wendy?"
She turned, coming eye to eye with Sidney wade. She smiled politely, greeting him warmly.
"Good evening Mr. Wade. I trust you are well?"
The gentleman, smiled in turn, reaching out to kiss her gloved hand lightly.
"Oh yes Miss darling, and I trust you are the same."
"Quite."
Sydney Wade, was a widowed, middle aged man with slightly graying hair. Her father and he had been well acquainted for several years now and there were times that he was invited to the Darling home to join them for dinner. There, he would discuss all sorts of matters pertaining to company business with her father. There were those few times their conversations would make her quite nocuous. Mr. Wade was also the owner of the mansion and heir to a grand fortune. As wealthy as he was, he was a meek and humble man with a kind and generous heart. And while Wendy found most of his topic of conversations a tad bit dull, she did admire those predominate qualities he possessed.
Now both, her mother and her father, happened to know that Mr. Wade took a special, keen interest in Wendy and they equally encouraged her to peruse the spark. The thought exhausted her though.
"It is wonderful to see you again Mr. Wade." She stated sincerely.
"Always a pleasure Miss Darling."
Wendy scraped the bottom of her barrel to come up with a topic of conversation. She also willed that the heat of discomfort would be obliged to desist from rising any higher inside her body. Ever since she had learned of his affections, she had become oddly uncomfortable around him in which she detested for, this man was a dear friend of her family.
"How is business?"
She could have slapped herself silly. Men never appreciated when a woman meddled in business affairs. But, fortunately for her, he seemed undeterred, unbothered.
"Oh just fine my lady." He assured, a light chuckle trickling out of his throat, never once had he skipped a beat.
Wendy suddenly felt peaked, and she placed a hand across her chest. Mr. Wade recognized this immediately. Quickly he was by her side.
"Why, Wendy, are you alright? You look positively ill."
The girl laughed light heartedly, nodding absently.
"It is nothing. It is a bit stuffy in here that's all." She covered quickly.
He smiled, holding out an arm.
"Then perhaps you will accompany me to the terrace."
The woman hesitated momentarily before wearily accepting the gesture.
"Thank You."
Outside, the stars twinkled over head above all the fog. Light snow fell from the heavens though no clouds could be seen. It dusted the marble rail, shimmering and twinkling in the moonlight above, reminding Wendy pixie dust. A gentle breeze carried the scent of the night past their nostrils.
"Its beautiful." She breathed, her eyes catching two particular stars, gleaming brightly against the velvet back drop.
One glowed brighter then the other. It was the one blinking off and on every so often.
"I love standing on this terrace for that reason." He replied fondly.
Wendy's eyes caught the moonlight as she turned to the man now standing beside her, giving them the illusion that they were glowing with blue radiance.
"Do you see those two stars up there in the sky Mr. Wade?" she asked, pointing towards the blinking lights in the distance.
They looked like little pixies, glowing to light the way through the gates of a magical world in which never, happened every single day.
"Those two?" he asked, mimicking her point.
"Yes. The second star to the right, and straight on till morning."
He rose an inquisitive brow.
"Please, elaborate Miss Darling." He requested, shedding undivided attention upon her in interest.
She smiled turning towards the twinkling orbs.
"They say there are great things among the clouds. Miracles that happen everyday. Do you believe in miracles Mr. Wade?"
The man shook his head.
"I suppose not conventional miracles. I believe only in what I can see and touch. Those are my miracles." He explained.
"Some miracles are real even though they seem an impossibility. These are the miracles that go on under everyone else's nose but, unless you believe in them, or know what you are looking for, then you can and will never know." Wendy rendered softly, glancing at the light from the pale moon.
Wade paused, gazing over at his younger companion.
"Miss Darling, you are quite superlative with words. Their charm very nearly has me wishing that miracles such as yours were fathomable from my perspective."
Wendy smiled, blushing at the complement.
"I am afraid though that this drabbled old man can only see your modern day miracle no more then a truly desirable fairy tale in which sounds like the pure ecstasy of child hood fun."
'Fairytale.' The word struck Wendy like a blow to the temple and she frowned, wincing from the mental pain inflected.
"I believe in Fairytales Mr. Wade." She told him, her voice becoming austere.
She turned, staring directly into the man's worn hazel eyes.
"I believe in them very much."
The man peered at her curiously. His eyes smiling kindly, with a deep and sincere fondness for the girl.
"I know. Wendy, you have always had an untamable spirit, even as you have grown it has remained unbroken. You should never allow anyone to pillage away from you, it is something that you must cherish forever."
"Thankyou Mr.."
"Sidney." He interrupted softly, his eyes twinkling with the lightest tone of ..
Wendy turned her head away, wishing very much for the emptiness of her soul to dissipate and let her forget the searing sting, burning at the raw flesh of her heart. That word, that cursed, cursed word.love. She had faced it once before, although to young at the time to realize what it was. Now, she felt it, saw it with crystal clarity once again. For It burned behind Sidney Wade's deep pools of copper mahogany and, it was directed, straight towards her. He paused, as if seemingly to recollect his thoughts, placing each in its proper chronological order. The sudden touch of his skin to hers, made her jump, and she began to feel trapped like some lost little puppy dog, wondering the streets of London, cornered by a catcher with his net.
"Forgive my brashness, however, I should speak my mind before my courage dwindles and I may never get the opportunity for it to rise again." He sighed, squeezing her hands tighter, which had been clasped with in his own. "Wendy, I have watched you grow over the years. You went from being the little adventurous pirate that would tell stories to all who would listen, relishing their every reaction to your hypnotic voice, to the extraordinary woman you have blossomed into over time.
Once again he paused, catching his breath. Wendy winced mentally begging no. She had a feeling of what was to come.what was she going to do? She stood, waiting in agony for him to continue.
"Wendy, you would make me the happiest man in all of London if you were to say.if you were to say you would be my wife."
Although expecting it, and bracing herself for the impact of the coming word, she had not prepared quite enough and could not prevent a small gasp from echoing through her throat. Her clammy hands slipped from his, falling limply to her sides. She reached up, grasping the edge of the marble railing fervently. She willed the tears boiling in her eyes to leave her alone but they ignored the plead, only taunting her further.
"I-I."
Was this not the very man whom she had grown up with? She loved Mr. Wade dearly however, she thought him no more then an uncle. How could she possibly marry him? Yes, she knew she could live with him. He was a good kindhearted man and when she was a child they had been very close. He was the one who had taken care of her when no one else was around.
Wendy frowned deeply, a tear gliding off the end of her nose, falling to the rail below before dissipating in the white dust covering everything. Wade caught this and immediately placed an arm around her shoulders, startling her further.
"I-I'm sorry Wendy." He whispered, his voice sounding so petrified, unsure of what to do.
It sounded crushed, lost, a whisper of hollowness, muddled and confused all at once.
Wendy swallowed hard, trying to will the lump in her throat to leave. She licked her lips as they suddenly felt parched and dry.
"I need to breath." She gasped, almost falling to the marble ground below her feet.
"I meant not to cause you stress." He practically wailed.
She rapidly shook her head, finally calming a bit.
"No.I..Its ok."
He looked so distraught. This marriage, if she so chose to do so, could it help her? She bit her lip in deep contemplation. She knew it was possible, she could grow to love him. Wendy swallowed hard again before finally relaying an answer.
"Permit me a day to gather my thoughts." She asked.
He nodded immediately. Wendy shivered, for the first time noticing the coolness of the air.
"Let us go in out of the cold." He said reaching for her hand. After a moment, she grabbed it in return.
"Look, their waltzing." Wendy observed, glancing at her older man. "Tell me, Mr. Wade, do you dance?"
The familiar light returned to his eyes and her grinned deeply.
"My dear, I am forty-two years in age."
She smiled in return.
"By all means then, my dear sir, you must enlighten me."
The couple laughed lightly as they closed the balcony door behind them.
Wendy didn't need all the time she had been given to come to her decision. It was unnecessary for, she had made up her mind by the time the rest of the evening was out. She just prayed, she knew in the name of all that was good, holy.and never, that she was doing the right thing for all their sakes and..before she lost her sanity.
LONDON, ENGLAND WINTER OF 1904
"Wendy darling, you look positively marvelous!" Aunt Millicent cried in delight, as her niece walked into the room, clad in a wine colored chafan, a train trailing slightly behind her.
she smiled politely, curtsying.
"Thank you." "Ahh, suitors will be lined at your feet." The older woman continued, cooing at the thought of her niece's marriage. It always seemed to make her peppy.
Wendy suspected she was already planning the actual ceremony in her mind. She shook her head, bobbing her chestnut ringlets from sided to side as she concealed a smile of humor.
"Aunt Millicent," Wendy began, in a slight scolding of a tongue.
Mrs. Darling suddenly interrupted, waltzing into the room, a feathered fan in one hand, A coin purse in the other.
"Wendy dear, if we do not leave now, we'll be late for the party." She informed, smiling fondly at her twenty year old daughter.
She nodded, grabbing her own scarlet fan from the desk.
"Yes mother. Good evening aunt Millicent." She said, kissing the woman upon her forehead.
The two women made way down the stair case to see that Mr. Darling, along with Michael and John, stood awaiting their arrival. "Ahh, you both look stunning!" George chimed, kissing his wife's cheek. "Come along then, our party awaits."
Six years had come and gone. Spring had turned into Summer, Summer faded into fall and eventually, fall chilled into Winter. And as the sands of time had ran, so had change. Wendy was no longer the carefree child she had once been. She was quite busy with her schooling and no longer had time for games and her stories, though, she still ached for them, even as old as she now was. She was enrolled in a Lady's school for etiquette, this in turn would teach her to be a good wife. In her spare time, she did her chores, mended her brother's clothing, and began engrossed in her studies, diligently going over them for hours on end. At twenty, men were beginning to seek interest in courting her however, she had turned most down with exception to a few however, they all sought prominence for themselves, and those relationships were brought to an abrupt halt.
Because of all these new changes developing in her life, she spent most of her time, gazing at the cobblestone streets of London from the back of a carriage window.
Wendy had truly blossomed over the years into a remarkably stunning beauty. Her stature was nothing extraordinary, in fact, she was quite a bit shorter for her age. It was, however, perfect for her. Her waist length hair cascaded down her back in a never ending waterfall of soft curls. Her ivory porcelain skin, accented her crystal clear sapphire gems, brining to, the light dusting of a pale pink to the curve of her high cheek bones. Any man in their right mind would wish to seek her hand in marriage.
Wendy had become serious to a fault, only relaxing in the comfort of her own home after all was done for the day. The adventure that had once lit and glowed like a beckon behind the blue glass, was gone and only a hollow shadow remained to whisper a hint of the stories over and over again. Wendy hated the fact that she was so pre-occupied she couldn't remember how some of her tales ended. She also hated that she hadn't time to tell them to her brothers any longer and what she hated most was, when she had, she was to tired for anything except bumbling gibberish to escape her lips.
Wendy had almost forgotten what it was like to be a child; so carefree, no troubles in the world. No fears of anything in the outside with the exception of growing up itself. Only one name, written amongst the stars, prevented her from forgetting all together. It was the same name that brought a smile to her heart and a flicker of life paint her eyes with the most beautiful shade of blue for a brief moment. The name that was of a child who was one who would never have to grow up, never be sick, never die. That one which held the name of Peter Pan.
She smiled at the memory, closing her eyes to the outside world.
"John, do you ever think about him?" Wendy asked her younger brother, whom was sitting beside her.
The boy gazed at her quizzically.
"Who?"
Wendy turned her head, mildly shocked at the response given.
"Peter." She whispered.
"Peter?.Pan?"
"Of course!" she snapped, shifting in her seat to face him. "What other Peter did you think I had in mind?!"
John sighed, turning towards the window.
"Wendy, I don't have time for stories any longer." He stated bluntly.
The girl's eyes narrowed sharply and she a had a strong urge to leave a nice red hand print, imprinted on the side of her brother's face.
"John Darling!" she warned darkly. "I'm not speaking of a story, and you know it!"
Her brother's eyes suddenly turned down cast as a rain cloudy on a misty day.
"Wendy, I don't have time to reflect on those memories anymore." He whispered deflatedly. "My adventure now lies with in the bank walls, and becoming great like my father. Because, I don't have the luxury of being a child forever, I have to grow up. I live in reality and this world, is all I know."
With that, he returned his eyes to the window, staring out it into a thick void of empty thoughts never to be fulfilled.
John had taken his father's place in the back when he was moved up. John was becoming very successful in such a short period of time, that he, too, had no time for childhood nonsense. In fact, the benefactor that they were gallivanting off to that very night was being held in his honor, for his had work and outstanding diligence. He was being promoted to an associate.
John had his work cut out for him. Through this all, he was also courting a young Canterbury woman by the name of Fairchild. Lexia Fairchild. Her father, wealthy merchant as well as prestigious board member, had been quite good to their family and took special interest in both boys, especially John. Lexia worked her way into the hearts of every member of the darling family, most of all John. When Mr. Fairchild found that John took interest in courting his daughter, he was positively delighted. That had been seven months ago and over the period of time, Wendy and the girl had grown to become dear, dear friends.
Then there was Michael, her youngest most energetic brother. He was as smart as a whip, taking in every ounce of knowledge he could grasp. Michael was probably the one who had changed the least out off all of them over the past six years and in a way, she was thankful for that. He still possessed his youthful vigor and radiance. It was he who now retold the stories that Wendy had started when they were all younger. Stories of adventure, fairies, cut throat pirates, mermaids and Never land.
Wendy secretly prayed that, as he grew, he would never lose touch with his childhood fire.
The carriage pulled to a stop in front of a heavy oak door that lead into a marble hall of a great mansion. John and Wendy, dismounted and stepped to the stoop of the ledge. Seconds later, a second carriage pulled to a stop, allowing her parents and brother to escape from the small enclosure into the night air that was scented with the lingering aroma of freshly fallen snow.
Wendy tightened her heavy, scarlet cloak as they ascended the stairs to the house ahead in attempt at keeping the frigid air from gnawing at her bones.
As the door opened, the small group was blanketed with the warm air beating across their face. The fragrance of fresh cranberries along with spice wafted passed their noses and Wendy could help but inhale the bittersweet air deeply.
"Good evening Mr. And Mrs. Darling." The butler greeted, accepting the family's invitation along with their cloaks, hats and gloves. "Mr. Areis has been expecting you young Mr. Darling." He told John with a semblance of a grin. "I shall show you the way, follow me please."
"Very good, lead on sir."
Mrs. Darling grabbed her other son's hand.
"Come along Michael, I see Ms. Troy standing near the governor's table"
Michael shot his sister a pleading look as his mother whisked him away towards the other woman. Wendy hid a wide grin of amusement behind her fan before walking towards the champagne table, grabbing a flute off its surface. As she was sipping the glass, an unexpected voice filled her ears from behind.
"Wendy?"
She turned, coming eye to eye with Sidney wade. She smiled politely, greeting him warmly.
"Good evening Mr. Wade. I trust you are well?"
The gentleman, smiled in turn, reaching out to kiss her gloved hand lightly.
"Oh yes Miss darling, and I trust you are the same."
"Quite."
Sydney Wade, was a widowed, middle aged man with slightly graying hair. Her father and he had been well acquainted for several years now and there were times that he was invited to the Darling home to join them for dinner. There, he would discuss all sorts of matters pertaining to company business with her father. There were those few times their conversations would make her quite nocuous. Mr. Wade was also the owner of the mansion and heir to a grand fortune. As wealthy as he was, he was a meek and humble man with a kind and generous heart. And while Wendy found most of his topic of conversations a tad bit dull, she did admire those predominate qualities he possessed.
Now both, her mother and her father, happened to know that Mr. Wade took a special, keen interest in Wendy and they equally encouraged her to peruse the spark. The thought exhausted her though.
"It is wonderful to see you again Mr. Wade." She stated sincerely.
"Always a pleasure Miss Darling."
Wendy scraped the bottom of her barrel to come up with a topic of conversation. She also willed that the heat of discomfort would be obliged to desist from rising any higher inside her body. Ever since she had learned of his affections, she had become oddly uncomfortable around him in which she detested for, this man was a dear friend of her family.
"How is business?"
She could have slapped herself silly. Men never appreciated when a woman meddled in business affairs. But, fortunately for her, he seemed undeterred, unbothered.
"Oh just fine my lady." He assured, a light chuckle trickling out of his throat, never once had he skipped a beat.
Wendy suddenly felt peaked, and she placed a hand across her chest. Mr. Wade recognized this immediately. Quickly he was by her side.
"Why, Wendy, are you alright? You look positively ill."
The girl laughed light heartedly, nodding absently.
"It is nothing. It is a bit stuffy in here that's all." She covered quickly.
He smiled, holding out an arm.
"Then perhaps you will accompany me to the terrace."
The woman hesitated momentarily before wearily accepting the gesture.
"Thank You."
Outside, the stars twinkled over head above all the fog. Light snow fell from the heavens though no clouds could be seen. It dusted the marble rail, shimmering and twinkling in the moonlight above, reminding Wendy pixie dust. A gentle breeze carried the scent of the night past their nostrils.
"Its beautiful." She breathed, her eyes catching two particular stars, gleaming brightly against the velvet back drop.
One glowed brighter then the other. It was the one blinking off and on every so often.
"I love standing on this terrace for that reason." He replied fondly.
Wendy's eyes caught the moonlight as she turned to the man now standing beside her, giving them the illusion that they were glowing with blue radiance.
"Do you see those two stars up there in the sky Mr. Wade?" she asked, pointing towards the blinking lights in the distance.
They looked like little pixies, glowing to light the way through the gates of a magical world in which never, happened every single day.
"Those two?" he asked, mimicking her point.
"Yes. The second star to the right, and straight on till morning."
He rose an inquisitive brow.
"Please, elaborate Miss Darling." He requested, shedding undivided attention upon her in interest.
She smiled turning towards the twinkling orbs.
"They say there are great things among the clouds. Miracles that happen everyday. Do you believe in miracles Mr. Wade?"
The man shook his head.
"I suppose not conventional miracles. I believe only in what I can see and touch. Those are my miracles." He explained.
"Some miracles are real even though they seem an impossibility. These are the miracles that go on under everyone else's nose but, unless you believe in them, or know what you are looking for, then you can and will never know." Wendy rendered softly, glancing at the light from the pale moon.
Wade paused, gazing over at his younger companion.
"Miss Darling, you are quite superlative with words. Their charm very nearly has me wishing that miracles such as yours were fathomable from my perspective."
Wendy smiled, blushing at the complement.
"I am afraid though that this drabbled old man can only see your modern day miracle no more then a truly desirable fairy tale in which sounds like the pure ecstasy of child hood fun."
'Fairytale.' The word struck Wendy like a blow to the temple and she frowned, wincing from the mental pain inflected.
"I believe in Fairytales Mr. Wade." She told him, her voice becoming austere.
She turned, staring directly into the man's worn hazel eyes.
"I believe in them very much."
The man peered at her curiously. His eyes smiling kindly, with a deep and sincere fondness for the girl.
"I know. Wendy, you have always had an untamable spirit, even as you have grown it has remained unbroken. You should never allow anyone to pillage away from you, it is something that you must cherish forever."
"Thankyou Mr.."
"Sidney." He interrupted softly, his eyes twinkling with the lightest tone of ..
Wendy turned her head away, wishing very much for the emptiness of her soul to dissipate and let her forget the searing sting, burning at the raw flesh of her heart. That word, that cursed, cursed word.love. She had faced it once before, although to young at the time to realize what it was. Now, she felt it, saw it with crystal clarity once again. For It burned behind Sidney Wade's deep pools of copper mahogany and, it was directed, straight towards her. He paused, as if seemingly to recollect his thoughts, placing each in its proper chronological order. The sudden touch of his skin to hers, made her jump, and she began to feel trapped like some lost little puppy dog, wondering the streets of London, cornered by a catcher with his net.
"Forgive my brashness, however, I should speak my mind before my courage dwindles and I may never get the opportunity for it to rise again." He sighed, squeezing her hands tighter, which had been clasped with in his own. "Wendy, I have watched you grow over the years. You went from being the little adventurous pirate that would tell stories to all who would listen, relishing their every reaction to your hypnotic voice, to the extraordinary woman you have blossomed into over time.
Once again he paused, catching his breath. Wendy winced mentally begging no. She had a feeling of what was to come.what was she going to do? She stood, waiting in agony for him to continue.
"Wendy, you would make me the happiest man in all of London if you were to say.if you were to say you would be my wife."
Although expecting it, and bracing herself for the impact of the coming word, she had not prepared quite enough and could not prevent a small gasp from echoing through her throat. Her clammy hands slipped from his, falling limply to her sides. She reached up, grasping the edge of the marble railing fervently. She willed the tears boiling in her eyes to leave her alone but they ignored the plead, only taunting her further.
"I-I."
Was this not the very man whom she had grown up with? She loved Mr. Wade dearly however, she thought him no more then an uncle. How could she possibly marry him? Yes, she knew she could live with him. He was a good kindhearted man and when she was a child they had been very close. He was the one who had taken care of her when no one else was around.
Wendy frowned deeply, a tear gliding off the end of her nose, falling to the rail below before dissipating in the white dust covering everything. Wade caught this and immediately placed an arm around her shoulders, startling her further.
"I-I'm sorry Wendy." He whispered, his voice sounding so petrified, unsure of what to do.
It sounded crushed, lost, a whisper of hollowness, muddled and confused all at once.
Wendy swallowed hard, trying to will the lump in her throat to leave. She licked her lips as they suddenly felt parched and dry.
"I need to breath." She gasped, almost falling to the marble ground below her feet.
"I meant not to cause you stress." He practically wailed.
She rapidly shook her head, finally calming a bit.
"No.I..Its ok."
He looked so distraught. This marriage, if she so chose to do so, could it help her? She bit her lip in deep contemplation. She knew it was possible, she could grow to love him. Wendy swallowed hard again before finally relaying an answer.
"Permit me a day to gather my thoughts." She asked.
He nodded immediately. Wendy shivered, for the first time noticing the coolness of the air.
"Let us go in out of the cold." He said reaching for her hand. After a moment, she grabbed it in return.
"Look, their waltzing." Wendy observed, glancing at her older man. "Tell me, Mr. Wade, do you dance?"
The familiar light returned to his eyes and her grinned deeply.
"My dear, I am forty-two years in age."
She smiled in return.
"By all means then, my dear sir, you must enlighten me."
The couple laughed lightly as they closed the balcony door behind them.
Wendy didn't need all the time she had been given to come to her decision. It was unnecessary for, she had made up her mind by the time the rest of the evening was out. She just prayed, she knew in the name of all that was good, holy.and never, that she was doing the right thing for all their sakes and..before she lost her sanity.