I should have mentioned that this story was previously posted on under my other alias Animecrazygirl. I was kicked off a while ago and since I had no idea how to continue the story after chapter twelve I just left it. I've picked it up again hoping doing a re-write will stimulate the creative juices and allow me to finish the story. For those of you who've read and remember my story- thanks and keep reading. For those who haven't I hope you enjoy and please review I love reviews!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except a whole lot of shoes.
Chapter 3 - Third
In another ballroom, in another overcrowded home of one of London's elite, Lord and Lady McElroy were having one of the typical lavish balls that were usual at the height of the season. They were your typical high society couple. They had no children, but they were well liked by everyone and their parties were always a crush. Sango and Kagome had attended so far about a dozen balls this season. This one could have been just like all the others with Sango surrounded by admirers and dancing every dance, while Kagome sat on the edge of the dance floor with the matrons and watched her best friend enjoy herself.
Tonight they arrived accompanied by Lady Matsamura. Kagome was dressed in a beautiful pale green silk high waisted gown, with tiny sleeves off the shoulder, it was a simple design and she was wearing her mother's pearls and had her hair in ringlets atop her head. Lady Matsamura insisted that even though her marriage prospects were not very good she should still look her best. Sango on the other hand was stunning. She had a pale pink dress same style as Kagome's except the bodice was encrusted with tiny crystals, and the family diamonds graced her ears. Even though lady Matsamura knew her daughter didn't need to attract an offer of marriage she still believed that there was no harm if her daughter broke a few hearts along the way.
Even though she was the belle of the ball Sango was on edge. Inuyasha Aiko had not called on her today, and she didn't know if she should be relieved or annoyed. She felt that since she was his fiancée, he should have been at her doorstep the minute he arrived in town. But she wasn't about to let him spoil her evening, the dance was about to be opened by their hosts and her dance card was full. She was going to enjoy herself if it killed her, and Lord Inuyasha could go to hell.
The Houshi was watching his pray from the moment she had arrived. She was chatting with some women by the windows on the other side of the ballroom from his observations this was they way she'd spent every ball. He made his way down the staircase not allowing his gaze away from her. Miroku couldn't wait till he had her in his arms, but waiting was something he was not very good at.
Meanwhile, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru where on their way to the very same ball.
"Here is the plan…" said Inuyasha.
"Why do we need a plan at all?" Sesshomaru cut in. Thought he was taking this just a little too far. He was already bored with the whole thing.
"I can't just walk in. I want to stake out the place and my fiancé first. You will arrive first and I will take a walk around the gardens and come in through one of the side doors." Inuyasha said apparently satisfied with his strategy. He was very confident that his fiancé would not know who he was if she chanced to see him but at his request her parents had sent him her likeness about a year ago so he would have no trouble find her.
"Whatever." Sesshomaru said. He wasn't in a good mood. The lady from the park was still on his mind.
"All right then, I'll see you in there." Inuyasha said getting out of the carriage about a block from the McElroy's townhouse.
Sesshomaru descended the staircase looking all around the room. He made a dashing picture and he knew it. He was dressed all in black the only relief was his crisp white cravat. He grabbed a glass of port from one of the footmen and made a bee line towards the gaming tables set up in one of the parlors. He had very few acquaintances in town and did not need to stop and chat with anyone. He ignored the veiled glances some of the women gave him. Some might recognize him; he did have a reputation among some of the gentlemen. He had been known to have fought a duel or two in his short stay in town a few years ago. He never killed his opponent; he wanted them very much alive as a reminder of his skill.
Kagome didn't enjoy dancing much, she was only an average dancer, plus she was rarely asked to dance. She needed a glass of lemonade and some fresh air, the room was very stuffy with countless people and about a few hundred beeswax candles burning. It was a miracle no one fainted. On her way to the refreshment table she saw Sango dancing a waltz, it seemed like Lord Aiko had been forgotten, she was radiant, and the man dancing with her was mesmerized.
Just before she reached the punch table Count Miroku intercepted her.
"Good evening, my lord." She said politely but mentally groaning. She was weary of his attentions; there was something about him she didn't trust.
"Miss Higurashi, would you favor me with a dance my dear." He said in that way she didn't like. As if he was trying to put her in a trance.
"I…I was just on my way to get some refreshment, I'm a little overheated. Maybe some other time." she made to walk away but suddenly his arm was restraining her.
"May I join you?" He said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Of course." 'Why me?' she thought.
She took a glass of lemonade her mind racing trying to think of ways to get rid of the sleazy count.
"I hope you're enjoying the ball sir."
"I think I will be enjoying it a lot more shortly. Would you care to take a walk in the gardens my dear?" Miroku said a weird look in his eyes.
"I can't do that sir, it is not proper for me to walk out with you."
'Why didn't he get the hint?' she was getting annoyed.
Suddenly he caught her wrist in an almost cruel grip. "It would be to your advantage to accompany into the garden Miss Higurashi." He said menacingly.
"I don't know what you think you're doing but please let go of me", she whispered.
He tightened his grip.
"You're hurting me." She said quietly. She didn't want anyone to overhear.
"Walk out with me my dear", he slowly dragged her towards the garden doors. "You wouldn't want to cause a scene that would embarrass your friend and her family. If you scream everyone will know you for the slut you are."
Kagome couldn't breathe, panic starting to overtake her. If he took her deep into the vast gardens she would be lost. Even though there were a few people outside in the gallery no one would stray farther into the garden, there was a chill in the air. She had to think fast, it would only be a few moments before they were completely isolated.
Sesshomaru was bored. 'Inuyasha had better make his appearance soon.' he thought.
Looking around the room he considered asking some of the pretty ladies in attendance for a dance. He needed something to do to past the time, but the image of the girl from the park kept getting in the way. He had to find her. He would take the search for her as a project. He was here to find a bride after all. Suddenly the color green caught his eye. He saw the retreating figure of a young woman accompanied by a man heading towards the garden. He thought he recognized her.
He dragged her towards the far wall of the garden in between to large bushes. She was trembling from fear and the cold but in his deluded mind he believed it was from excitement. He had both her hands locked behind her back now. He was so close she could smell the brandy he had drunk.
"Sir why are you doing this I thought you were a gentleman. If you let go of me I promise I will not tell any one of your odd behavior" she begged.
He ignored her plea and began tracing a finger down the column of her neck.
"You're very beautiful, you know." He said in a slow menacing voice that just made Kagome want to jump out of her skin. She thought she could talk him out of hurting her or at least if she kept talking she would think of a way out.
"Sir please, this is not like you."
"Oh it is very much like me. You see I've watched you for a very long time and I've wanted you, wanted you squirming beneath me as a part your legs and make you mine." Then he did the unthinkable, he slowly licked from the base of her neck upwards. Kagome thought she would disgrace herself right there and then and the contents of the stomach would make a comeback.
"Sir I beg of you please let me go." she tried to break the hold he had on both of her hands.
"I wouldn't do that my dear; it only excites me more when you fight me." He said smiling in the darkness at her. He buried his face on the valley of her breasts.
Kagome screamed "Let go of me!"
Suddenly, as if by an unseen force, he was ripped away from her. He landed on the ground at someone's feet. "What the devil?" He said as he struggled to get back up. Kagome stared open mouthed.
"I believe the lady asked you to let go of her." A man said.
A/N: OK SO FAR SO GOOD RIGHT?
