The last dance

Audrey is disappointed. Very disappointed. She's counted : it's been 10 dances. He danced with 10 women and he didn't invite her. She stayed in her corner, pretending enjoying the evening and refusing other invitation saying she's tired. She hasn't felt at ease for all the evening. Very far from it, among all those pretty ladies wearing pretty outfits but she had hopes that Siegried would ask her for a dance but this 10th one with another woman made vanished her last hope.

James who just succeeded in extricating himself from Mrs Pumphrey's claws and her dog's spotted her when he came in the ball room. She looked sad. He came closer to her and reaching his hand, he asked :

"Mrs Hall ?"

Obsessed by Siegfried and her partner, she didn't see him coming so she was surprised.

"Oh ! James !

-Sorry, I didn't mean to make you startle.

-It's alright.

-Are you fine ?

-Yes ! Of course ! It's a wonderful event !" She added with a little too much of enthusiasm.

"Would you like to dance ?

-You're very kind. Maybe you'd better ask to one of these young and pretty ladies over there. By her smile to you, I'm sure they would be more than happy if…"

She was interrupted by a laugh from the dancefloor.

"Siegfried seems having a good time."

"Yes. Indeed." She dryly said.

James's corner of mouth lightly raised. For some weeks, he has noticed changes. Since Dorothy's appeared, James could see how Mrs Hall has been looking at Siegfried when he's with her friend and he's pretty sure he saw jealousy. James is happy to see Siegfried moving on but he hopes his friend will realise soon that he has to move on to the right person for him.

"This is good for him." Audrey added. "He needs… entertainments."

James was about to ask her again for a dance but the music stopped. As usual, Siegfried thanked her partner with a nod and a smile then walked to his friends he spotted while he was dancing.

"Looks like you're having fun Siegfried.

"Yes, indeed… indeed." He said looking at Audrey who was pretending to be interested on what's happening on the dancefloor.

"Mrs Hall, shall we ?"

"Of course ! If you're ready, we can go home. Let's collect our coats and…"

"No, I mean dance. Shall we dance ? Would you do me the favour ? Please ?" he asked reaching his arm to her.

Audrey couldn't believe it. A huge smile appeared on her face.

"Yes, of course." She answered sliding her hand under his arm. Siegfried guided her to the dancefloor.

"What about me ?" James asked.

"Go to see the pretty ladies !" Audrey said without looking at him.

Audrey and Siegfried took few steps then he turned and opened his arms to her.

"Do you waltz, Mrs Hall ?

-It's been a long time since my last dance." She said with a hint of sadness.

She slid her right hand in his left one.

"Let's go." He said with a bright smile.

She came closer to him then let herself sweep away. They started to dance in silence. Then, Siegfried looked at her and asked :

"How come you haven't dance for all the evening ?

-I guess I'm not well dressed enough to be asked.

-Really ? And yet, it seems to me some gentlemen approached you." Audrey lowered her head. Her cheeks lightly reddened.

"Why did you refuse ?" He whispered, concerned.

Audrey couldn't tell him that she's been waiting for him all evening long.

"I'm not well dressed."

And this wasn't really a lie. When Siegfried had informed her about Mrs Pumphrey's party and that the old lady has invited her, she hadn't been so happy about it. Audrey, thinks she doesn't really fit in the Darrowby's society. She knows that the situation with her husband can be misunderstood.

"Look at those beautiful ladies with their make-up, with her fine outfit. I realise I have nothing compared to that.

-And yet you are the most radiant woman of the party." He declared without hesitation.

Audrey was astonished. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Her cheekbones reddened again.

"Stop talking non sense. Look at my dress. It's ridiculous.

-All the other women… they hide behind jewellery and make up and everything, but you… you are beautiful, just as you are."

She looked at him right in the eyes. She didn't see a flinch. He was quite serious and honest. She was speechless for a few seconds then regained consciousness.

"I think you drank too much Bordeaux, Siegfried Farnon.

-I can assure you I'm totally lucid. You shouldn't doubt of yourself like that."

Audrey lowered her head.

"Mrs Hall… look at me." His mouth came closer to her hear. "Look at me please." He whispered.

She raised her eyes and dove them into his.

"Audrey Hall, you are a very beautiful woman and I'm sorry if you've been made believe the contrary."

Audrey was surprised by this reference to her husband. Siegfried used to never allow himself some comments about her former life. He's listened to her the few times she talked about it but he never asked questions. He knows why she left and has always support her as he does with Edward. Those were thorny problems and they're not his business but even he can feel uncomfortable about it, he tries to listen and doesn't judge.

"To me, you are the most beautiful woman of this party and I forbid you to believe the contrary. End of discussion."

He offered a huge smile again. She smiled back at him.

"On the other hand, you should take some lessons for the waltz." He teased her.

"Shut up" she said pretending being offended.

Siegfried laughed then they finished the dance in silence.

THE END