Her hair that she was attempting to curl kept falling out of their twisted, done up ties. While her nerves were already eating away at her composure, the frustration of preparing for this occasion was beginning to wear on her patience. Her music box her father had bought for her on her eighth birthday was tinkling its little song into the stirring afternoon air and from the outside of her door, in the hallway and the room next door she could hear the giggles and carrying-on of her younger brothers and sisters, undoubtedly taking pleasure in their new fine clothes, and fancy to-do downstairs. Just outside her window, she could hear the clattering of hooves on the gravel path, and wheels of carriages clattering, each one carrying more and more people who were attending the party – her coming out ball. Its not that she wasn't looking forward to it, she was…it was just…all those people, here for her, while she was dressed up so nicely, expected to be graceful and poised – two attributes which usually didn't come easily. She was used to being the eldest girl at her school; all the others had dropped out years ago at the prompting of their parents, sighting the general consensus that it was useless for a young lady to get an education. Nothing was to become of her anyway, while money could be better spent something more profitable, like keeping the other boys of the family in classes. If she only felt as comfortable put on display as she did when up in front of the other students giving a report or reading from one of the many literary books the teachers suggested they test on.
Finally, she sighed and looked at her reflection that was warily staring back at her. All day she had been avoiding herself, seeing herself made up or unfamiliar, but now that she looked, now that she really looked at herself she was surprised to find that the image was…surprisingly pleasing.
"Hello Kate." She said to the girl in the glass. "Katie is gone. You're an adult now…"
Unknowingly she flinched at the word. All through her childhood she knew she would have to grow up one day – just as any child does in the back of their mind. So as her sixteenth birthday approached, Katie had been avoiding it at all costs. Obviously avoiding a birthday is as impossible as rerouting a shooting star or changing the direction of a gale-force wind…but she couldn't help but try. In her mind, if growing up meant shouldering burdens with a worried air, or having to hold a serious expression – even in the middle of July, then it wasn't what she wanted.
It was her fault, she concluded, that she was even having this get-together. Her mother had merely suggested throwing a ball for her, never prodding or making her feel like she must say yes. But Katie, admittedly, really did want to…she thought it would be amusing. A couple of her more wealthy friends in town had already had their ball and it was one of those most ridiculous, yet exciting things she had ever been to. Sure all the formality made her laugh, how all the girls and boys were dressed in their best, with their parents looking on fondly, while they danced and giggled at each others flailing stabs at jokes or mildly amusing comments. Also, Kate's mother, while suggesting the party, recounted her experience of her own Coming Out ball. Of course her mother was also the daughter of a wealthy, very well off governor at the time and her ball was expected to outdo any girl on that side of the hemisphere…and it did. She had explained that obviously, it wasn't quite what her mother wanted (she was much like herself at that age), but it was expected as a governor's daughter to throw the party, and heaven forbid she disobey tradition. But even as Elizabeth tried her hardest not to enjoy herself, it was to no avail – with all her young friends, and fine food and drink, knowing that this was her first of many parties as an adult, the experience was unforgettable.
Kate heard a knocking at the door.
"It's just me dearest." Said the voice on the other side.
"Come in, Mama." She called before shutting the music box securely.
Elizabeth came to her daughter's side and looked at her though the mirror they she sat before. She could tell Kate was having a few apprehensions about the whole thing, and she wasn't the kind of girl to make her worries known, she never liked to trouble people. It was a mother's intuition though; it didn't take much more than a glance to know that the girl was second guessing herself.
"Mama…I…." She started hesitantly. "I know I should be excited but I just don't know if I can…."
Elizabeth placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders and spoke slowly and assuredly. "You look beautiful."
Kate couldn't help but smile. Her mother always had a way to calm her, a touch, a simple phrase, or a look…she guessed that's just something that comes with the maternal handbook.
Seeing her daughter finally let out a breath of relief, no matter how small, she knew this was a sign of progress. If Kate just relaxed, everything would be fine. So seeing her not so tensed, she pecked her cheek and began to undo the ties that were holding her hair tightly, creating her curls. One by one the ribbons came out, and bit by bit the honey blonde tresses were taken up by her mother and pinned ever so carefully into style. Before she realized it, her hair was sculpted very neatly into a stylish bun, the curls softly floated down with help from the shorter hair and a thin headband of pearls and silver was placed just behind her ears and over her head. Then she peered into the mirror. Her mother knelt down and put her chin on her shoulder, a smile grin on her face…Kate grinned as well and to any on looker the doppelganger vision before them would be astonishing. Like a butterfly effect, the only difference being a few fine lines, the two women were their own mirror images of features.
"There." Elizabeth smiled. "Now, I think you're ready."
Kate stood from her vanity chair and her mother began to tie her corset. This, of course was also not at her mothers prompting, but if the dress was going to fit properly, a corset was in order – at least for tonight. Even so, Elizabeth did not tie the strings too harshly. Once in her dress, with all the strings knotted, and all the ribbons tied, Kate looked at her reflection one last time. She saw herself full-length in the mirror, her hair neatly in place, the color beginning to rise in her soft cheeks and the simple pearl necklace resting on her collarbone. The dress' stomacher was stiff and exaggerated the girls' already smooth stomach, while the folds of her dress accentuated the indention and curve of her waist and hips. At the top of her dress, the whites of her breasts pillowed at the edge of her low neckline. Again, she smiled, but refrained from doing much more than a grin…she looked the part – now she had to act it. Elizabeth opened the door and looked behind her to make sure her daughter was following. With a proud smile her mother stepped out into the hallway and turned towards her little girl. "I'll go down first, and when you hear me announce you, you can come down stairs."
Kate nodded, her eyes a little wider than usual.
Liz touched her cheek. "You don't have to do this you know. Only if you want to."
Kate shook her head, taking a deep breath. "No, all my friends are here for me. And besides," She said with a small grin. "How could I miss the look on their face seeing me dressed like this?"
"Like I said dearest," Her mother tucked a bit of hair in its place. "You look beautiful. Now, just go out there, and enjoy yourself…that's what this is all about, right?"
Kate smiled, a real smile, and nodded.
With that, her mother turned and went down stairs. Kate watched until she couldn't see her anymore, with each little calculated bob of her head her mother was getting further and further away.
"Sure!" She thought, "She can do this! She was born to do this sort of thing…. I know she hasn't been gentry in years but I can't learn my mother's grace in two minutes! ….breath…breath…."
To steady herself, she put her hands on the rail of the balcony, knowing just below her were dozens of people waiting on her. She could hear their talking and the chinking of china along with a few spurts of laughter, and the unmistakable little voices of her curious siblings. For a moment, Kate let her mind wander…she was the eldest of the Turner children yet she had always been close with the younger ones. Perhaps, she thought, she could focus on them while she made her way down the stairs! Yes! That was a good idea; their bright little faces would be there, familiar friendly faces of family…She thought of it now: There would be Liam, the eldest of the twins with his dark mass of curly brown hair – the spitting image of her father. He was growing more it seemed these days, even at eleven he was a couple of inches taller than a few of the boys a year older than him. And Abby, with her long, dark hair always free and wild, just like she was. It was always hard to find Abby, she was either up in a tree or riding Joby near the creek, she and Liam always seemed to find a cool place in the summer months to go swimming or see who could capture the most lightning bugs in one of mother's jam jars. 'The Turner Twins' as everyone in town knew them, were well behaved children to be sure, never causing any problems, but always inventing new ways to entertain themselves. Then there was Grace, and besides Elizabeth and Katherine, the only other blonde in the family. At eight years old she was still a bit shy with everyone. Even if one of her brothers or sisters tried to strike up a conversation it would take more than a series of questions for her to talk, it would take a lot of patience. Her parents had noticed when Grace was very little that she studied everything with the curiosity of a philosopher. Each time someone new came into her presence she would clam up, inspect their shoes, analyze their mouth when they spoke, or examine the way which finger they would use to push up their spectacles, if in fact, the subject was wearing any. She was, in short a pondering little, miniature scholar. But the youngest, and in Kate's unspoken opinion, most adorable part of the Turner clan, was little John, named after her favorite, and only uncle, Jack Sparrow. (Though, truly, she thought now how bad of a real uncle he would actually make. Possibly one of the worst, but most amusing, role models a child could have! Oh, But how lovable he could be at times.) Johnny was three years old and just starting to make full sentences, an act that family often made him perform. Now that she thought about it, she couldn't wait to go down there and see her youngest brother in his little suit, just like a small little grown up man. Kate smiled. Yes, now she could –
Her thoughts were soon broken by her mother's voice calling to the guests. "Ladies and Gentlemen…may I present my daughter, Miss Katherine Turner."
This was it. She had to go now, there was no turning back. Cautiously, Kate turned the corner of the hallway, and with a deep breath, she made it the rest of the way and stood at the top of the stairs. She was sure they were clapping, she could see their hands moving, and maybe a few of them were cheering, she couldn't tell. In the corner of the room she could see the violinist and cellist begin to play, yet no sound was able to reach her ears, the only thing she could make out was the beating of her heart, which felt was in her throat. She looked for her mother, but out of the sea of people she couldn't distinguish her face. Her brothers and sisters too she tried to find, but with her eyes searching at such a frantic pace it was useless to try and concentrate on one face to another. Her fingers gripped the banister tightly, her knees were beginning to shake and her mouth was as dry as a desert. Then as she scanned the room of happy, but startlingly so many faces, she finally found her father. He was standing out of the way, near the back with his hands placed so easily in his trouser pockets. He smiled at her, and waved a very leisurely, warm wave. This, out of sea of claps and cheers was the one thing that made her feel at ease. Then, as if her heart had been placed in its rightful spot and her lungs remembered to breathe again, she began to move down the stairs and a wide smile broke across her delicate features, all the while focusing on her father, just hoping to make her way to him with out letting her emotions run away from her again.
When she finally made it to the bottom step a young man in a finely pressed, neatly made suit was there to her right. He looked directly at her and his eyes…they were blue – that was the first thing she noticed, a very startling blue. But there was something else, she looked at his face quickly, she realized immediately that she should know this person, but nothing was coming to her. While her mind was pulling in so many directions and her stomach just now being flipped right side up for the first time in the past ten minutes, recognition was eluding her. Kate was about to speak, perhaps introduce herself, perhaps prompting the young handsome man to say his name in return, joggling her memory, but someone was gently tugging at her arm. She looked to her left and saw her brother Liam with a huge beaming smile to pulling her away to greet her.
"Katie!" He said with his arms outstretched. "You look like a proper woman!" He joked.
Kate gave him a smirk and placed one hand on her hip and the other wistfully touching her cheek. "I am a woman now." Then she jabbed her finger towards her brother's ribs. "But woman or not, I can still beat you up! Besides, William, what do you know of woman, anyhow."
A few of the boys Kate's age who were standing nearby took this joke between brother and sister to chuckle at Liam's expense and perhaps get the beautiful young ladies attention.
Liam stuck out his chest and tugged a bit at his fine coat lapel. "Oh…I know enough." He countered weakly. "And I say Miss Katherine," He said leaning forward a bit with a grin. "There is quite a turnout of the male gender to see you. I'd get busy working the room if you expect to be done by bedtime."
Kate quickly stuck out her tongue, which prompted Liam to cross his eyes, and the two giggled.
"Hello Cricket." Kate turned to see her father coming up behind her.
"Papa!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. "I'm so glad you got my attention up there. If I hadn't have seen you I probably would have ran back down the hallway and out the window."
Will chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Oh I knew you could do it, a little push was all you needed."
By now everyone had begun to talk again and a few of the guests were coming over to give their congratulations and compliments. She glanced apologetically at Will, who smiled knowingly in return, and her father and brother to meet the smiling faces halfway. Liam had already meandered off, but Will stayed where he was, watching Kate as she smiled and nodded, moving her hands fluidly as she spoke, even from behind, he noted, she stood and moved just like Elizabeth. As soon as she had come down the stairs he was stunned – it was like a time warp, as if the girl Elizabeth, the one he had swooned over and took on secret dates, the one he had made friends with so long ago, had appeared again, coming down the stairs toward him – not quite the elegant thirty-five year old woman but the blooming young sixteen year old girl. She was beautiful, and it was certain this time, that his little girl was all grown up.
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Tristan had received a letter from his parents that the young Miss Katherine Turner was throwing a Coming Out ball, and that he was expected to attend. If not to see his old friend, then as a favor to his parents who he hadn't had a chance to see in about a year. It wasn't that he didn't want to see his family; it was just that Philadelphia was over a two week journey and the expenses were horrific. He was well aware that his parents had spent much of what they had saved to send him to a proper university, and of course he was grateful, but very much under his own pressure to do exceedingly well. It's true that his father made a good living as a blacksmith and he was partners with Will Turner at their shop back in New Bern, but to almost any family that wasn't made of diamonds, a university education was something of a luxury not many had. So he stayed in Pennsylvania most of the year, only traveling to his school friends' near-by estates on holidays, trying to make the best of it being away from the familiar. Although almost every day he could manage, Tristan rode his horse to the coast, sometimes following the water down the edge as far as he could go without losing his bearings. His arms had become stronger, more defined by controlling the swift movements of the horse, and his proper on jumps and turns made his legs thicker and refined, as well as his stomach and chest. The coast made him think of home and all the times he had spent on the beach when he was younger. School work had always been something that he enjoyed as a challenge but the three years he had spent at university had made him want to get away from it all for at least a few minutes a day, just having time to himself, keeping his memories with him. A few times when he visited his friends' home, he would escort one of their younger sisters, or one of his vague acquaintances to dinners, or balls that the school put on. Only one had he ever kissed a girl and it was when the wanton, pretty, but forward and pompous girl threw her arms around him and pushed her mouth against his. This made his experiences with girls rather strained, or…seemed that way to him. He wished he could meet just one that he could converse easily with, who wouldn't be afraid of getting a bit of sun while riding with him, or someone who wouldn't mind living on the mediocre living of a professor, and never second guess a marriage based on love and not income. Subconsciously, Tristan would always manage to compare his relationships to the one that had never been flawed…that of his best friend back home in North Carolina.
When he got back home, it was just in time for the ball. So he pulled out his best suit, picking of a bit of thread that had attached itself to the collar and deemed it appropriate for the occasion. His parents said they would come later on, which meant Tristan would come in alone. It was bad enough that he didn't have an escort – he was sure most of the young men there would, but not even his parents were attending with him. Once there, he entered and searched for Mr. and Mrs. Turner. He didn't make much of an attempt – he didn't want to push past people or wander too far into the house, so seeing no one he knew – or recognized went to the side of the room, near the musicians and waited. A server passed by with a tray full of red wine, Tristan, always taking one politely when offered, took a few sips then before he knew it – drank the whole thing. He never much liked wine, but drank it when it was appropriate and when he was uneasy. Tonight he was uneasy. Tristan hadn't seen or spoken face to face with Katie Turner for almost five years. He had left New Bern the summer of his fifteenth birthday ready to go to Philadelphia to attend an all-boys boarding school which was almost completely necessary if he wanted to have a chance at being accepted into such a pristine university as Pennsylvania. Tristan yearned to have a real education with a real future and the gangly, slightly awkward twelve year old Katie was having a hard time realizing the fact that Tristan wasn't going to come home in a week, he wasn't going to come home in a month…he was leaving and wouldn't be seeing each other for quite some time. The young man fingered the rim of his empty wine glass and remembered the last time they had spoken.
"I'll write to you when I get there, I promise. I'll tell you all about Philadelphia, everything I see I'll tell you all about it." He said with a wide grin.
Katie made a weak attempt to smile but was trying too hard not to cry. She finally realized that her best friend was leaving her. Tristan was the one person she really talked to…
"Alright, you promise?"
He nodded and turned to throw another suitcase up to the carriage driver.
Katie folded her arms, and was determined not to let Tristan see her cry. Crying was a very girly thing to do, and Tristan had always gave her grief for her girly antics, she was not going to give him the pleasure of poking fun of her, even if it was the last time she would see him.
"Come on, little sister, you'll be fine here." He said, squeezing her nose.
Now she finally grinned. The name 'little sister' is something that he had called her for years now. The two of them thought it was amusing considering Tristan had no siblings and Katie was little sister to no one being the eldest of all the children.
The two hugged and as the carriage went up the road, he turned to see Katie still standing in his yard, still looking on towards him.
That was what image Tristan had in his mind of her. His childhood friend, one of the best friends he ever had – little Katie Turner. A pang of late guilt was hitting him. He really did write to Katie at first, at least the first year and half or so of his stay, but eventually he grew too busy and he wasn't sure if any of his letters were even remotely interesting enough to a young pre-teen girl back in New Bern, North Carolina to continue reading…so their correspondence slowly faded. His parents would come and visit him at least one a year, even when he was began attending the University of Pennsylvania they came from time to time, usually around Christmas to see their son. But hardly ever did he have the chance to make the journey south.
He must have been very lost in his thoughts for he didn't even see Mrs. Turner descend the stairs. Before he knew it he heard the lady's voice gently rise above the murmur of the room to make her announcement. She turned towards him as she gathered the guests' attention. Immediately he realized how little his former neighbor had aged. She was still beautiful, Tristan had always thought so, even as a boy. And now…well it was no different. He was sure he couldn't be the only young man in the room to notice it. And sure enough, as he looked to the boys faces all standing in the room, every eye was on Elizabeth, and roaming quite unrestrained. Tristan couldn't help but laugh a little bit. He placed his glass on the waiter's tray that passed his view and listened to the introduction.
"Ladies and Gentlemen…may I present my daughter, Miss Katherine Turner."
Everyone turned to the staircase.
Tristan moved discretely through the people to a clear bit of space near the bottom of the stairs out of the way, but in obvious view. What he saw next almost startled him to the point of a heart attack. Kate appeared at the top of the staircase, with her hand resting on the banister next to her, a gorgeous cream colored dress flowing from lithe form, and slightly tense, yet gentle expression on her lovely features. His first and most obvious thought was how much she resembled her mother, the next and most resounding thought was…how incredibly beautiful she was. The contours of her bones were more defined, her lips were full and in a divine pout, as if any time she could break into a wide precarious smile. Her eyebrows arched gently on the smooth plane of her forehead that was lightly sun-kissed with a few sparse freckles. She was in every part of the definition, a woman. For a moment while she paused there at the top of the stairs, Tristan had a chance to admire her from afar, though as he looked closer, not at the obvious attributes of her appealing appearance, he could see that she was slightly distressed. The knuckles of her hand were a pristine white, and the flicker of her soft brown eyes was rapidly progressing across the room. Then, as if an invisible weight had been lifted from her shoulders, she smiled. A gentle, glorious smile, and made the rest of her way down the steps. Kate drew closer and closer still, but still not looking towards him, instead her gaze was on someone at the back of the room. Then finally, their eyes happen to meet just as she walked onto the floor. Directly before him stood his former neighbor and oldest friend and yet her expression have no notice of recognition. She saw her brow furrow of a second, and her mouth opened to speak, but then someone pulled her away. Her head stayed turned for a moment, still with a wondering expression, and then she was caught up talking to someone else. Tristan stood there, not knowing what to do next. His hair was tied back neatly at the nape of his neck, but a few of the shorter hair had escaped and he brushed it away apprehensively, a nervous habit he had always had when he was distressed. The young man moved back around the people the way he had come earlier and stood near the back, away from the groups of chatting guests. He saw Kate embrace her father, then go to greet a few of the young men, girls, and their cheery parents who welcomed her with kisses on the cheek and gentle touches on her elbow. A few of the boys, he noted, would hold her gaze a little longer than usual as they kissed the back of her hand, or smiled very receivingly as they bowed and stepped aside. Tristan sighed and resolved that he would wait for the right moment to finally say hello.
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"Your party is lovely! Really it is, I couldn't imagine a better ball." One of her friends said as leaned forward affectionately.
Kate smiled and gave her a polite nod. "Thank you."
"There are so many men here, I knew you would attract quite a following, but Kate, this is a dream." Said Mary with an eager look in her eye. Mary was truly one of Kate's friends, really, none of these girls were. It wasn't as if they saw much of each other outside of a few spring shopping sessions each year, at church on occasional Sundays, or in class when Kate was younger and the other girls still attended. But her mother had said that it would be the right thing to do to invite them and of course, be polite and jovial when they attended. Kate was trying her best to be both.
"Yes. I didn't expect so many people would come."
"And did you see Tristan Harrington?" Another girl chimed in. "I saw him come through the door and I thought it must be a vision!"
Mary's eyes grew to the size of saucers. "Tristan is here? Truly, where did he go? I must at least dance with him once before the night is over."
Kate felt her stomach go into another knot. "….You saw him?" She asked hesitantly.
All the girls giggled and smiled mischievously. "Oh that's right." One of them gleamed. "You two used to be the best of friends, didn't you?"
"Well…well I suppose so. It's just – I haven't seen him in so long." Kate stumbled, trying to speak and think of something to do if she happened to run into him.
"Well you're going to be in awe to say the least." The girl snickered. "He's so handsome I think I might move to Philadelphia just to find myself a proper, fine husband for myself….if I can't woo him, that is."
All the girls giggled and glanced around the room for the young man, except for Kate, who was still a bit aghast at what the group was saying. She quickly came to the conclusion that the young, gorgeous man at the bottom of the stairs was her old friend. She knew she recognized him but couldn't place those blue eyes. Now she was positive that she had made a grave mistake of not speaking to him when he was right there in front of her. What was he going to think of her? Rude? What would he think of her now?
Just then Kate felt a hand touch her shoulder lightly, she spun around, expecting to see Tristan, and instead she was met with the desirous gaze of Charles Armstrong. Charles was the son of the local baker; they had known each other since about the age of five but for a few years now Kate had the knowledge that Charles had an ardent and unrelenting infatuation with her.
"Would you care to dance, Miss Turner?" he said, extending his hand.
Katie paused a moment, then seeing this as an escape of the girls behind her, she smiled and nodded her consent. The two of them went into the dining hall which was adjacent to the living room, both of which had been cleared out and made for a fine dancing area. The dance was a quick one, one that relied on agile footwork and a keen eye for changes in step. It quite fun, and Kate couldn't help but enjoy herself as the two of them joined the line of partners, turning about, nodding to each young man who passed, and curtseying to the young ladies who were all a part of the choreography. As soon as the music ended, all the couples clapped and smiled in approval. It wasn't a moment's pause before another bout of song started up again, this time a rather slow one, a waltz. Kate glanced down as Charles took her hand. Her back straightened immediately as his hand went to the small of her back. Of course she knew this was the proper form if one was to waltz but it felt so strange with Charles so close. The two of them danced in silence, letting the music come between them, before Charlie spoke.
"I wanted to wish you a happy birthday." He said with a nervous smile.
"Thank you, Charlie. It was nice of you to come." She grinned. She liked Charles well enough, he was a good boy, but no matter how distant and uneasily polite she made herself, he never seemed to get the hint that she wanted nothing more than friendship.
His eyes twinkled at her niceties. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
As the two continued to dance, Kate felt another tap on her shoulder. This time as the couple turned, she into the young man that was trying to get her attention.
She looked up. At the same time, she stopped breathing, but not before managing – "Tristan…"
He smiled, a slight dimple displayed on his cheek. "May I cut in?"
Charles saw that Kate was taken aback, but she nodded and made no move to resist as the tall young man took her hands in his. Her former dance partner stood aside, and allowed to the two to pick up where he had left off.
Tristan had a faint smile on his face the whole time they danced; Kate could hardly take her eyes off of him. Not only because he was so refined, so handsome looking but because she couldn't believe he was back. She was sure he had forgotten all about her and his life here. His hand was resting very calculatedly on her lower back while his grip of her hand felt firm. She noticed how tall he had gotten, with an eye estimate of six foot two he was six or so inches above her. Kate's other hand rested on his upper arm and it felt thick and hardened, not at all like the gangly, lean limbs that he had donned those few years before. His shoulders were broad as well which made his stature even that much more attractive. The line of his jaw was strong and masculine but the fine little dimple at side of his cheek made him look almost charmingly boyish like when he smiled. And of course, as the first thing she had noticed, his eyes, were as bright and lively as she remembered them to be. This gave her a bit of familiar strength to finally speak.
"Tristan Harrington…I'm surprised you came back." She said with a teasing grin.
He tilted his head with a good-natured twinkle in his eye. "And miss my 'little sister's' ball? What kind of friend would I be?"
And so it was, they were back to their old bit of playful antics. After the dance was over, the couples clapped once more, and without speaking the two of them moved out of the dining hall and back into the throngs of chatting guests. Tristan led her over to a bit more recluse side of the room so they could have a proper conversation.
"So, how have you been Miss Turner?" He said, raising his eyebrows with an expectant lilt in his voice.
Kate smiled and gestured around her. "Well until tonight I was a very calm, put together and sane person." She laughed. "But this ball has seemed to make me come undone."
"Yes, it can be a bit too much I suppose. That's why you'll never see a man having a Coming Out ball." He chuckled. "It all takes too much nerve and poise…something we leave to the fortitude of women." Then he placed a hand lightly on her elbow. "You are doing a very fine job though, I think only people who know you very well could maybe tell that you were a tad bit nervous."
She smiled up at him. First feeling his palm against the bend of her arm made her almost want to lean further into his grasp, but the comment he made about knowing her well made her breath come a little quicker. "That makes me feel better. I thought the whole room could hear my heart beat up there on those stairs."
"Not at all." He grinned. '…I was too busy trying to calm my own heart…' the thought.
For a moment he paused, and looked to his hands, as if they were going to make this next, unavoidable comment easier to say. "I um…I'm sorry that our correspondence didn't continue."
Kate was surprised that he had brought his up so early into their conversation, but relieved that he was honorable enough to be the first one to apologize. "It's as much my fault as yours. We both should have been more responsible." She said, putting her hand reassuringly on his shoulder.
Tristan could feel her strong, slender fingers through the thick fabric of his jacket, even though he knew her touch was gentle and it was merely the want of knowing her hand on his arm that made him think he could feel her. "Well now that you're a 'woman'" He said, teasing her with the new word. "Maybe now we can both be more responsible and keep up with our letters." He smiled
Kate couldn't help but feel excited the he too also regretted not continuing writing to each other over the years and wanted to begin again. She had, so many times before begun a letter addressed to him, but after the first few lines, deemed the parchment unworthy and her idea ridiculous, and ended up tossing the unfinished work.
She smiled. "I'd like that very much."
Another waiter passed by and Tristan handed her a glass of wine before taking one himself.
With a meaningful glance at the glass in her hand she grinned and took a sip of the red liquid. "That," she said with coy smile after finishing. "Was my first taste of wine."
Tristan laughed and gave her a mock bow. "Well congratulations. I'm glad I could assist you in deflowering you in your first act as a rightful woman."
Kate blushed slightly at the unknowingly wanton comment. Immediately Tristan looked down and brushed the few hairs that lay on his forehead once more, realizing his mistake with his words, and mentally kicking himself for being so seemingly forward. She searched for something to talk about that couldn't lead them down this embarrassing path so easily again.
"So how is university? Your mother says you're doing very well."
Tristan shrugged "I like it alright. It has a way of being never endingly busy." He laughed. "It seems I can hardly find any time to read for the sake of reading, or make new acquaintances."
"Have you decided what you're going to do once you get your degree?" she asked, knowing that Tristan had been at in a conflict with himself at which route to take, or so his mother said.
He smiled and bent his head a little lower towards her. "I'm going to be a history and French professor."
She was surprised at his choice and giggled at his attempts at hiding his enthusiasm. "I thought your father wanted you become a lawyer!"
"He did," he reluctantly admitted. "But I would never be happy doing that sort of thing."
Kate nodded and traced the rim of her glass wit her finger. "Yes, I remember, you always loved to read your history books over and over. And of course, you could never turn your back on being French." She laughed.
"Of courrrse not!" He said, sporting an outrageously exaggerated French accent. "I am Frennch to the corrre of my being! Not even zzzat pig, Napoleonnn can make me be ashammmed of my roots."
Kate had to cover her mouth to stifle her fit of laughter. After the two of them were through with their fit of giggles Kate looked up at her old friend and smiled a warm smile. "You haven't changed a bit."
Tristan paused, his face grew a bit more serious and his eyes grew fixed to hers. "You have." He stated simply.
She looked down and gave a nervous giggle, trying to hide her curiosity of wanting to know what Tristan really thought of her. "Oh? …how have I changed?"
He concentrated on keeping his voice level, making sure his nerves didn't give him away. "Well…" he started. "You just seem more – mature."
He saw her face slightly fall.
"Is that not a good thing? " He laughed, hesitantly.
Kate shrugged. "I don't know." She sighed. "It's just that – well - I have a sort of theory."
"What's that?" Tristan inquired, genuinely interested in where this was leading.
"It's about getting older…" She said, her voice growing a bit stronger as she held her shoulders back resolutely. "Why must getting older mean being more mature? Its not that I want to be irresponsible and irrational my whole life…but who says you can't retain some sort of child-like quality? I see girls my age who act as if they've already seen a lifetime and I know perfectly well they haven't left this town since they were born. I guess…" She said, starting to slow herself down. "I guess I just don't want to change who I am, just for the sake of 'growing up'. My theory is that if I stay myself, but never compromise my personality or character then everyone who meets me from here on out will know the truth. I won't be fake; I won't be 'civil' for the sake of propriety, but…true – myself." She finished and looked up at him with expectant eyes.
He grinned and slightly tilted his head to the side. "I like it. It almost sounds like something your mother would say.
Kate laughed and lowered her voice. "I can't deny that she's the reason I think the way I do. She's my mother."
Tristan looked a bit more closely at her. Her smile was astonishing and he knew that she was the envy of every girl and the desire of every boy who had met her and who would ever have the pleasure of meeting her in the future. But right now, he was standing next to her, him alone. And he couldn't help but feel like he was lifted above all the rest. Eventually after they continued to talk another young man came forward and asked to dance with her. She looked to Tristan who nodded, quite reluctantly, and moved aside for the two of them make their way back into the dining hall. He noticed with a keen eye that her head flicked back towards him just before she turned the corner out of site, he couldn't help but smile…perhaps he was feeling the same thing he was feeling for her.
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After another hour and a half or so most of the guests had left, Kate gave them her thanks for coming, while they told her their congratulations for the umpteenth time that night. Will and Elizabeth stood next to her at the doorway and shook their hands, kissed their cheeks and smiled accordingly to each passing person. Once they were all gone, Kate looked around. The banners that had put on the staircase had come loose and were sagging sadly, while the many empty and half full cups of wine were perched on every available surface, but what she really noticed, was that after their conversation – she hadn't seen Tristan around. A pang of anxiety ran through her as she thought that perhaps he had been cross with her, dancing with other men, or maybe he felt that he wasn't welcome – not knowing as many people at the party and left out of boredom. She sighed and put her hand to her head. Then she felt a tug at the hip of her dress, she looked down the see a smiling Johnny beaming up at her. Kate knelt down and picked the boy up gingerly. "Isn't it pass your bedtime?"
The boy giggled and shook his head. "Mama let me stay!" He said proudly. But before he could blink a yawn caught his enthusiasm and made his eyes droop.
Elizabeth came beside her and took the groggy youngster from her daughter's arms. "You know how he is; he had to be in the excitement." Then he dropped his head to his mother's shoulder and closed his eyes. "But perhaps this was a bit too much excitement for one night."
Kate smiled and ruffled her brother's hair.
Liz turned and smiled warmly at her daughter. "You did wonderful, darling." While taking a free hand and touching her cheek lightly
She grinned and leaned her head into her mother's gentle touch.
Will came up behind his wife and put a soft, lingering kiss on forehead, before brushing the soft hair from his dozing son's forehead. Liz let herself lean back into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and Johnny. "What do you say; we leave the cleaning up for tomorrow?"
The two women agreed as the family made their way up stairs.
Kate, with the help of Abigail, changed out of her lovely dress and into her nightgown. The corset was left forgotten at the foot of her bed. The two girls pulled out each of the pins that held her hair one by one, letting her soft curls tumble down past her shoulders. Out of the corner of her eye Kate saw another figure in the doorway. It was Grace. She walked up slowly to her sisters and in a very matter of fact tone said, "You look pretty."
Kate gave her a wide smile and picked up the girl for a minute before putting her on her lap. "Thank you. That means a lot to me." He said, kissing her cheek. "Did you have fun tonight?"
Grace thought a moment. "Yes. It was agreeable."
Kate couldn't help but laugh. At eight years old she never would have even thought about saying something was or wasn't 'agreeable'. How she loved her odd little sister!
"Well I'm glad you approve." She said. "It looks like you're already for bed. Go get in and I'll come and say goodnight."
Grace grinned and hopped down from her big sister's lap before going over to the bed and climbing underneath the covers. Abby did the same, bringing the candle from the vanity to the table between the sister's beds. Being the eldest, Katherine had her own single bed, while Grace and Abigail shared one together. Kate left and went to the room next door, where her brother's were. She knocked first, knowing how particular Liam was about his privacy these days, and once given permission to enter she saw her mother there putting down Johnny. Kate went over to Liam and sat down next to his bed. "Thanks for being so nice about everything tonight." She said, knowing full well that her mischievous brother could have pulled a few tricks out of his sleeve if he felt like humiliating her.
Liam gave her a small smile and shrugged. "I knew it meant a lot to you."
Kate grinned and kissed his cheek quickly before he had a chance to pull away.
Her brother promptly scrubbed at his face with a grimace. "Ugh…"
She stuck out her tongue. "Good night to you too." She said before going over to Johnny's crib.
Elizabeth was securing in his blanket around his sleeping form. Then she turned and tucked a stray bit of hair that fell over her daughter's eyes. Kate sighed and embraced her mother. Liz wrapped her arms around her, holding her close as Kate rested her head on her mother's shoulder. "Good night, Mama. Thank you for suggesting we throw the ball."
"I knew you'd have a good time." She said with a hidden smile, remembering seeing her daughter's bright face as she talked to Tristan earlier in the evening. She parted herself and kissed her little girl's cheek. "Goodnight, darling."
Kate smiled and moved passed her mother to her sleeping brother in the small bed next to her. "Goodnight." She whispered before turning and shutting the door quietly behind her.
When she entered her bedroom Will was kissing Grace on the cheek, then turned and did the same to Abby who embraced him around the neck and gave him another peck on his nose. Will grinned and smoothed her hair, told her how much he loved the two of them then told them goodnight. Kate stood in the doorway and waited for her father to come towards her as he as leaving. Her father was a very handsome man, she had always thought so and his eyes were kind and his smile never failed to make her grin in return. The tanned skin on his face was smooth and free of any tale tell lines of age. The white hairs that had so recently appeared at the edge of his hairline at the sides, near his ears, and mixed into his thin trimmed sideburns only made him that much more distinguished and appealing. Her father rested his hand on her arm and kissed the side of her cheek. "Goodnight Katie." He said
She smiled, loving the fact that her father didn't rest on the perception he must call her 'Kate' now. "Goodnight, Papa. See you in the morning."
Later that night, as she heard her sisters' steady breathing in the bed next to her, Kate's mind wouldn't stop wandering. It troubled her that Tristan had left without saying anything, and she worried about what he thought of her now. She was sure that she was attracted to him. At first she tried to talk herself out of it as they danced, but it was inevitable. One smooth look from her old friend and she knew she was beginning to fall for him. But it was only one night….was she being unreasonable? The heavy covers felt stifling against her skin and she wanted to be somewhere that was more open, more receiving with her thoughts. Slowly she drew back the blankets and stepped out onto the cold hardwood floor of her bedroom. Then, as an afterthought she grabbed the book that was stowed at her bedside table, with intensions of perhaps clearing her mind later with a bit of reading. With great care she made her way to the door, looking back cautiously at the two sleeping forms, making sure they weren't disturbed. Once out into the hallway she went quickly and silently down the stairs and threw the kitchen. Her father's long riding coat was on the back of the chair and she took it, throwing it around her shoulders. Quickly she drew a candle from the drawer and found a match to light the long wick, and placed her novel in the pocket of her father's coat. Finally she quietly unlocked the backdoor stepped into the cool November air. Her feet crunched against the dead grass but she didn't flinch, as they were hardened by all the years of running around barefoot. Kate glanced up at the house next door, to the second window – Tristan's old room and saw that a faint candle light still illuminated the ivory curtains. She turned her head away resolutely, making sure she dashed the idea of calling after him. It would be absurd if she stood below his window and tried to get his attention with a hoarse whisper, or threw little rocks at the thick glass to see if he would happen to draw the latch and peek down at her…no she wasn't going to chase after him. Instead she sauntered over to the barn, where Joby hung his head out of his stall in an old welcome. Kate gently stroked his nose, where the white diamond shape crossed just in front of his eyes and ran it way down to the velvet hairs of his large nose. The large beige animal brushed his head against her hand, wanting her to stroke his cheek and mane as well. Kate paused and thought a moment, then let out a sharp breath before turning around quickly and going to the door of the barn and peeked around the corner to look at the window again. The light was gone.
She sighed and went back to the horse that was waiting patiently. Kate brushed her nose against his, reveling the feeling of the soft little hairs. She grinned and touched his mane. "Maybe I was just being foolish…"she said, to Joby's large black eyes.
Just then she heard someone clear their throat. "You haven't been foolish." Said the deep voice in the doorway of the barn.
Kate turned quickly and drew the candle up the eye level to try and see who was speaking, but she had a rising feeling…
Tristan drew nearer, sensing he had distressed the young lady. "It's just me." He said with a friendly smile.
She grinned and lowered the light, but just enough to take the glare away from her own eyes. She noticed he was wearing the same nice trousers, but with no socks and no shoes to speak of. His shirt was slightly wrinkled and untucked. But the thing that made Kate almost unravel was that his hair was not tied as it had been earlier, it was loose and some of it hung around his face and over his eyes, again she realized for the thousandth time that evening how disarmingly handsome Tristan had become.
Her appearance didn't go unnoticed by the young man either. Her night gown hung loosely and drew close to the hay strewn floor, while her father's coat was too large for her small frame, he could still make out the contours of her waist in the dim light. But most of all her hair was down and it made her look like a nymph…a beautiful, blonde wood nymph. Then he noticed a book that peeked out of one of the large pockets of the coat she was wearing. He sqinted his eyes and made out the worlds 'Gulivers Travel's' in thick monotype across the book's surface.
"You've read it." He said with an amused, and touched expression on his face.
'There was that glorious smile again...' He thought when she grinned after looking down at her side, seeing what he was referring to.
"A few times over." she admitted quietly. Then the smile slightly faded and she drew the coat around herself. "You didn't tell me when you were left this evening." She said, turning towards the horse again, trying not to stare at him too much.
Tristan brushed the hair from his forehead and looked down at his bare feet. "I know, I should have…but you were dancing and I didn't want to interrupt you. You seemed to be having such a nice time with those blokes."
Kate turned her head towards him, an eyebrow arched in slight disapproval. "You still should have said something. I didn't know what to think when I couldn't find you afterwards."
He paused, a smile attempting to creep up on him. "You…tried to find me?"
"Of course I did! I haven't seen you in so long Tristan and I missed talking to you. And I wish that you didn't have to leave so soon, again. Now that you're back I…I…." She said, her thoughts beginning to take shape into real words. "I want…"
"You want…. what?" He said, with a new hope.
This was it. She wasn't going to get another chance like this. She was more nervous about saying this to her old friend than she was about the ball. But this wasn't just her old friend, this was…something new. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. "I want you to stay." She said quietly. Another breath… "I don't want to be away from you like that again."
Tristan's mind was racing. He took a second to really think about what had just happened. If he wasn't misunderstanding what she had just said, it was that she missed him, and didn't want him to leave her…it sounded a lot like what he was feeling so ardently in his own heart. "Katie…" he said in a steady tone. "I have my own sort of theory."
She waited and listened with heightened sensations all around her. Then she felt him take her hand into his and her eyes shot up to his own.
"My theory is that." He swallowed hard, trying to draw strength. "That if I convey my true feelings for you…right now, right here. That you will return the same sentiment and ease me of my so recent uncontrollable feelings and agree that no matter what the circumstances you will always be yourself, the girl – the person, that I've grown to be so affectionate towards."
She stood there in front of him for a moment, trying to decipher what it was he was trying so hard to say. "So…are you telling me that…that you like me, you like me more than just a friend?"
"I'm bloody unhinged." He stated simply.
Her pouted lips, just like he had predicted, broke out into a precariously wide smile as she threw her arms around his neck. Tristan closed his eyes and smiled as a joyous laugh escaped his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her as close as he possibly cold to his body, each of them reveling in each others' warmth. Once they parted, Kate couldn't help but to keep smiling. She stepped closer to him, the flame of the candle between them, as it had begun to dwindle.
"Tristan Deveau" She said, using his middle and former last name as a teasing endearment. "I'm so glad you're a part of my life. I couldn't imagine what it would be with out you." She grinned.
He smiled and touched her cheek, then drew his finger down to her soft pouted lips. "A life with out love…no way to live." He said before tilting his head down towards her own. "But thankfully we'll both never know what that feels like..." Then his wet his fingers and in one move hissed the little flame between them into smoke, leaving the young couple in subtle darkness
But as one flame went out another was just beginning to burn. She smiled into him as his mouth so gently moved against hers, igniting their first kiss…the first of so many of yet to come.
Alright folks...that was it, my prologue. And might I add, possibly the longest chapter in any of the three stories so far! Now, it didnt exactly close the gap on everything but you can use your imagination on what the next 10 years or so will hold.
While I was writing this, I couldn't help but think of Will as some foxy older man (granted 38 isnt old), but someone like like Brad Pitt, or George Clooney, one of those guys who seem to get better with age, don't you agree?
And also, in case you didn't know, Jack is nickname for John...just an FYI. (You know, one of those that dont make any sense like BobRobert, BillWilliam, MollyMargeret...etc)
Well that was all I have. I will bow and take my leave now. But I'll most deffinitely be around but sure of that! And who knows - after I take a breather I might write another story or two. But consider this one retired!
...unless of course You want to take up were it leaves of...? Dun Dun Dunnnnn. :)
Thanks a million times over to everyone who has ever reviewed one of my chapters. And of course to my most faithful readers - your constant presense always made me want to do better and drive forward.
Love, InnerSmile