Chapter 19: Completely Different

I glided down the hallway to the music parlor, smiling at every step I took. Everything was going well, we were both happy to be together. Especially now that we were engaged. Engaged, my smile became brighter as I said that word, a word that I thought I would never say. My heart fluttered at the thought of this, I was to be his. His forever in holy matrimony. Though either way, without matrimony I was already his body and soul.

I gently pushed open the french double doos, to see a sudden beam of light from the afternoon sunshine. I briskly walked to the piano and took my seat in front of it, setting my fingers on the keys.I breathed in the aroma of the room, which smelled of the wild flowers outside with the large windows open. I decided to make up my own tune this time. For I had accomplished all the music sheets given to me, I decided to convert my lullaby into real music. Instead of singing it, try it with the sound of the twinkling keys.

Soon enough my fingers glided up and down, playing the melodic tune that echoed through the entire parlor. All these thoughts came into my head like a tryant. What would it be like? To be his wife? Would it be like the way it is now, or would it be much more amazing? I guess I just have to wait and see.

Something else that tormented me was what about Tegan and my sisters? How would they deal with this, would the be happy? I felt already guilty enough for turning into this and leaving them, all for James. Can and would I be able to live with this?

One answer...I don't know.

Yet, I still sensed that our obstacles were far from over. Something lingered in the air, I could feel it. But I decided to push all these thoughts away and set myself to the task at hand. James.

I kept playing for a good hour or so, so deep into my music that I jumped at the sudden cold hand on my bare shoulder. I turned slightly to see who it was, relief suddenly washed over me as I realized it was just James, who had already come home.

"I am sorry, did I startle you?" James already had wrapped around in his arms.

"Just a little". I replied trying to get some air, he held tightly on to me. Which was very odd. "Are you alright, you seem tense?"

James sighed and let me go, he stood and faced the large windows, clasping his hands behind his back. "It appears that we have an invitation to a ball tonight".

I furrowed my brows in confusion, what was so wrong about that? "And that is what has you in such a grumpy mood?'

"I hate social events like this". He simply stated not turning to look at me.

I stood then, my skirts swooshing gently as I walked to him. I wrapped my arms around his waste and buried my face into his chest. We stood there for a solid five minutes. He pulled my face up to look up at him, his emeralds shining as usual.

"Would you do me the honor of letting me escort you?'

I bit my lower lip. But I should make an appearance to avoid more gossip, that what was already going around. "I would love that".

He smirked and brushed his lips over mine. Everytime he did, I was like jelly in his arms. He would always smile at the affect he had on me.

"But" I suddenly spoke, makeing his loving gaze darken. "I would have to leave this here...right?" I held my left hand where the ring fit perfectly on my third finger.

"I am afraid so, its best we keep this a secret for now. It would be best, that way you can avoid any further suspicions and gossip. These people would want to know very throughly who the Admiral of the royal navy is going to marry." He kissed my palm, hoping not to hurt my feelings.

"You are right, it is already ridiculous enough that they already question my virtue. But at least they don't know you already took it". I smirked as I thought of the previous restless nights I had with James. But it didn't matter if I slept, I was content being with him.

"Quite right". He kissed me again this time with a little more passion. "I think it is best you start to prepare yourself for tonight". He pulled back still holding on tightly to my waste.

I nodded, letting him guide me out the music parlor and up the long staircase.

James quickly left me to prepare himself as well. As soon as I came in through my bedroom doors, Rebecca dragged me behing the screen with a smile on her face. I already knew why, she had her plan mapped out. A plan to make me the most irresistable young woman at tonight's grand event.

She loosened my corset and binded me into a fresh new one, pulling the string tighter making my breasts swell up that almost reached up to my collarbone. Next came the endless pettiecoats and finally the pannier. Finally she draped over me a delicate silk gown, the color of the sky. The fine detail of black lace along the hem made it sparkle with the few small crystals it had. Another maid slipped on sky blue slippers on my feet. After they triumphantly got me into the gown they pulled me to the vanity, dusting powder and color on my cheeks. Rebecca sprayed me down in jasmine water. As she put the crystal bottle aside, she piled my hair into high tower, placing two black peacock feathers on my brown locks. She took two steps back as smiled at her masterpiece.

"Beautiful". She whispered, but not low enough. "I shall go tell the Admiral you are ready". Rebecca scurried out of the room as the other maids followed.

I turned to look at my reflection in the mirror. I did not recognize myself. This was someone completely different, but then again I should get use to this new me, or would I remain like this forever?