Chapter 20: Endless Waltz

I floated down the grand staircase, trying to breathe with the tightness of the new corset. As I continued to walk down each step, my breath stopped when I layed eyes on James. My heart beated faster as I came closer to him and him to me, he looked absolutely irresistable. Delicious would be the exact word. His well toned body hidden underneath black silk attire, embellished with brocade, almost resembling his uniform. I could see the sudden spark of lust and amazement in his emeralds. When I reached the final step, he gently took my hand and kissed it.

"You look absolutely stunning". He looked over me again, as if he had never seen me before.

"Well, you look very and I mean very ravishing yourself". I managed to whisper in his ear,we were still alone.

He smirked deviously while taking hold of my hand. "Shall we". I nodded in content.

When we reached outside I was confused to see two carriages instead of one. "Why is there two carriages, are we not going together?" I asked truly confused.

"Yes we are, but it would be best to arrive in seperate carriages. The elite are always noticing details which can lead to gossip ". replied James as he led me to the first carriage, he opened the door and helped me settle myself. Once I was ready he stole a kiss from my lips. "I will see you at the entrance". He kissed me again and shut the door.

I sighed and sat back against the cushioned settee. What am I to expect of tonight? What will I have to endure, no doubt I will have people hounding me with questions. I will have to do my best while still doing this waltz of endless lies, which keeps getting more and more difficult to follow. But I reminded myself that it was for James. I would do anything for him, tonight will be only about us and no one else.

To my dismay, we arrived to soon. I was not entirely prepared to face an entire crowd of people, rarely did I face two. Especially because I was in no mood to begin my waltz of lies again. I kept reminding myself who I am doing this for, and that is how I gathered up the courage. My thoughts suddenly vanished as James opened the door.

"Ready?" He offered his hand.

"Ready as I will ever be". I replied as I stepped down. He smiled at my response.

We walked into the ballroom and to my surprise all eyes turned toward me. Its as if they have never seen me, well come to think of it I never really had attended social gatherings, I was a mystery to them...up until now. James kept me hidden from the world, his little jewel that was safely hidden in the depths of his mansion. Everyone we passed by eyed me, especially the women who were green with envy. I hated feeling like a spectacle, but to these people I was.

When we found our place, people resumed their endless chatter,dancing, and sipping champangne as if it were only water. James kept staring at my intently while I sipped my glass of champangne. He was trying to see my reaction to all this sherade. I was, to my surprise...very well. I began to enjoy it, looking at the skirts twirl in decadance to the cheerful jig. The boisterous noise from in here and the grand parlor that was full of gambling tables and men gawking at the women, who fluttered their colored fans open as they giggled.

I finally found the curiosity to ask my beloved a question. " Whom is responsible for such a celebration?"

"Lord Beckett". James replied disgustedly.

"Oh, he certainly has a beautiful palace". I replied as I took another sip. From the corner of my eye I could see James's expression harden. "Of course, I would rather be at yours". I whispered making sure no one heard me.

"Admiral Norrington, so glad you were able to join us". Lord Beckett appeared out of no where, decked out in velvet red and gold. He smirked when he saw me. "And Miss Howard, such a pleasure to grace us with your presence." He eyed me as if he were in hunger.

I managed to excute a bow of grace before him. "Good evening Lord Beckett".

He chuckled and gently placed a kiss on my hand. James stiffened next to me, his expression smooth and cold. "Absolutely beautiful". Beckett commented and turned to join a group of his colleagues.

"Are you alright?" I questioned James as his eyes scanned the room.

"Fine". was his only reply.

Before I could manage to say something, Mrs.Vanderbilt was standing before us. "Miss Howard what a lovely surprise to see you". She greeted with a smile, which to me was a farse. Mrs.Vanderbilt turned to notice James. "Good evening Admiral Norrington".

"Pleasure Mrs. Vanderbilt". James replied without any improvement in his mood.

"Now, I wish to present my lovely niece who has just arrived from England". Mrs.Vanderbilt turned to tap the arm of a young lady standing close by talking to a group of bachlors and bacherlorettes. I was stunned by the beauty of this woman. Her hair was that of firey red, making the flames of a fire place look weak. Her eyes stung me with the rich gold in them. She was of average height, a bit taller than I, her hour glass figure was that of what was considered the diserable figure for any young woman. Her gown matched her eyes, gold and shiny, she had peacock feathers in her red tresses that was up in far more extravegant style than I have ever seen before. She was a true elegance.

"Admiral, Miss Howard, this is Miss Claire Tallis". Mrs.Vanderbilt introduced.with pride in her voice.

"Good evening". Claire gave a far more better bow than I did earlier.

James took her hand and kissed it lightly. "Very nice to meet you". If I was not mistaken I saw Claire's eyes brighten up at the sight of James. I tried to keep myself calm, she is just like all the others only swooning at the sight of him, nothing more.

"Admiral Norrington, why don't you dance with my niece, she has impeccable dance skills".

"Well...I am escorting Miss Howard". replied James turning to me, and I looked the other way.

"Surely Miss Howard would not mind...would you do me the honor?" Claire's sweet voice made James turn to me again, waiting for an answer.

"Not at all". I gave her an fake flawless smile that made her melt. James kept was confused, but he turned and offered Claire his arm.

I stood there giving them an icy stare. James was multitasking, keeping an eye on me. When I noticed his gaze on me, I would flutter my fan open and turn the other way. One could say I was acting like a small who child who was denied sweets, but I could care less. He knew this would upset me, he knew that I am a jealous woman. They twirled with grace that it sickened me that it was not I in her place at that moment. I hastely fanned myself, deciding that I needed air.

To my surprise I was alone on the veranda. Just the way I wanted it. I suddenly felt the urge of shouting my enagement to Mrs.Vanderbilt and Miss Tallis. To know that he was mine and I was his, forever. I kept staring out into the ocean, oblivious to the music and joyful laughter coming from inside. Without notice a hand wrapped around my waist and warm lips were at my nape.

"I hope I did not upset you". The rich velvet voice filled my ears making me melt like it always did.

"James, not here". I hissed as his kisses were dangerously trailing down, but as soon as he heard that growl in my voice he let go and tightened his hands on the stone surface of the balcony.

"If I did upset you, then I apologize...but you did not stop me". He practically growled making me step back from him.

"How was I suppose to do that? They would suspect something". I replied back with ice in my voice. "Besides it was only a dance. But I hated every minute you were dancing with her".

"I know, as did I. Maybe I could make up to you now and of course later". He took my hand and kissed my palm inhaling my sweet perfume.

"That sounds agreeable, but I know how you can make it up now". I smirked.

"How?" He continued to kiss my hand.

"By dancing with me". My melodic laugh filled the warm air.

"Very Well". James replied and led back inside the ballroom.

As we spun around the floor along with other couples, I noticed Claire interacting with other people. She was teasing the men, giggling at what they would comment. The men somehow leaned in closer to hear her voice once more, admiring every inch of her. She was a tease and nothing more. But I still disapproved of her . James pulled me farther into the center of the ballroom, leading me into an endless waltz that would be our love...

A/N: Wow! Tense drama! lol! Anywho, thanks to all that reviewed ,keep it up, for it is a joy to recieve them. Thanks to MadameDeficit1793 for her help. I will try to update soon! Please R&R! -Michelle