"Alaric!" called John across the empty foyer of the Gilbert mansion. The day was bright and the halls were alive with the merry company of soldiers invading its halls. However, as the day began to grow cooler, most of the young women and men that chose to accompany them relocated to wandering the gardens. As of this hour, the halls were empty save for the scampering servants preparing for the night's ball.
He quickly closed the steps between them, drawing near to the steps Alaric was standing on. "Have you seen Jeremy? Has he taken care of all the preparations we ought to?"
"Yes, yes, John," Alaric sighed exasperatedly. His patience was thin, as always. He was nursing a bottle of strong alcohol and it wasn't even suppertime yet. "He has a good head on his shoulders. He'll take care of it. Actually," he started, glancing around the room warily, "I do have concern to talk to you."
John laughed, brushing off his characteristic worry. "What could there be to worry about? The company's all settled and we have a wonderful party tonight," he paused. "But knowing you, my friend, you will just as soon tell me anyways. Is it good news?"
Alaric shot him a dry look and continued. "I always bring good news. A servant of mine overheard Elijah and Stefan talking in a corner of the house they thought was deserted. Elijah is seemingly in love with Caroline." At John's look of befuddlement he shrugged. "I don't know, don't ask me. But he is going to propose to Caroline tonight at the masquerade. If she agrees to his proposal," he said distastefully, "then he is going to find you and ask for her hand."
He narrowed his eyes. Trusting a drunken man wasn't always the wisest advice, but it tended to be the most truthful. "Is your servant a man to be trusted?"
"If you don't believe me, I'll bring him so you can ask him yourself, as you seem to be set on being such an inquisitor today."
"No, no," John waved his hand dramatically. "We'll pretend it's a dream until it comes true, as nothing's ever as it seems to be in this town." He pondered the possible proposal for the moment. "But, if it be true, Caroline should be prepared to answer. Go and tell her for me, Alaric."
Alaric rolled his eyes. "My life is filled with teenage drama and angst," he muttered, turning to continue his journey up the stairs. As he exited, Jeremy filled the room with the requested help. The foyer was filled with musicians and household servants.
"We have work to do!" John exclaimed, unfazed by Alaric's bitter tone. "Excuse me!—Help me out—Come with me, dear—Jeremy, please do be careful. This ball is our family's legacy and will not be tarnished by inadequacy."