Edward was tired of the ball. He neither expressed a desire to go, nor had any intention of pursuing a lady of interest however he ran into a striking young lady. Yes, Miss Gwenevere was a very beautiful, wealthy young woman; any man in his right mind would without a doubt go after her but something about the eyes of Miss Annabelle kept him from doing so.
Not many women of this day and age would approach a young man without an introduction. She obviously knew it was improper but something about the way she comforted him when he was fatally embarrassed captured his attention. Had he looked that pathetic? Was he that offended?
She was all things proper and cordial once they were acquainted. And something in her smile and her eyes and air of walking drew her to the front of his mind.
Alexandria had felt guilty for deceiving the party goers however she felt infinitely worse for deceiving Edward. She understood that he took no interest in her but she couldn't stop herself from beginning to like him. She found him polite and gentlemanly because deep down she understood that he did not mean to insult her. If she had been in the same situation, which of course she could not because she was a female, she may have done the same thing.
So in order to set things back to normal, Alexandria decided that she would put down her façade and make an appearance as Miss Alexandria Darcy of Pemberly. However, by the time her and Maria had constructed her to a presentable state, most of the boys of St. Anthony had already departed, including the elusive Mr. Edward Kinsley.
The ball drifted on however and against her better judgement, Alex stayed to entertain the half drunken gentlemen. She was introduced to many a man and had many prospects for future husbands but Alex couldn't help but let her mind wander to Mr. Kinsley. He had an awkward air about him that made him clumsy in social settings but rather cute in that aspect. He had obviously known it was improper to march up to a lady of rank but he did it anyway, that showed courage. Alex felt that he was an honest man, his word shown upon the likeness in his eyes. They were of an emerald color, Alex remembered and was in companion with his brown hair. He was of no particular height but he was taller than her and his countenance showed of genuine humility. Indeed he was an amiable man.
"Oh Lady of Pemberly, please come play us a happy tune." One of the gentleman requested.
"I beg your pardon sir, but I do not possess the talent for captivating a room in so beautiful a melody, I am not without practice but not enough to entertain your party I daresay, no indeed, let that honor go to Lady Gwenevere." Alex arose from her seat and set down her goblet of untouched wine. She decided a bit of fresh air might do her some good from the festivities.
Edward sat on a bench, a bit away from the party. The sound of the pianoforte could still be heard, as well as the exclamations of giggly silly girls. Edward walked on a bit further until he could hear nothing but the pianoforte and the lovely melody of a woman's voice.
"….All is calm, all is bright…round young virgin, mother and child, holy infant so…" Edward listened on. He couldn't help but feel that he had heard that voice before, and a strangely familiar pair of chocolate shaded eyes came into focus.
"Miss Annabelle?" Edward voiced outloud.
"Mr. Kinsley! You gave me quite a fright, pray what are you doing in the gardens? Shouldn't you be enjoying the pleasures of Miss Gwenevere's playing?"
"Indeed, I was just heading back when I had the pleasure of running into you. Well of course it wasn't a pleasure to give you a fright but it was a pleasure to see you, again. Pardon my manners." Edward said rather bashfully.
"I understand completely Mr. Kinsley, but I feel I must set you straight on a very important manner. I'm not actually Miss Denny, my name is…"
"Edward! Edward come in and play with us."
"Oh yes, do." Called two of the silliest girls in Alex's acquaintance; both of great fortune and no sense, Miss Harriet and Miss Catherine Gotombok.
"I will be right there! Do not forget to save a dance for me before you both leave." Mr. Kinsley shouted back, "I'm sorry Miss Denny you were saying?"
"Nothing sir, it's of no consequence. Please enjoy the party, it was a pleasure to meet you." Alexandria stated.
"And to you too miss." Edward responded suspiciously.
It doesn't matter if I tell him who I am, it's not as if I will ever see him again. Alex thought, and with that, she left the ball at Gorinshire, fully intending to never see Mr. Kinsley again, or his emerald eyes.