I realize that Tuesday isn't Saturday. That makes this drabble several days late. I apologize! But I had several curveballs thrown my way this weekend and I just couldn't get to this.

Thanks so, so much to reviewers AKA Parfait and williz!

5. Ferris Wheel

The tinkle of wine glasses and the low strains of the orchestra filled Elizabeth's ears and echoed through the expansive room. Soft lighting filled the room with a glow, gleaming off the dark wood floors and polished glass showcases.

Various art pieces dotted the room, all displayed with a broad bronze plaque stating the piece's name, the thought behind it, and the creator's name. Men in tuxedos and women in elegant black gowns threaded through the creations, conversing in hushed tones.

Elizabeth had mingled politely for the first twenty minutes with every ounce of valiance in her. After a particularly droll conversation, she swiped a tall glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, looking nearly as bored as she, and began to stroll through the room at a clip that discouraged anyone from joining her.

Rounding a slender, spiraling glass piece, she took another sip of the bubbly beverage, eyes admiring the clever design. The brilliant crimson glass became flooded with light as she turned, morphing the deep color until glowed like fire.

And it was that captivating color that reunited her with her fiancé.

Will stood across the room holding a large but untouched glass of wine that some dignitary had insisted he try. His eyes held the glaze that he normally acquired when mulling over a complicated blueprint.

Knowing what he must be feeling from hours of being in the same spot but unable to leave her haven just yet, she watched, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

The older man said something that he obviously thought greatly amusing. Will wasn't so impressed. However, he mustered a weak, polite laugh.

Elizabeth watched for a while longer, giggling quietly when a sweet older woman tried to weasel him into sampling a queer looking cheese. Her gentle laughter caught his attention and his dark gaze flicked up to scan the room.

The radiant smile that never failed to send a thrill through her washed over his face and suddenly she felt a touch of guilt for deserting him for so long. Gathering what was left of her fortitude, she slipped over to his side.

"Elizabeth." Her name had never sounded so much like a sigh of utter relief.

"Oh, Will, I've been looking for you everywhere." She took his hand in hers before turning to the woman. "Mrs. Joucard, how pleasant to see you!"

The petite woman smiled, nodding, and held out the cheese, kidnapped from some poor waiter. "Care for some cheese? It's positively the most wonderful thing I've tasted in years."

"No, thank you. Perhaps a bit later. I'd like to have the champagne settle first."

"Ah."

"Will, I wanted to show you this painting. It's positively charming." Elizabeth tightened her grasp on his arm, maneuvering him towards a quiet corner. "If you don't mind, Mrs. Joucard?"

Mrs. Joucard gave her consent and moved off to find another pitiable soul to try and barter her stomach churning cheese to. The waiter trailed behind her forlornly.

"That was not among the most pleasant experiences of my life." Will's voice was low in her ear but his amusement took no genius to detect. "Nor one of the most appetizing."

"And I suppose I'm to make it better?"

"Perhaps." He caught a waiter's eye and passed off the glass of wine.

A gentle correction from Elizabeth prevented Will from hiding near the orchestra pit. He looked to her for explanation. "We're still in her view."

And she was correct. Mrs. Joucard peered after them, the waiter at her elbow.

Elizabeth hesistated, unsure of where to proceed. Which painting might give them the most peace and quiet?

Will seemed to sense her indecision. "I take it you don't have a painting in mind, then?"

She fingered the stem of her glass. "Not exactly."

He chuckled. "Well, I like the look of that one there." He pointed to a large canvas on the wall ahead of them. The colors were muted but the concept intriguing.

"Of course. That was just it." Elizabeth knew exactly why he'd chosen that particular painting and it had nothing to do with art.

It was based solely on location. Tucked behind a massive statue, it provided a bit of solace from the buzz of voices. Will had never cared much for large crowds, nor grand parties.

"Excellent." He smiled broadly.

They arrived without consequence and, feigning the interest of two passionate art lovers, they stared up at the oiled canvas.

After a long moment had passed Will spoke. "You know, those black lines there," he directed her attention to the high right side of the painting. "They almost look like a Ferris Wheel."