Chapter 2
James had been working for Grayling and Smythe for several months, and had very good prospects of emotion. He had perfected the art of small talk and wit, and had managed to secure an invitation to the company's Christmas ball. This would be the perfect opportunity to meet the right people and make desirable contacts.
The night approached all too slowly for James, but at last it arrived. He dressed himself up in his best suit and headed out for the ball. The only thing that might scupper his chances of promotion was the lack of a lady on his arm. Nevertheless, he felt the party would go very well.
Arriving at the ball he talked and mingled with the people he needed to. But then, he spotted Mr Grayling arrive. Breaking off his conversation with the honourable Justice Fairweather, he made his way over to the distinguished gentleman in charge of the company.
"Mr Grayling, what a charming bandelier you are wearing." James complemented.
"Why thank you…." Mr Grayling paused, waiting for James to introduce himself.
"James Matthews- Barringer. I am a solicitor for your company, sir. "
"Ah, yes. I have heard of you. Quite an up and coming young man, I've been told. May I introduce you to my daughter, Miss Catherine Grayling."
For the first time James took note of the young lady who came in with Mr Grayling. She was radiant. She was wearing a manteau style dress, which was at the height of fashion. Her brown hair was piled up on top of her head, with fetching curls allowed loose, framing her heart shaped face. She had piercing blue eyes, and full lips. Her simple beauty enchanted James.
"Miss Grayling," He reached for her petite hand and kissed it gently.
"Mr Barringer," she replied in a voice that was soft as a breeze, with a musical lilt to it, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Why don't you two go and dance." Mr Grayling suggested, most likely thinking that James would make a good heir to Grayling's half of the company.
James and Catherine headed to the throng of couples who were currently waltzing. James couldn't have been happier to have such a handsome woman in his arms and to be leading her around the dance floor. This was the best moment in his life and he knew instantly that this would be the woman he would marry.
"Catherine, you are so wonderful!" James whispered in her ear, "I would like to see you again." Catherine did not answer him. Unfortunately for James, she was only dancing with him because her father told her to. In reality, she was in love with one Arthur Darling. While Arthur was not as good at small talk as James, he was caring and tried his best. She also knew that he would love her more than James. The man dancing with her was only interested, Catherine suspected, because of her father. Mr Darling was a banker and Catherine doted on him.
*
At the end of the evening James said goodnight to Catherine, and left her with her father.
"James would make a fine husband for any woman." Mr Grayling said to his daughter. He did not approve of Arthur; he seemed so incompetent. James, on the other hand, was fashionable, polite, witty and clever. He was also a gentleman.
"I'm sure he would." Catherine said shortly.
"Good." Mr Grayling replied, choosing to ignore his daughter's obvious objection. "We will invite him to dinner." Catherine sighed. If only Arthur could win over her father.