"Are you sure you don't want to come with us tonight?" Daphne, Eloise, Edwina, and myself were in the modern version of a drawing room, though the décor still was very mid-to-late Victorian. The Bridgerton boys had all taken off earlier that day, leaving to the ball ahead of time. Violet would be joining the girls soon; she was off getting ready somewhere, likely her room. Eloise was complaining about going more than me, but her family was forcing her. Funnily enough, Edwina wasn't prodding me to go this time. She asked me twice, and after I said "no" twice, she stopped. Huh. Very unusual for her but not an unwelcomed change. The ball was at this fancy place I couldn't care less to know. Everyone- save Edwina- was excited to go, while I was looking forward to an evening here alone. I'd spent many nights by myself since Edwina started going out with friends, and missed my alone time.
Daphne was busy checking her hair in the mirror, Edwina was trying on different shoes, and Eloise was laying on the sofa with the back of her wrist draped over her forehead dramatically. "Ugh, this is so pointless! I HATE these hoity-toity sess-pits you insist on dragging me into." Her sister shot her a displeased glare, spinning around from the mirror. "Oh stop whining. It's just for one night, and Mom wants you to go." "For what possible reason, I cannot begin to fathom," Eloise rolled her eyes, as did Daphne exasperated. She then turned to me, who was watching the scene from the safe distance of an armchair by the window.
"You'll be alright here by yourself?" "Oh yeah, I'll be fine. It'll be nice to have a quiet evening on my own," my hand waved as if to banish the idea. She nodded her head in understanding, reaching her hands back behind her neck to clip on a gold necklace. "Ok, well we should be back around midnight." "I'll probably be asleep by then. You'll have to tell me all about it in the morning," I flashed her a smile. She returned the gesture and that's when Violet came to pick everyone up. I waved goodbye, following them to the door to shut it. Once they were gone, I went straight to the kitchen to get myself a snack. Then I went back to Anthony's study to sit on the same sofa as before. Wrapping myself up in the same blanket I sat there, constantly moving my gaze from the fireplace to the window. A romantic sigh left my lips as my eyes fixed onto a cherry blossom tree outside. It branches lightly tapped on the panels of glass. I never did like going to dances, and I never pictured myself dancing with any man before…. Not since him….. Not since him. I gently shut my eyes.
"Happy birthday, Kate!" Applause erupted from around the room. With one big breath, I managed to blow out all my candles. Then I immediately smiled up at Daddy, who was standing my chair with both hands resting on its top. He beamed down at me with such pride, lowering his face nearer to mine. "Happy sixteen birthday, my darling," he kissed my cheek, making my grin grow extra wide.
More applause as the DJ called us out onto the dance floor. Daddy held my hand as he tenderly led me forward, positioning me in a waltz position once we were there. He took my hand in his while wrapping his other arm around my waist. My free hand reached up to rest on his shoulder, and we stared into each other's eyes- but not before I gave my twelve-year-old sister a quick loving glance. The music started and we began swaying to the beat. Daddy stared down at me with such pride, I thought my heart might explode.
His eyes lowered a tad. "Look at you, my little girl. You're growing up so fast. Heh, I don't remember giving you permission to do that; to become this charming, gorgeous young woman," he said and I giggled. "I'm sorry. I didn't know I needed to ask you first." His smile widened in its corners organically. "I'll forgive you this time, but just know that you're setting a horrible example for Edwina. Can't have both my girls grow up into such stunning ladies. Next thing you know, you'll want to move somewhere far away for university." "No Daddy, we'll never be far away. We'll always be close by," I reassured him, to which he smiled again.
"You know, you girls are the loves of my life. You made everything worth it; it was all worth it, Kate. I regret some of the major decisions in my life, but if it means that I'm here with you and Edwina now, then I wouldn't change a thing. My only hope is that you girls learn from my mistakes and do better than me- be better than me, Kate." My grin began to fade as I stared into his deep hazel eyes. "I can't be better than you, Daddy. You gave everything for Edwina and I; you are the best man, the best father that I know. You're the most selfless person I've ever met. Forget about being better than you; if I can be half the person you are, I'll consider it a win."
Daddy beheld me a moment before smiling greatly. He closed his eyes as his forehead came down to press against mine. I could hear him breathing ever so softly….. "You have no idea how precious you are, sweetheart. You are something else, something special….. I don't know what I did to deserve to be your dad; I'm so lucky….." "I love you, Daddy." His hand gave mine a tight squeeze. "I love you. Never forget that whoever might come along and learns to love you- regardless who they are, I loved you first." "I know, Daddy." "No matter what happens, there'll always be one man in the world who thinks the world of you. I love you, baby girl, and I'm so excited to see the strong, beautiful woman you'll grow into." "I hope you like her," I giggled and his eyes gently re-opened. "I know I'll like her. I can't wait to see where are you ten years from today."
I haven't danced with another man since that night, and it's going to take a real special, rare kind of man to bring me to my feet again.
