So I've been trying to be less of a perfectionist and just give you the chapter as it was (Unless if it needs to be totally revamped). I hope you enjoy it. Just a heads up, this is where things get really romancy and cute, probably so cute you could barf rainbows. Any way, here it is. Please Review.
The next few weeks I didn't see much of Randulf, and if I did it was in passing. I did however; see quite a bit of Catherine and Lydia. Every time I saw them, they would snicker and make faces at me. Even though I wanted to chew them out I didn't say a word. But I would rather see the terrible two than having to speak with Randulf. Ever since the incident in the dress shop, people had been talking about me more than usual. And the talk wasn't good. I didn't know how Randulf would feel about my actions, and I was afraid to find out.
I was sitting at the breakfast table as Charlotte burst into the dining room. "We've received an invitation!" Charlotte exclaimed, flailing the letter around. "Well read it." Father said. Charlotte sat down and opened the envelope in her own sweet time just to annoy me. She unfolded it and her eyes grew wide. "Who is it from?" I asked, trying not to show how much I was interested. "It's from a young man called Randulf Dunst." Charlotte said slyly, clearly amused. I couldn't believe it. "Do you think that he invited me by mistake?" I asked her. "It is written by him personally, at least I believe so." Charlotte said, shoving the letter towards me. I saw his sloping handwriting on the parchment, and I knew he had sent this letter personally. When we sent out invitations Charlotte usually wrote all of them, it was just easier that way. "It gives me something to do instead of sitting around drinking tea like some old lady." Charlotte explained once. I looked again at the letter and read it.
Dearest Elinor Penvellyn,
Mr and Mrs Matthew Dunst and Randulf Dunst requests the pleasure of your company on Saturday September 21st, 1627. You are cordially invited to the Dunst Ball, it would be most appreciated if you would attend. Please arrive at 12 Ramsey Avenue by 7 o'clock sharp.
Sincerely,
Randulf Dunst
I handed the letter back to Charlotte. "What a lovely invite." Charlotte stated. She glanced over at me "Well, are you going to attend his ball?" she asked, eyebrows raised. I pushed my oatmeal around in the bowl. "I'm not sure." "What do you mean you're not sure?" she said in disbelief. "He probably doesn't want to be seen with a girl who acts so unladylike." I said. Father reached across the table to grasp my hand. "If he had invited you to his ball, he doesn't care about that incident." He assured me. "So then, are you going to attend?" Charlotte asked again. If I went, and Randulf didn't want me there then my night would be miserable. "Please say yes Elinor, you'll never know unless if you go. If he still considers a relationship with you worth his time then you will regret not going." Charlotte pleaded. "You are right Charlotte. I will go." I said. Charlotte squealed and clapped her hands. "You won't regret this." She said, grasping my hands. I hopped she was right.
The next day Charlotte insisted that we got a new dress for the party. We got up early because Charlotte said that she was taking us to a special store. I thought it was because she didn't want to run into Miss Baker and Miss Collins, but I found it was for a very special reason. "Where are we going Charlotte?" I asked, as we walked down the hall. "To my room, I have to get a few things before we go." She replied. We went into Charlotte's room, and on her bed was an array of dresses. "What is this about?" I asked. Charlotte gave me a childish grin. "These are just a few dresses that I don't need anymore. You can pick anyone that you like." She said passively. "Charlotte, you don't have to do this." I said. "Like I said, I don't need them any more. They're useless to me now. Take your pick." she restated. I fingered each dress, contemplating the one I would pick. They were all so beautiful, nothing that I would have ever asked my father for. There was a beautiful red dress made of satin. It laced up at the bodice, which had a deep neck and long sleeves that would fall down my shoulders "It's very beautiful." I breathed. "It would look very lovely on you." Charlotte agreed. "I could help you do your hair." She offered. I embraced Charlotte in a tight hug. "Thank you Charlotte. I'm sorry that I got so upset with you for trying to make me see what I had done wrong." "I know Elinor; I understand how you feel about those two girls. Frankly I don't like them either." She replied. I let go of her to admire the dress again. "You know you still have to apologize to your father." "I know, I know, I just don't know how to say it." I sighed. Charlotte nodded. "Maybe this experience will teach you to hold your tongue." Charlotte said.
I was in town, looking for Hedwig. I wanted to ask her if there was some sort of charm she could gave me for good luck. I found her stall in its normal place. "Hello Miss Penvellyn." Hedwig said cheerfully. "Good morning Hedwig, how is the flower shop today?" I asked. "I've had quite a few customers today." She said happily. I shifted onto the other foot. "Hedwig, I was wondering if you had something like a charm for good luck." I asked, a bit embarrassed to ask for such a thing. Hedwig smiled, nodded and produced a rose with baby's breath and clover wound around it. "It will bring good luck in whatever situation you need it to." Hedwig said. "Romance included." Hedwig added with a wink. I blushed "How did you know?" "Oh, just a few things I've heard here and there about a certain young Mr Dunst going for supper at your manor, and inviting you to the party at his house on Saturday." Hedwig said. "Are you sure that your powers aren't just the powers of gossip." I mocked. Hedwig smiled in amusement "You wear that charm that I gave you, and you see if my powers are nothing but gossip." Hedwig told me. "Thank you Hedwig, I will!" I said as I left her stand.
It was a nice fall day, so I had walked to town. I went back through the village and admired the red and gold that splashed across the frosty blue sky. It was good to feel the fresh wind chill me slightly, it cleared my head a bit and made me feel awake. I suddenly noticed a very familiar sign. It was a bit worn and the wood had a reddish tinge. In a bright white paint it read Dunst and Sons Books. I hadn't even meant it but I was passing by Randulf's shop. I had often passed by his shop and seen him manning the front, smiling and taking care of customers. He was there again today. I wanted to go in, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to do that just yet.
I had walked a few stores down when I heard someone yelling my name. I turned around to see Randulf running down the street towards me. I almost turned and ran the other way, but I stood my ground. "Elinor!" he exclaimed. At least he was smiling. "Elinor did you receive my invitation?" he asked, breathlessly. "Yes I did." I answered. "Good, are you coming then?" he asked his eyes searching my face for some kind of answer. I swallowed hard "Yes, have you not yet received my letter of acceptance?" I asked. Randulf smiled. "So then I will see you on Saturday?" he questioned. I nodded "My tutor Charlotte let me have one of her dresses." I replied. Randulf's smile widened, and he couldn't stop grinning. "That is very good. I can't wait to see you there." He said. He stood there smiling for a while. "I should go back to the shop." Randulf said. He was about to leave when I grabbed his arm. "You heard of what happened between Miss Baker, Miss Collins and I?" I asked, afraid of what Randulf would say. Randulf turned, a bit nervously. "Yes, I did." He said softly. I looked down at the cobblestone street. "And to be honest, I don't like them. Perhaps what you said to Catherine wasn't the best, but she needed it." Randulf said, a bit of anger in his voice. "So you're not ashamed to be seen with a girl like me." "Not at all. Someone has to stand up to people like Miss Baker and Miss Collins, and I'm glad that you're the kind to do it." Randulf assured me. I breathed a sigh of relief. "I am glad that you're not like most of the people in this town." I said. Randulf was smiling again. "Well, I'm glad you're coming." He said. I smiled at him, and his smile widened farther than I thought possible. "Well, I really should go back to the shop. My father need's me there." Randulf said. "Oh of course." "You will be able to meet my father at the party. Good day Elinor." He waved. "Good day Randulf!" I waved back. Randulf slowly turned away, keeping his eyes on me as long as he could, and then ran back to his father's shop. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much, and I walked back to the manor.
During the days that passed, Charlotte focused completely on proper etiquette. She even skipped a history lesson or two, much to my dismay. We hadn't covered the topic for quite some time, and Charlotte though that after my recent outburst I should brush up on the subject. It was hours upon hours of how to eat, how to dance, how to talk, how to laugh. It was positively maddening. "And when you laugh, it must be lighter than air, but not too shrill." She said. "Charlotte,' I sighed 'why does it matter how I laugh?" "It is very important, every bit of your appearance and personality is important. " Charlotte said, not believing what she was hearing. "Charlotte, Randulf isn't going to care how I laugh." I told her. "But everyone else will. Elinor, your family is respected, but not accepted. I know you've made some mistakes, but I really want them to like you. You must make a good impression on these people." she reasoned. "Randulf doesn't care what the others think, he likes me because I'm different." I defended. "You'd be surprised what talk can do to a man's decisions. It's ruined many a relationship. You can't just do what ever you please Elinor, you do have a reputation to uphold." Charlotte reminded me. I sighed "But Charlotte -" she placed a finger on my lips "No buts Elinor. Please, just do as I say, it's for your own good." she said softly. "Okay." I sighed. "Alright, let's go back to our lessons! Time for balance tests!"
It was the night of Randulf's party. I had arrived a tad late because Charlotte insisted she must curl my hair. I stood in the door way of Randulf's ballroom, and I wasn't sure if I could do this. I hadn't gone to a ball in so long, I wasn't sure if I would remember how to act. I fiddled with the string of pearls around my neck. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, which made me even more nervous. Then I saw a flash of flamed hair in the crowds, and I gave a deep sigh. Randulf, at least he was here. He was the only person whose opinion mattered; he was the only company I cared to have in this stuffy place. Lifting up my skirts I toddled after him, teetering on my high heels. "Randulf, Ran!" I called out to him. Only when I called his shortened name did he turn around. And when he did, a smile brighter than all the candles in the room leapt up to greet me. "Elinor, how very good to see you!" he exclaimed, rushing over to my side. "I had feared you were not coming." He said. "You ought to know me better than that Ran. I am a lady of my word, and I promised you I would come." I chided mockingly. "I know Elinor, but one cannot help but worry when-" he stopped in mid-sentence. "Have you had a drink yet? Miss Plumber made a beautiful cake to go along with our mixed berry wine." He said, switching the topic. I believe that he was going to say that he was partial to me, therefor he felt insecure about my lateness that evening. It wasn't too hard to tell what Randulf was thinking, he was an open book. "No I haven't, but I am parched, and you know I never tire of sweets." I said, playing along with him. "Come then, you must have some, it is excellent." He said, leading me through the throngs of people to the refreshment table. "I understand you would like some cake and perhaps a sip or two of wine?" Randulf asked, to confirm my request. I nodded and he replaced a sizable slice of cake, and a glass of wine, topped to the brim. Grabbing something for himself we found a place to sit down and enjoy our food. The very first bite of cake was heavenly. Then I tried the wine. I had expected it to taste very much like the wine that I had when Randulf came over to my home. Though it wasn't, the taste was much sweeter and it did not leave a bitter taste in your mouth. "How do you like it?" Randulf asked. I put on the gravest look I could, and stared deep into his eyes. "I fear I will never be the same again, it was wonderful." I said, using Randulf's own joke. Ran laughed heartily at my imitation of him. "Masterfully done, what genius taught you that trick?" "Oh, some handsome young rouge that plucked me out of the street, saving me from an oncoming cabby." I giggled. Randulf stopped laughing as he registered my comment, and I wondered if it was just the lighting in the room or if that really was a blush I saw painting his cheeks. Then bringing back his calm demeanor he asked "Do you really think I'm handsome?" I was unable to respond right away, a look of panic was surely plastered on my face. "Oh yes Ran, as handsome as an ox." I said, laughing a bit so he would know I was making a joke. Or at least trying to. Randulf laughed again, which calmed my nerves.
"Hello Randulf my son." Randulf's father said, as he walked up to us. His father had a thick unruly mop of stark whit hair atop his head and thin spectacles were perched on the bridge of his nose. He smiled at his son, a warm and friendly smile. I liked him already. "Who is this young lady?" He asked, giving me a quizzical look. "Father this is Elinor Pevellyn, the young lady that I was telling you about." Randulf said, putting his hand on my arm. "Oh, It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Penvellyn." Randulf's father said, bowing to me. "Are you enjoying yourself Miss Penvellyn?" He asked. "Yes Mr Dunst, I am enjoying myself very much!" I exclaimed. "Where is mother?" Randulf asked. His father shrugged. " Oh, she's around here somewhere." I saw Randulf's father give him a sly wink "I'm sure you don't want an old duffer like me hanging around, so I'll leave you two now." He said, and excused himself. "Well, now you've met my father.' Randulf said 'Perhaps now you'd like to- "Oh Randulf!" a voice interrupted. "You look simply smashing in that suit. And don't you think I look equally as stunning in my new party dress?" A girl I did not recognize asked Randulf, swaying gently in her blush coloured dress. She was blonde, she was beautiful, and I hoped that Randulf wasn't interested in her. Randulf gave a small nod in response. As if she hadn't noticed me until now, the girl turned to me and then looked back at Randulf, very perplexed. "Who is this young lady?" she asked, perhaps feeling a bit threatened by me, which was fine. "Oh she's a friend of mine. Elinor Penvellyn of Blackmoor Manor." He replied. The girl stiffened, clearly perturbed by our closeness. "Well my dance card is free, I was wondering if you would want the next dance?" she boldly asked. "Oh, I'm sorry Elizabeth, but I was about to ask Elinor to dance with me before you so rudely interrupted." Randulf replied, venom carefully laced in his words. The girl took this comment almost as if she had been stabbed with a knife. "I see." She breathed, turned on her heel and, much to my joy, walked away. Randulf turned to me, a grin one only gave after one had been through a great ordeal. "That was Elizabeth, one of the girls who believes that I am hers alone. Thanks to you, I was able to reject her offer." He said happily. My smile that had grown during Elizabeth's rejection faded. "You mean you aren't going to ask me to dance with you?" "Oh Elinor, did you think that is what I'm getting at? I would never make up such a horrendous lie. Of course I'm asking you to dance with me." Randulf said, sounding a bit hurt that I had doubted him. He swept me a low bow, and I suppressed a giggle, although a blush worked its way to my cheeks, "Will you dance with me Miss Penvellyn" he asked in a sultry voice. I gave him an over exaggerated curtsy. "Of course Mr Dunst."
He took my hand and led me over to the ballroom floor. The orchestra was playing a slow Waltz. Randulf's decision to ask me to dance during this song was certainly deliberate. Randulf leaned towards my ear and whispered, "Can you Waltz?" "Of course, can't you?" I whispered back. "I'm afraid not very well. I suppose I should have warned you." He laughed quietly. "Not everyone is good at everything." I assured him. As it turned out, Randulf was not as bad a dancer as he presumed. Although, it could have been the fact that this was the closest I had ever been to him before. Or that the warm, secure feeling I got from his hand gently resting on my back was one of the best things I had ever felt in my lifetime. Dancing with Randulf, the lilting music playing at the edge of my consciousness was pulling me into a place I wouldn't be afraid to fall back into again. By the slowly burning passion behind his caramel brown eyes, I could tell he felt the same way too. It was one of those moments you knew you were in, but didn't feel like you really were. When the song ended we both hesitated before stopping. We made our way off the dance floor, despite my wish to dance forever. For the first time that night, I forgot the gaggle of women whispering rumors about everyone, or the condescending men, or the boys eying every girl like a prized race horse. "Why don't we go outside for some air, I'm sure you must be rather tiered." Randulf suggested. I was quick to agree. Dancing wasn't some great feat, until you were wearing a squeezing corset and layers upon layers of dress. Randulf took me out to his gardens. At night, something so real and unexciting became mysterious and other worldly. Sitting in a stone bench with Randulf, breathing in the flowered air, was just as enchanting as twirling around in the ballroom. "It's a fantastic night, isn't it?" he asked. "Yes it is. I don't believe I've ever had so much fun at a ball before." I stated. "What stopped you?" "Oh, I suppose it was because I thought people were judging me all the time. And because I didn't have any friends." I answered. "Well, now you have me." Randulf grinned down at me.
I wanted him to kiss me at that very moment. I had been in love with a few boys before him, but never like this. Never had I felt so accepted by someone who was not in my family. That is why I felt such a strong pull towards those sweet lips underneath the full moon that night. Realizing I was staring I looked away, flicking my eyes to meet his again. When I met his eyes, I knew he knew what I wanted, but I couldn't tell if he felt the same way. "Elinor, do you think it's wrong to feel like you know someone so well that you think you're in love with them, even though you've barely known them more than a month?" Randulf asked, never breaking eye contact. My heart skipped a few beats. "I think it's possible, why?" I asked, eager and afraid for his answer. "Because I think I love you." He breathed. "Oh." "You love me too, don't you Elinor?" "Yes." I answered my sentences short and clipped my mind barely able to construct words. He pulled me close in one swift, gentle movement, and my lips crashed upon the shore of his. The moment didn't last very long because I pulled away in embarrassment. Randulf turned away. "I'm sorry, that was all rather sudden wasn't it?" he laughed, running his fingers through his hair. " Just a little." I agreed. "But it wasn't a bad kind of sudden." I added, gazing up at him. Randulf turned and gave me a light smile. "I'm glad." The night ended in a few short breathless kisses and whispered good nights before we headed our separate ways.
When I entered the house, Charlotte came rushing at me, a flurry of questions. "How was your night? Did he dance with you, and if he did, how many times? Did he dance with anyone else? Did he express his undying love for you? What was Mary Picard wearing?!" I gave Charlotte a minute to catch her breath, before answering. "It was very good. Yes, only once. No, and yes." I smiled, as Charlotte gave a high pitched squeal of delight. "This,' she said, beginning to dance around me 'is the most exciting thing that has ever happened!" she paused for a moment. "Do you think- "That is quite enough Charlotte." My father laughed, as he entered the great hall. "I'm sure Elinor has enough to deal with, without you pestering her. I'm sure the whole town doesn't need to know that you are excited." Charlotte stopped dancing and clamped her mouth shut, though she couldn't stop giggling. Once Charlotte had calmed down from her ecstatic screaming I said "Oh and Mary Picard was wearing an atrocious dress that resembled the colour of regurgitation. Though I'm sure it wasn't noticed by anyone . Just Madeline Swift." Charlotte clapped her hands with glee, trying to refrain from screaming again. Throwing her arms to the sky she exclaimed, "All is right with the world!" and then skipped off to her room. Mary Picard was Charlotte's very annoying cousin. Madeline Swift was the town's biggest gossip.
With Charlotte gone it was father's turn to pose questions. "So Cherub how was your night?" he asked calmly. A smile beamed off my face. "It was wonderful." That was the only thing I needed to say, and he knew what had transpired. "That kind of wonderful, was it? That's the best kind of wonderful." He smiled. I nodded in agreement. "Do you think you'll be seeing him again anytime soon?" "Hopefully, I don't think that Ran would make me wait too long, he wouldn't want to make me doubt him." I said. Father gave me a mischievous look. "Ran, is it?" I blushed "Yes, Ran." It was quite a big thing to be able to call someone by a short form. "I am very happy for you, Cherub. I understand how you feel. Just remember not to get too carried away." Father reminded, always one to throw in a gentle guidance. "I won't father." I assured him. He knew that he didn't have to worry about me, but he always made sure I was informed. I loved my father, he understood me so well, and he was the best father I could ever wish for. " Father, I'm sorry for the way I've been acting towards you and Charlotte." I said softy. Father put his hand on my shoulder " I have already forgiven you, but thank you for your apology. Now up to bed with you, it is very late. We both know Charlotte will be burning with questions at the crack of dawn." Father said, a smile playing on his face. "That is our dear Charlotte." I laughed. "Good night father." I said, placing a kiss on his bearded cheek. I ran up the stairs to my bedroom, quite happy for the day to be done on such a positive note, and eager for Randulf to call on me.
I didn't have to wait that long. I was sitting in the Great room on the sofa reading some of Josephus' poems, when I heard a knock at the door. I went and opened it. "Hello Elinor." Randulf said. Because of my shock, I almost shut the door in his face. "What are you doing here?" I asked, a nervous blush crawling to my cheeks. "I'm here to ask you if you would like to join me on a picnic this afternoon." Randulf asked. "Well I- "Randulf lad, how are you?" My father exclaimed. I turned to him and scowled. Getting my point he said, "And what are you doing here, at such an hour?" "I am fine, thank you Mr Penvellyn. And I was here to ask Elinor if she would like to join me for a picnic this afternoon." Randulf informed my father. "Oh, a picnic, how nice. What is the occasion?" Father asked, pretending to be oblivious. A bit of red appeared on Randulf's cheeks. "I'd just like to know what your intentions are with my daughter?" he added, steeping closer to Ran. Randulf looked over at me, and then back at my father. "This may seem a bit premature, but I have a mind to court your daughter." "Have a mind to?" Father questioned, an eyebrow raised. "I want to court your daughter." Randulf said his voice firm and determined. Father smiled, "Elinor, how about you go on this picnic that Randulf has offered." I smiled, "If you say so father." "Would you like to go now, if you need to get dressed into something else you may." Randulf offered. "That is a novel idea." I said, and then went up to my room. I changed into something more appropriate for a picnic. I came downstairs and father and Ran were engaged in a game of checkers. "Are we going to go for that picnic or are you too engrossed in your game?" I mocked, looking over Randulf's shoulder. "No, I'm ready." He said. "That is because he's winning." Father whispered. Randulf laughed at himself, and we laughed with him. He bowed to my father and then followed out the door.
We walked for half an hour to a little meadow, and sat down beside a stream. He fluffed out a blanked and spread out a wide selection of food. He had brought a turkey, a few vegetables and potatoes. For dessert, vanilla cake. All topped off with a bottle of Champagne. We sat there talking about this, laughing about that, and making grass crowns. Overall, it was a very nice afternoon. "Did you enjoy the food?" he asked. "It was absolutely delicious. But personally, I enjoyed the company more than I did the food." I answered shyly. "So did I." Randulf smiled. We took the long way home so we could have more time to talk When I reached home, Randulf gave a kiss to my cheek and wished me a good day. When I came in, no one was there at the door to fling questions at me. Charlotte had gone to visit her family for a while. I knew that when I told her she would be depressed that she had missed this.
Yup, there it is. Well I hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to review, it'll really help me out with my writing.