"Oh Lizzie, don't worry so! You know how to dance"
" Of course I do, but that's just us, at home. Myself, my sisters, and maybe papa when mother can coax him. This is real"
" Lizzie, it's a children's ball. You'll do fine"
Lizzie didn't even try to hide the extreme stress, she felt. Will wasn't used to this. Lizzie was the fun one, the life and soul, he was the worry wart.
"What if I forget the next move and look foolish. What if I trip in front of everyone? What if I turned the wrong way, or step on my partners toes?" Her panic was rising to alarming levels. Will moved fast to her. This was clearly going to be one of those times he wouldn't understand, but still had to navigate anyway. He placed his hands upon her shoulders, keeping her from turning this way, and that.
"Breathe, Lizzie, breathe. It'll be alright."
It broke him a little to see the tears in her eyes "How about this?" he took a fortifying breath. " how about you and I go through some of the dances? Just tonight, for practice"
She sniffed a little, looking up at him with wide watery eyes. It was times like this that he became acutely aware of just how young she was. 8 years old and already worried about what society thought of her. Alright, it was the society of children but still. He felt no such pressure at this age. He paused briefly to wonder if it was a Lizzie thing, or actually a wider female issue. Do all girls feel such pressure so young?
" You'll…. You'll stand with me, Will?" The wobble of uncertainty in her voice made him realise that he'd never be able to refuse her a dance. As much as he hated the ballroom, he would do all he needed to do to get his friends confidence back, even if it meant standing with her every single night.
Dropping his arms, he stood before her "Miss Lizzy" he bowed deeply " may I have the pleasure of your company for this dance" he warmed at the smile that broke out across her face.
"Why yes sir, you may" the effect was lost somewhat, as she let out an unexpected giggle.
"Hmmmm, we'll have to imagine the other dancers…. and the music" he smiled apologetically.
" I can do this!" She nodded firmly.
" Of course, you can just follow my lead for timings"
Will never realised he could be so relaxed while dancing. And Lizzie was marvelous. Her mother had clearly taught her well. After three reels in quick succession, the two were exhausted.
"Thank you Will, this was wonderful" she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him joyfully.
"The pleasure was all mine, Lizzie. I had fun. I normally hate to dance, but I genuinely enjoyed myself"
"Oh Will! But it's so fun, how could you ever hate it?" She puzzled.
"It's different for me. We practice with the finishing school down the road. All the girls, they just giggle and flirt. And everyone is watching to see if I show any one girl special attention" Lizzie looked confused " I am 15, Lizzie. And an heir to a large fortune. I'm nowhere near looking for marriage yet, but people still watch. My family connections would be useful for many" He hated the cold facts of his life.
"Well" Lizzie cut through his melancholy "dancing is supposed to be fun. So any time you want to just laugh and dance, just ask me" She beamed up at him. "And I promise you won't have to marry me after" she let out a hearty laugh.