I wake up to beautiful sunlight streaming through my window, but to my
surprise, the light is blue rather than yellow. I glance out to the street and
notice that the road, houses, trees and all have been covered with a thick
layer of small white snowflakes. It looks to me like Christmas may have come
early.
I get dressed, with the help of my maid Catherine, and go down stairs.
This is when I realise why my mother had not come in to pester me to wake up
and get ready; she is talking to Michael. I am at a loss as to why he is here.
I walk down to the parlour, where they are situated, and greet Michael with a
pleasant smile.
“Oh darling, there you are! Michael has just come over to ask if you
would like to attend the ballet with him this evening. Isn’t that a lovely
thought? I am sure you will have no trouble in finding something to wear as we
are going to the fitters very soon and will be able to pick up that new dress
you ordered.”
“Well that is very kind of you to ask Michael, however we have a prior
engagement. We are having dinner at the Winchester’s
tonight for their son has recently been away to visit his cousin and we are
celebrating his return. Also I believe that father would not approve of the
outing as he has banned me from going to any theatre events with anyone other
than family. I am, however, very honoured by your proposal. Maybe another
time.” I smile innocently and see that Michael seems both insulted and
relieved. His mother must have put him up
to this. Mother on the other hand looks outraged.
“Oh, Elizabeth, I am sure your father could make an exception when such
a marvellous and rare offer has been made. We may see the Winchesters another
time and you will be able to talk to Lewis tomorrow night at the ball. I can
make the apology for your absence and explain the situation. And anyway, you
would love the ballet. I really think you should go.”
“Ms Elliot, please. If Miss Elliot has a prior engagement then I have no
wish to interrupt. On the contrary, I would much rather that she attend her
dinner and send my regards. I will have the pleasure of seeing your daughter
tomorrow night.” Michael, having said something, shocks my mother into silence.
“You… You would?” she stammers.
“I would.” replies Michael.
“Oh… Well in that case I am afraid that Elizabeth and I really must be
off to the fitters. We have an appointment and mustn’t be late. Elizabeth, I
will just grab my coat. Do you want me to get yours for you?”
“Yes, thank you mother.” I reply.
As mother leaves I walk over to Michael. “Going to take one of your harlots
to the ballet instead are you?”
“Elizabeth, just because you have never participated in anything fun
does not mean that the remainder of the world has to be chaste. If you knew the
women that I surround myself with, you yourself may want to be one of them.”
“I can assure you that there is nothing about the girls you surround
yourself with that appeals to me in any way. And I am sure that I would never
fit. You would probably remove me.”
“Persephone, you are a very beautiful girl.” Michael’s knowledge of
Greek Mythology surprises me. “Let us be honest. You have the figure every girl
desires, your face is very pretty, and you have a flowing river of deep brown
hair. You would not do so bad as a ‘harlot’ as you call them yourself” I am so
astonished I can hardly speak, how can he be so crude?
“Men do not approach you due to your infamous reputation. Then again
there is that of your mother’s reputation which also sends them away. Half the
men are afraid that your mother may think that they are going to ruin your
reputation and thus they will be tortured and lectured to and still not have
anything to show for it, and the other half think that there is no way that you
will be interested in having any fun.”
Michael walks closer to me, takes my hand and kisses it. The kiss is one
that suggests passion. I can feel my glove being sucked away from my skin. And
then it is over. Far too short to be considered a respectable goodbye. Then
Michael is gone and I am left standing alone in the parlour and feeling very
confused. Does he like me or is he just
teasing?
Mother comes back in and herds me out the door, on our way to the
fitters.
***
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