The Victoria Era

A Walk in the Town

Raven and I cheerfully strolled down the street. "Oh joy! I am so happy for the ball! I cannot wait any longer!" Raven chirped.
"Good morning Madam!" A blonde boy approached us with a smile and a bow. "My name is Nathaniel."
Raven and I curtsied with smiles. "Hello, I am Raven. Are you going to the ball?"
"I think I will, me and my brother are always ready to meet new people." He said with a broad smile.
"Good morning, sir. I am Clarissa." I said snapping out of my daze. He smiled at me and I returned it gladly.
"Amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing you there!" She sat down next to Nathaniel. "What are you wearing to the ball?"
"Me or this lovely gentlemen?" I said looking at Nathaniel.
"Why don't you sit down?" Raven said smiling at me like she knew. I smiled with a slight blush as Raven moved allowing me to sit next to Nathaniel.
"How long have you been in Wilksin? I do not believe I have seen you before in town. And, Raven," I smiled at Nathaniel. "I am wearing a classic white ball gown with a purple sash. What of your dress?"
"I've only been in Wilksin a few months. I've invited my brother, Derek, to come here from his home in Bylyn."
"A jade green dress with a emerald sash with a yellow bow. I can hardly wait!" Raven said quietly.
"Bylyn! That is a very impressive place for your brother to be spending his time! I have heard many good things from there." I exclaimed. "That sounds really lovely, Raven. And, oh, how you have made my brother so happy. He could hardly sit down after you said yes. I do appreciate you healing his heart like this."
"Yes, I must say my brother has had a great deal of good fortune. I used to live him there and I must say a miss him dearly. I'd become very much accustomed to his company." Nathaniel looked to Raven "So, you are going with Miss Clarissa's brother? He sound like a good-hearted man having shared blood with Miss Clarissa." He said looking me in the eyes.
I blushed a deep red, "Oh sir you are to kind and," I looked to Raven, "my brother is a very noble sir. I am sorry to hear of your brother as I am going through a similar pain with my sister. She was the kindest soul I have ever met and now she moves to London and leaves me here in Wilksin." I turned my face and wiped tears from my eyes. "My apologies, I still have a heavy heart from her leaving."
Nathaniel pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to me. "Please don't cry, I hate to see someone so beautiful upset."
I took it gratefully and dried my eyes. "Thank you, kind sir. I promise to return it at the ball."
"Don't let trouble your mind if you forget to return it, it's not a very big deal." He said kindly.
"Well it is to me." I said, gently folding the napkin in my lap and placed it carefully in my purse to wash. " I am very excited for the ball. It will be good to meet new people. It seems this town is filled with many lovely women and handsome gentlemen as of yourself."
"Why thank you ma'am!" He said seemingly bursting with happiness. "You are indeed a very lovely lady too."
"Haha, you flatter me so, sir. Surely, your wife would not be happy..." I said slyly.
"Oh, don't be so humble. " He laughed and smiled kindly. "I am not wed, I have not found a woman to tolerate me."
I gasped, "That's shocking! I am surprised, to be honest, that women do not swoon at your feet every where you travel."
"Ma'am you flatter me!" He blushed and said, "I cannot wait to meet you again very soon, but I must be on my way to meet Derek. I'm so excited to see him again I feel as though I might burst!"
"Oh it is a shame you must leave so soon but I will not hold you from your brother a moment longer." I said sadly but I stood and curtsied with a warm smile. "I will see you at least tomorrow night if not sooner. Wish your brother the best and I swear to have you handkerchief ready for use again. Good day, good sir Nathaniel."
"Good day to you as well!" He bowed and hurried off towards the train station.
I watched after him dreamily. I turned to Raven who wore a smug expression. "Oh, I am so sorry... I nearly forgot you were here! You are lucky you have a man taking you to such a ball. I am still bachelorless. Maybe fate will change for me though and I will meet someone there." We both laughed.