The Victoria Era

Chatting in the Garden

On my way home, I had come across a bookstore with some interesting characters. A woman named Anastasia ran the little shop and it seemed she was hiring a rather loud woman named Lili. I had picked up an interesting-looking Italian book. I meandered to the garden where I usually went to enjoy a new book when a familiar voice broke through the thick Italian words. "Why, hello, Miss Clarissa!" Sebastian got up from his seat on a bench. How bowed then handed me a beautiful rose. "Such a pleasure to see you again!"
The rose aroused a blush into my cheeks the color of it's petals. "Good day sir and I am honored buy your token. How goes it?" I curtsied.
"Pretty well, I'm very excited for the ball. And you?" He said taking a seat again.
"Ah, as am I! I cannot believe it is tonight! Time has gone so hastily!" I said taking a seat next to him.
"That it has, I really have not prepared myself." He laughed nervously pushing his hair back into place that had been ruffled by the wind, "I am quite nervous to be around so many people at once, I am not accustomed to it..."
I smelled the rose happily. "Trust me, if you are not swarmed by women you will be bombarded with laughter and jolly times! Have you ever been to a ball before, sir?"
"No, I have never been to one. That is what has me so worried. So, have you found a bachelor to escort you to the ball?" He said smoothly.
I blushed and looked down to the rose "No, I have not but I will not let that hold me back from having a good time." I gave a sad smile.
"I'm sorry to hear that, was there a man you wished to go with?" He looked me dead in the eye and my heart started to beat fast.
I blushed deeper and continued staring at the rose. "There were two I was hoping but it turned to a mere child's fantasy for these men are very prestigious and would not glance at me a second time for a ball."
"Don't fret." His thin finger brushed back the hard that had fallen loose and covered my face. "I feel the same, but we will be alright. We always have each other if our loves do not come around." His words were like a sweet poison. Although I knew he meant well, his obliviousness was infuriating.
I blushed and gave him a sad smiling wishing he had gotten what I was implying. I looked to the rose again unable to stand looking into his eyes any more "Where did you get such a flower? It is the most lovely one I have ever seen!"
"Oh, thank you. I actually grow them in my garden. Just another thing to help pass the time." He smiled warmly which melted my heart a little.
"You garden?! How lovely! I grow many herbs and plants of use. I also grow my own strawberries as they are a rare delicacy." I exclaimed despite the sadness I had just felt. Ever so discreetly, I inched closer to him.
"Oh my strawberries. It has been quite some time since I've tasted a strawberry…" He said with a dreamy quality in his voice.
"Well you're in luck! My strawberries are just starting to ripen to a velvety red! I will bring you one as soon as they are succulent." I smiled.
"You would do that for me? Thank you dearly Miss Clarissa, that sounds lovely!" He said with that same bright smile.
I returned the smile. "It would be my pleasure to bring you such a treat. I wonder what foods they will have at the ball. I'm sure it will be divine!"
"I can only imagine it will be very lovely. The variety must be enormous, I bet it will be hard to supply the entire town of Wilkskin though."
"Yes, I shared the same thought but Mr. Wilksin is a very rich man. He seems to have infinite money! It is useful for the large economy of Wilksin." I said matter-of-factly.
Before Sebastian could reply, I heard the fast steps of a running man. Nathaniel shot around the corner and nearly ran passed us. "Clarissa!" He said breathless and through his labored pants he said, "D-do you...have...a moment?"
My eyes were wide and I stuttered a little as I said, "Would you excuse me for a moment, Sebastian?" I stood and bowed my head in Sebastian's direction before being led off by Nathaniel. I stopped him near the Grace Garden Gates and said worriedly, "Everything alright, Nathaniel? You are out of breath! Rest for a moment!"
Fear suddenly glowed in his eyes and flustered he spoke quickly, "O-oh my! What have I done?! What was I thinking? I'm terribly sorry Clarissa! I've come unprepared, I should have thought this through!"
I grabbed his shaking hands and looked him in the eye "Nathaniel, calm yourself! What is the matter? Why are you trembling?" I laughed a little at his terrified mouse expression.
"'m sorry Clarissa, I had to make sure I got here on time. I was a fool, I should have asked you this sooner but I was afraid. Clarissa Grace, will you give me the honor of escorting you to the ball this evening?" He smiled at me hopefully while his hands trembled in mine.
I squeezed his hands and smiled wide, "Sir, I am honored to have such a fine gentleman escort me to such a gala!" I leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, blushing.
He turned bright red. "Clarissa, you've made me the happiest man alive at this moment. So, when should I meet you?"
"Clarissa, you've made me the happiest man alive at this moment. So, when should I meet you?" My smile did not fade a millimeter.
Suddenly a boy, not too old, stumbled in. I recognized him immediately as Henrietta's loyal brother. "Oh! Beg your pardon!" He said trying to regain his balance.
"Do not worry." I said releasing Nathaniel's hands.
"It's about my sister, Miss Grace. Henrietta!" He yelled.