The Victoria Era

The Ball

The streets were empty and so were the houses for every person of Wilksin was in the line at the Wilksin Manor. The music could be heard fro miles around and the mansion itself was lit brighter than the sun. Never had so many gay faces been seen in one place at a time! The ball had begun and everyone was already there. At 9:30, the real party would start as Mr. Wilksin would give his speech then everyone would go on as they will. Now, it was 8:45 and people are already streaming in though the party start at 9!
A knock startled me out of daze. I stood and adjusted one last purple bow. I was wearing a classic white dress with ornate yet simple black designs and the purple   ribbon I had bought fit perfectly. I opened the door and there was a grinning Nathaniel in a handsome brown suit and top hat. "Wow, Nathaniel, you look amazing! You are even handsomer than I imagined." I said with a gentle smile.
He was momentarily lost for words as he stared at me." I didn't believe it possible for man to comprehend beauty such as you display now, it seems as though you have proved me wrong." He said taking my hand. "Your chariot awaits..."
I blushed intensely and took his hand gladly. "Sir, you are to kind too flatter me so..."
He led me towards an elegant carriage that was led by two jet black steeds. The carriage itself was a beautiful white with a good trim. He looked at my awed gaze. "What can i say? I have good connections."
Derek turned to wave at us from the seat at the front of the carriage holding a whip in one hand. "Good evening Miss Clarissa!" He flashed a warm smile as Nathaniel opened the carriage door.
"Shall we?" He offered his other hand so I could mount the carriage.
"You must be the famous Derek! I cannot wait to speak to you further but right now your handsome brother has my full attention!" I took his hand and smoothly got into the carriage with a wide smile to Nathaniel.
"I couldn't expect any different from you." He said adjusting himself to face forward.
"I still can't thank you enough!" He said with an ear-to-ear grin. He poked out his head and raised his voice to call to Derek. "We're ready!" With that there was the snap of the whip and the carriage moved forward. Nathaniel reached into his jacket and pulled something prickly out. "For you Dear Clarissa." He handed me a white rose.
"Oh my! Nathaniel," I said taking the rose delicately and smelling it. "it is perfect! This night is grand! I will never forget it and I have you to thank for that Nathaniel." I said smiling. "I really can't thank you enough for this." I blushed and looked down and delicately touched the petals of the white rose.
"The perfect girl deserves a perfect night. Miss Clarissa, I vow that this night will be nothing less than perfect. You have my word." He smiled and gently held my hand as the carriage rolled down the bumpy cobble path.
I laid my head on his should completely content. "I know, completely and utterly, that you speak the truth." I squeezed his hand and brang the rose back up to my nose. We rode like this until the carriage pulled to the stop.
"Please pardon me for a moment." Nathaniel said pulling away and peaking out of the carriage. "Derek, what's the meaning of this?" The horses could be heard whinnying nervously as Derek hoped down from his perch.
"One of the horses pulling the stage in front of us is dying sadly enough." Derek said tensely.
"How will we get to the ball?!?!" Nathaniel started to tremble nervously.
"We should put down the horse so she does not feel the pain. And Nathaniel would you care to join me on a walk?" I smiled at him knowingly and offered him my arm with a laugh.
"Sure, a stroll in the moonlight. Surely once we return the road will be clear." He led her onto a small dirt and stone path. As they started to walk a loud bang was heard from the road. "This won't ruin our evening, I promise..." He nearly tripped as he was thinking. "Gah! Please pardon my clumsiness Miss Clarissa." He laughed at himself.
"Being human cannot disappoint me." I said laughing. Suddenly a loud commotion was heard and I looked to the long line of carriages. Quickly I recognized the carriage my brother, Caleb, was using. My eyes widened as I heard yells.