The Victoria Era

Just Going for a Walk

I walked leisurely through the park. I began to sing one of my favorite Italian songs as I gently perused through the gardens. "I'm sorry to intrude but may I say you have a very lovely voice." A voice said though my singing.
Startled, I jumped a little. A tall boy with black hair handsomely stood before me. I curtsied with a slight blush. "Thank you, sir. I have to say you gave me quite a fright. I have not seen another here for quite a while." I said motioning to nearly-empty garden.
He gave a small a bow and said, "I'm terribly sorry. I was out on a stroll and I heard you singing." He flashed a gentle smile. "My name is Sebastian."
"Mine is Clarissa." I echoed his smile and said, "Would you care to join me on my walk? I find being inside too much of a hassle."
"I would love to." Sebastian offered his arm which I gladly took up. "Did you hear about the ball?"
"I think it nearly impossible to have not heard about it. Are you planning on attending?" I said as we meandered lazily through the flowers.
"I've been debating whether or not to. What about you?" He said smoothly.
"I have no choice. My family is going as my brother is looking for a lady to engage. I'm afraid it will be quite a bore as I will not have many friends to entertain myself with." I said indifferently.
"In that case, I'll be there." He smiled at me and red flowed into my cheeks. "I suppose I need to meet some more people anyways. So, what is your brother's name?"
I laughed a little. "I appreciate your generosity, lord. And which brother? I am one of five. Liam and Caleb are my brothers and my sisters are Lisa and Marie. Do you have a family, lord?"
"I'm afraid not milady." He looked at the ground. "My Parents passed away about three years ago when their ship crashed and they were never found. I was an only child so...no, I don't really have any family that I know of."
I looked to him sadly. "Oh, my lord, I am so sorry. It is a sad and lonely life you must lead then. If you ever need a warm embrace from a family, my home is always available." I said squeezing his arm gently.
"Thank you milady." He smiled warmly but paused to check his watch. "Oh my, look at the time. I'm terribly sorry but I must be on my way. I hope we meet again sometime!"
"Oh," I sad a little crushed. "It is a pity you must leave so soon but I will see you at the ball if not sooner." I curtsied again and as we parted I started to hum as I went to town.