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The night was beautiful for a ball. The pale moon danced with a myriad of stars in the soft wind, but comparing to the Richmond mansion that shone like a diamond it looked like a pallid stain in the sky. The narrow road to the house was filled with carriages that were tirelessly arriving and, after delivering skillfully concealed guests, they would disappear until they were summoned again.
The glittering splendor of different gowns and jewelry reigned over the ballroom. Men were strictly dressed in black tailcoats and white shirts, their face adorning simple masks in pastel colors, while women strutted about the ballroom in dresses in all colors, patterns and materials.
The ballroom filled with people under the masks was intriguing, yet also brutally realistic.
Jack sighed in boredom, glancing across the room. He was standing in the bottom of the stairs, forced between his aunt Lady Amelia and Miss Jones as they greeted incoming guests. They were lavishly clothed as befitted hosts such as Ricmonds. Jack looked around for a familiar person, someone other than his family that could at least coax a little smile from him, but that action of his was futile. All the disguised guests looked like friends, yet in the same time like strangers.
Despite the fact that the masquerade he was forced to endure was thrown in the honor of his birthday, Jack has been flirting with the idea of sneaking out ever since the first guests arrived. Sending one last glance towards the wide spread double door, he was about to put that thought in action.
However, he found that tearing his eyes and mind from the new guests that have just passed through the door impossible. Peculiarly from one certain lady.
Jack recognized her in instant.
He wanted to believe that the reason he could so easily discern her from the other lady in whose company she was, even from all the fairer sex in the ballroom, was because of the dress. The simplicity of the black gown she so proudly worn stood out from all the glitter and gold everyone else seemed wrapped in, however in that moment he decided that nothing could look plain on her.
The other lady that clutched Willow's hand for dear life had to be Miss Mary, Jack guessed, and in her white, long gown and sparkling mask in the same color she truly looked like a magnificent swan. Jack's eyes glided back to Willow, inspecting her from small distance that was between them, and he found himself comparing her to every other girl in the ballroom.
Like a living contrast to her friend, Willow was dressed in black from head to toe. The gown fitted her flawlessly and hugged her curvy figure in perfect way - tight enough to befit the latest fashion, and yet modest enough to avoid being too provocative. Plain, black mask adorned her face, emphasizing her splendent eyes in beauteous way.
No matter how hard he tried, Jack failed to tear his eyes from her and he carefully studied her as she gently descended the stairs, sensing the panic in her eyes for they widened as her foot slightly slipped on the last step. Luckily, Miss Ashford caught her and they headed in the direction where the Richmonds stood for a proper bow.
Jack felt something he haven't felt in long time, especially in these type of events. His palms were getting sweaty, the air around him thicker and he swallowed as he contemplated whether actually to implement the idea of fleeing into action, but before he could compose himself Miss Ashford and Willow were in front of him. He hadn't even noticed that Mr and Mrs Ashford, Mary's parents, were accompanying them too.
''Ah, if my old eyes do not deceive me, I would say an old friend is hiding underneath that mask,'' Jack heard his grandfather addressing Mr Ashford, and rough laughter followed that remark of his.
''If you were as good friend as you claim to be,'' Mr Ashford begun, ''the only invitation you would send me would be for a cup of tea and good conversation. I fear that I am too old for this clutter.''
Lord Richmond let out a rich laugh, one that made deep lines around his eyes crinkle and his head roll back a little, which was only occasion when he was truly happy. Being in high society ever since his birth has taught him to control his emotions, to be always composed and collected but he allowed himself few outbursts here and there in the old days. Especially in the company of dear friends.
''My dear Henry, it is my greatest pleasure to welcome you in my home,'' Lord Richmond said, shaking his friends hand. ''I do hope you will enjoy.''
Lord Richmond proceeded to greet Mrs Ashford and her daughter, but their conversation fell on the deaf ears, for something different was on Jack's mind. Someone different, to be precise, tough the person of interest has yet to notice him.
Arrogant girl.
Letting out a deep sigh in frustration and perhaps just a pinch of bruised ego, he greeted Mrs and Mrs Ashford, exchanged few pleasantries and gratitude when they wished him happy birthday. Their felicitation only reminded him about the reason he was standing in the middle of the full ballroom, surrounded by people that couldn't care less and were only there to collect new gossips and flaunt their fortune, some even seeking for potential wealthy marriage.
It wasn't important for Jack tough, his birthday wasn't that big of a cause for celebration.
''Good evening, Mr Richmond,'' Before he could compose himself, Willow was in front of him. Her eyes twinkled with mischief and never left his as she bowed slightly, and Jack returned the favor. Just as he opened his month to respond, perhaps even throw some sarcastic remark at her, her eyes slipped from him to Miss Jones. After sharing few pleasantries with each other, Willow bowed slightly again and turned around, disappearing among the crowd and leaving Jack trying to follow her with eyes.
Presumptuous girl.
******
An hour into the ball, and Jack was seconds away from pulling his hair out. There was nothing remotely interesting that could grab his attention, and he was coerced into listening to boring stories of reputable gentlemen and endure certain ladies mercilessly throwing their daughters at him. Not even his dubious reputation could outweigh the numbers that were written next to his name as Emmett Richmond, the only heir of Lord Richmond and his entire fortune.
''In these days, there aren't many ladies that are suitable for the title of a Lady,'' Mrs Jones said for nth time, sipping on her lemonade and glancing at Jack pointedly. The latter was barely even listening to her, his sharp eyes set on certain lady that was reigning over the ballroom, giggling and laughing as she danced the night away with Mr. Lloyd. ''Of course, their inadequacy could be immediately associated to their mothers. Raising a your lady to be accomplished in every way is rather challenging, Mr. Richmond, and I believe that I could be so brazen to say that my Cynthia is an example for other girls her age.''
''Of course,'' Jack said absentmindedly, her eyes never leaving the dancing pair. Mrs Jones giggled excessively, a sound that does not complimented nor befitted a woman her age, but Jack was far for caring. She continued talking, of course, God forbid that was one of the few members of the fairer sex that cherished fine art of silence and Jack was once again thrown into continuous forced nodding and few sour smiles.
The ballroom was buzzing like a hive, dance pairs twirled like a carousel to the music that stopped only to allow other dancers to prepare, older people that refrained from participation and decided to share few drinks over conversation lingered in the corners of the room, but their eyes would often travel to the dancers, especially the young girls.
Jack spotted Wittenberg next to his aunt and scowled. He was a man Jack profusely disliked and suspected his involvement in some dirty works of low criminals Jack knew. Wittenberg was a perfect extended hand into the society, filthy rich but with questionable background. However, his fortune allowed him to walk freely among the finer class whose stupidity and naivety grew with same fineness. Nevertheless, Jack didn't have any proof to support his suspicions. Yet.
Music stopped and Willow and Mr. Lloyd bowed to each other, both giggling like bunch of new debutantes which made Jack grit his teeth and as soon he spotted them separated he mumbled an excuse to Mrs Jones and strolled towards Willow. She was headed towards the table with drinks and scooping a lemonade in her hands, she sipped it slowly as she observed the new dance that was instituted.
''You are not dancing, Lady Oak?'' Jack asked as he approached, his eyes set on the dancing pairs but his ears prickled for her response. ''It is hardly believable that your dance card is empty. Has Mr Lloyd forgotten to pencil his name?''
''Why would you be interested?'' She inquired, and Jack could sense the smile in her voice. ''Is this your way of asking me to dance?''
''Dancing doesn't classify as one of my favourite activities,'' he simply responded, then smirk played on his lips as he turned his head to send her a mischievous glance. ''And if I truly wanted to dance with you, Lady Oak, I promise you I would be direct about it. Circumlocution is something I'm not fond of.''
''Of course,'' she retorted in instant. There was smile on her face and a strange twinkle in her eyes, a twinkle that was fathomless to Jack. She looked like she enjoyed their bickering, like she took great delight from the game of cat and mouse they constantly lead, yet in the same time she looked plain irritated by him and as if she would do away with him if she could, ''no wonder that dancing is not one of the activities that would pleasure you. There's a plethora of other things like assaulting strangers in the taverns, kidnapping them and so, that are more agreeable for you. I could do this whole night, but I truly wouldn't want to spend the entire night listing your...hobbies, Mr Richmond.''
Jack was slightly irritated by her word, but mostly amused. Therefore he agreed to this word game she lead for it elicited a true smile for him. Just few minutes spent with her and trying to annoy her was worth more than an entire night he spent listening variety of stories he heard that night.
''You speak the truth, Lady Oak, but you are not verily a saint yourself. Eavesdropping on conversations of others and seducing unknown gentlemen are also not hobbies one should be proud of.''
''Eavesdropping?! Seducing?!'' she exclaimed. Several groups that were standing close to them threw her a significant look, and Willow had to force herself to abate the tone in which she talked, tough Jack was sure she would prefer to yell at him, as per usual. ''I never did such thing, moreover, if we are to be honest I think that you're the only one that seduced me!''
''Seduced? Why, I wasn't aware that it was a fait accompli, Lady Oak.''
''Tried to seduce me, that's what I meant. Tried,'' Willow quickly corrected, slightly blushing. This time Jack didn't eve try to stifle the laughter and her scowling at him only deepened it more. He was aware that it was not easy to make a girl like her blush, especially over such thing as seducing. Jack was well aware that she was a different kind of lady, fierce like a wind and a great force to be reckoned with but he found it oddly intriguing.
Willow's eyes darted over the ballroom with great speed and Jack followed it, only finding everyone playing the same game as they did. The masks they wore only encouraged them more, and lies and intrigues looked so natural underneath them. Music stopped again, new couples bowed to each other and the dance started again. Even tough the season officially ended roughly at the end of June - little more than week ago - the Richmonds had a different tradition.
At the end of the season and starting 3rd July - on Jack's birthday - Lord Richmond had a two weeks long events prepared for selected guests. The opening ball was of course always grand, as well the closing one, but the small gathering in between were more private. The guests were invited to stay at Elysium for those two weeks and enjoy singing and playing pianoforte, recitation, card games between gentlemen and so on. It was something Jack wasn't eager to attend.
He noticed Willow waving and smiling to Miss Ashford that was standing across of room, talking with Edmund to whom he sent a curt nod himself. However, as soon Miss Jones and Edmund continued with their conversation, Willow's eyes flew about the room again and a scowl was evident underneath her mask.
''Is there something wrong?'' Jack couldn't help but ask. Willow was startled, as he she forgot about his presence and then mildly shook his head, eyes never leaving young girl and gentlemen that were openly coquetting with each other.
''No, no, everything is all right,'' she said halfheartedly. ''If these girls don't mind being scrutinized like they are being sold in the shop window, than I don't see why I should be bothered about it.''
Sending him a grin, Willow's eyes returned to their previous direction. Jack was confused, for he thought that that was the same reason of her sudden appearance in the town, even tough she didn't have accompaniment nor he could connect her to any of the respected families in the area.
''Being that the Season just ended, a lot of young girls had arrived in the city seeking for a potential betrothment. The title and inheritance play the biggest parts in that in their election, with both prospective spouses. I was under the impression that your are here for the same reason, Lady Oak,'' he explained, not taking his eyes from him. Immensely intrigued, Jack was waiting for her response, but her reaction baffled him. As soon as the last words left his mouth, Willow burst into laughter. The melodic sound that came through her lips silenced the music, wiped away the people around them and required attention. Her laughter was comical, and at some point no sound came out of her mouth and she looked ridiculous.
''Ah, you have no idea how wrong you are,'' she managed to utter through laughter. When it subsided and she actually calmed down, with raised eyebrows Jack beckoned her to elaborate. ''I'm traveling through Britain and bypassing London on such journey is unimaginable, don't you agree?''
At this point Jack was outright stupefied.
''You are teasing me, Lady Oak,'' he immediately retorted, finding that as only logical explanation to her remark. ''It ıs rather uncommon for a young lady to travel alone, without a carriage or a coachman, let alone without proper escort.''
''But haven't you realized by now, Jack,'' she smirked mischievously, then leaned in as if she was to tell him a secret, ''I am an uncommon girl.'' Just as Jack was about to retort, a wave of her hand stopped him. ''Anywho, enough of this chitchat. We need to talk about our deal.''
''All in due time, Lady Oak,'' It was Jack's time to smirk this time, and he enjoyed it more than anything. ''Now, how about that dance?''
*****
Instead of a hand as Jack expected, Willow gave him an order to wait for her in the middle of the ballroom. Although reluctantly, his curiosity made him comply and he followed her with his eyes as she skipped in the direction of musicians. She spent last ten minutes vigorously explaining them something, and even tough at first the musicians had frowned at her words, if their nodding and smiles were something to judge from, they understood her.
Turning around, Willow slipped through all the people that separated them like water, waggish smile plastered on her lips as she stood in front of him. Her face has taken on appearance of a cat that was playing with a mouse, ready to catch it.
''Ready, Mr Richmond?''
''You should know by now that I am always ready, Lady Oak.''
The rest of the dance couple occupied their respective places and they awaited the familiar tact of anticipated waltz, however as the music started playing everyone was left confused. Everyone, but Willow.
''I think you exaggerate when you say always,'' said Willow, smirking.
Stepping forward, she approached him so much that their faces were only inches away, and Jack narrowed his eyes at her anticipating her next move. Still smirking, Willow turned abruptly and slightly brushed her body against his in the rhythm of the music. That act of hers was followed by a range of sighs and wide-eyes as all other dance couples retreated - some furious, some curious - but everyone awaited her next move.
Repeating the same move when the music required it, Willow turned back around and stared at Jack's baffled face. Taking his right hand in hers, she placed it low on the small of her back and hung her own around his neck. When he recovered a little, Jack instinctively grabbed her free hand and held it in the correct position for the dance, and waited for her to continue. Everything transpired with great speed, but for him it was as if one second lasted a century.
Willow lifted her leg, and wrapping it around his own she rolled her head back a little in graceful way. After she returned to the previous position, Jack sensed it was his turn to decide in which direction this unusual dance should go and with huge steps he began leading her around the ballroom. The dance had some elements of the regular waltz he was familiar with, but it was mixed with something he has never seen before. The way Willow moved was sensual, perhaps even provocative but he was thrilled with the sensation of her body pressed tightly against his own.
Jack could feel numerous eyes boring into them, their judging and wonderment could be sensed in the air but he was too far from caring. He stopped taking to heart anything that was said on those kinds of balls long ago, and in that moment nothing was more important than the eccentric dance they were having. He wanted to press her further into his body, to caress her neck and feel every curve on her body, but before he could do anything he would surely regret Willow let go of his hands and spun around few times. He was left gaping like everyone else, and with the last spin they collided again and the music stopped.
Few seconds passed in silence. All the other guests in the room were too baffled to react and Jack and Willow were left panting in the aftermath of their dance. But as everyone composed themselves, a range of various reactions was shown. Some of them showed turbulent disapproval, while the others - encouraged by the masks under which they were hiding their true identity - excitedly applauded. Albeit, very briefly.
Bowing slightly, Willow leaned in and planted soft kiss on Jack's cheek.
''Happy birthday,'' she breathed into the air and turning around, she disappeared among the crowds.
Thunderstruck, Jack felt like a human statue. He couldn't move, speak and think properly as if she bewitched him in some way. Music started again, dance couples that were forced to sit one dance out happily joined their hands and twirled around but Jack could still barely move. However, when his reason came back to him the first thing on his mind was to find her.
Jack rushed towards the balcony, eager for some fresh air and hoping she would seek it too, but was disappointed when there was no sign of her. Unwilling to quitclaim, he spun around to search for her inside but something caught his eyes. On the far right, between the bushes closer to the lake a figure was hidden and once Jack came closer he found it to be Mike.
With a curt nod the latter beckoned Jack to follow him and he reluctantly did, aware that Mike would never seek him out on Elysium if it wasn't of the utmost importance. Silently promising to confront to Willow again, Jack followed Mike as they imperceptibly rushed towards the stables and disappeared in the dark.
However, neither Jack nor Mike was aware of a certain lady following them.
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