The Rhythm of Life: Part Twenty-Three
“So this is the estate of a Lord? Talk about fancy.” Zander whistled. He and Edmond were making their way up the driveway of the mansion, having arrived via public transit rather than a fancy black town car like many of the other guests of the night.
Lights were on in every window, making the mansion look like a glowing beacon in the night. People were wandering up the steps, decked in regal looking gowns and finely tailored suits.
While the pair of them were not grand members of society, both looked polished in their tuxedos. Edmond’s hair was combed back, the classic cut of his suit making look like a movie star of the golden era. Zander’s was more modern, and he’d gathered his curly hair in a neat queue at the nape of his neck, the curls smoothed back with product.
“You’ve spent the last three months here? Will you be sad to leave it all behind? Does the butler call you sir and bring you bon-bons?” He grinned at Edmond, trying to alleviate some of his nerves, but it seemed nothing was working.
“Just stop it, Zander. Why are you even here?” Edmond muttered.
“Because I was invited, it would be rude not to show up.”
“Whatever.” Edmond shook his head, ascending the steps of the manor. As they walked through the front doors -- greeted by a butler who took their jackets -- Zander looked around, marveling at the place.
“Jesus,” he whispered.
“Zander, shut up,” Edmond hissed, yanking him away from the other partygoers. “Watch your mouth, you fool.”
“Sorry, it’s just really nice in here.”
“Please, you are a part of the help tonight, you should be seen but not heard. Now come along.” Edmond grabbed his wrist, yanking him along toward the ballroom. As they walked through the open doors, Zander managed to keep his thoughts to himself, but just barely.
“It’s magnificent.”
“Thank you, I’m glad you approve.” A middle aged gentleman said from the other side of Edmond.
“Lord Teasdale.” Edmond inclined his head. “This is Zander, from the studio, Sylvia invited him as another dancer for the night.”
“Ah, very good. That should make a lot of the girls happy, to have a professional partner for a dance or two.” Lord Teasdale smiled and nodded to them both. “Do excuse me; I must go mingle.”
“I should go find Sylvia, make sure she’s ready for the dance.” Edmond left Zander without another word, blending in with the other penguins in their suits.
“Fine, abandon me.” Zander slowly edged his way toward the wall, surveying the crowd. He spotted a refreshment table toward the other end and started toward it. He got about half way before he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder and a voice saying his name.
“Miss Ade…laide,” he managed to say in a strangled voice. The grin that had been on his face as he turned,died the second he saw her standing there. She’d recently gotten her hair cut, the short locks were feathery and light, a section of the front pinned back with a sparkling comb.
The dress she wore was a midnight blue, a splash of glittering gems sweeping the hem. Spaghetti strapped, the neckline fell in cinched folds, exposing her long neck and smooth chest. She smiled at him, her lips a rosy pink.
“You look amazing.” He couldn‘t help staring a bit.
“Thank you. You look very handsome tonight, yourself. I’m glad you could make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Zander swallowed thickly. Though now he was having regrets, so many regrets.
Adelaide opened her mouth to speak, but another voice cut through the din of the party, and Gregory appeared at her elbow. “Good evening,” he said and held out a flute of champagne to her.
“Oh, Gregory!” Adelaide blinked rapidly, accepting the bubbling drink. “I didn’t realize you were here already.”
Zander didn’t want to stay for their chit-chat, instead slipping away from them, in search of his own drink; he would need it tonight.
***
Edmond had left Zander, not really caring what ended up happening to him, in search of Sylvia. Wading through the sea of people proved much more difficult than he had expected, especially by the main doors as everyone’s arrivals were announced. He tried to find the hidden side door to the hallway, but was again waylaid by Lord Teasdale.
“Edmond, my boy, would you come here a moment?”
He moved past a group of young women, all cooing over the decorations for the night, and stopped by the Lord’s side. “Sir? How may I be of service?”
“I just have a quick favor to ask, but first let me introduce you to Andrew Worthington.” He gestured to a well dressed young man. Edmond guessed the man to be around his age; tall with hazel eyes and brown hair. He seemed nice enough, his smile warm as he inclined his head in greeting, but Edmond found himself disliking him immediately.
“Andrew, son, this is Edmond, Sylvia’s dance instructor.”
“Ah, well met. I’ve heard a lot about the change in Sylvia, seems you’ve done wonders.”
“As I’ve said to Lord Teasdale before, I cannot take credit for that.” He tried to smile, but he was sure it came out more as grimace. He focused on the Lord again. “You had a favor to ask, sir?”
“Yes, I was just hoping when you finish your dance with Sylvia, if it would be a bother to end up close to the dais down there? It would be helpful for the announcement, less fuss.” He pointed to the far end of the hall, where a small raised platform covered in rich red carpet had been added.
“Of course, that shouldn’t be a problem.” He nodded. “Might I ask what this announcement is?”
“That’s right, you wouldn’t know.” Lord Teasdale smiled brightly. “After being officially presented to society and her little dance, I plan to announce Sylvia’s engagement to Andrew.”
“I see.” Edmond felt like he’d been punched in the gut, his breath leaving him in a whoosh. “Well then, congratulations.” He inclined his head toward Andrew, but his eyes were unfocused. “Sylvia is a lovely girl.”
“Thank you.” Andrew lifted his champagne flute in a toast.
“I should be going, sir. I was trying to find Sylvia, make sure hasn’t forgotten everything in her excitement.” He laughed lightly, forcing a smile. “Congratulations again.” He bowed to both men, and left as quickly as he could without seeming rude.
Edmond edged his way to the side door, taking several calming breaths. Lord Teasdale had said as much a few weeks ago, there was no need to be surprised. In truth he wasn’t; he was hurt. Hurt that Sylvia hadn’t told him, he thought they were closer than that. Shaking his head he opened the door carefully, slipping into one of the quiet halls leading from the main one. As he shut the door behind himself, he heard a hissed whisper.
“Edmond!” Sylvia was peeking around the corner, waving him over.
“Hello, Sylvia.” He walked down the hall as she stepped out to meet him, and his breath caught.
Her buttery blonde hair was held back with a small crystal tiara, the long locks curled in fat ringlets cascading down her back. Her white dress was a frothy mass of tulle and satin, the strapless bodice ruched, and cinched with a satin belt. She grinned at him, twirling with her hands out.
“Isn’t it lovely? I confess that the entire of idea of the party is more for society than for me, but I adore the dress!” She giggled, her cheeks a healthy pink, and her silvery eye shadow twinkling every time she blinked.
“Vous regardez magnifique,” he breathed before he could even think to translate the words to English. Sylvia giggled, her cheeks flushing a little pinker.
Edmond cleared his throat nervously. “Are you ready?”
“I think so?” She shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve been in my room all day going through the pattern, I hope I don’t forget anything.”
“I am positive you will do fine. Besides no one will remember if you made a mistake or not, only how pretty you looked.” He held out his elbow to her and she slipped her arm throw his.
“Thank you, Edmond.” She smiled up at him. “And you look so handsome tonight, it’s like a fairy tale.”
“Pah.” He shook his head. “The good thing about Ballroom competition is that I always have a nice suit to wear.”
Sylvia giggled again, light and tinkling, as they walked down the hall, circling back to the main doors of the ballroom -- which were closed now for her grand entrance. She nodded toward the footmen before them, and they slowly pulled them open, causing a hush to fall over the partygoers on the other side.
The announcement rang out as they entered the room, though Edmond paid it little mind. They stopped and Sylvia dropped his arm, curtseying to the people gathered. Then they turned toward each other, Edmond bowing as she curtseyed to him. Straightening up he gathered Sylvia into a closed position.
“Ready?” he whispered.
“Yes.” She nodded with a smile. The string quartet hired for the night struck up the first few notes of Strauss’s Emperor Waltz, and off they went.
They glided smoothly across the floor, in perfect unison, the music washing over them. As they twirled and spun around the wide floor, everything seemed to melt away. There was no one watching, no one judging, not a care in the world. It was like their practices, just the two of them in the quiet room, their only focus on the other person.
Every step Sylvia took was perfect and practiced, grace flowing through every movement. Edmond couldn’t help but smile as they danced, proud of her. He took them through the final spin, leaving them near the dais like he had promised.
As they came to a halt, still in the hold, the last strains of the violin were still humming through the air, the people gathered all started to clap and cheer. Sylvia grinned at Edmond, a little giddy.
“I did it alright?”
“Perfect, chérie.” He smiled softly. Before he stepped back, letting her go to her father, he placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed both cheeks. “Perfect,” he said again and moved away just as Lord Teasdale stopped at his daughter’s side.
Edmond watched Sylvia as she was lead away, casting glances over her shoulder at him, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. She gave him a bright grin before turning her attention on her father.
Sighing, Edmond slipped past the partygoers and waitstaff, heading toward the doors as Lord Teasdale’s voice rang out.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for coming tonight, it has been a very special day. If you’ll indulge me for a moment, I hope to make it all the more memorable with an announcement.....”
Edmond rushed out the doors, unable to hear the words that would shatter his world. As he left the mansion, meaning to head back to his apartment, he was already plotting an extended vacation to nurse a broken heart.
-----
Here have a prett Viennese Waltz
And lookie at Sylvia's dress ... I sadly don't have Adelaide's. :(
Lights were on in every window, making the mansion look like a glowing beacon in the night. People were wandering up the steps, decked in regal looking gowns and finely tailored suits.
While the pair of them were not grand members of society, both looked polished in their tuxedos. Edmond’s hair was combed back, the classic cut of his suit making look like a movie star of the golden era. Zander’s was more modern, and he’d gathered his curly hair in a neat queue at the nape of his neck, the curls smoothed back with product.
“You’ve spent the last three months here? Will you be sad to leave it all behind? Does the butler call you sir and bring you bon-bons?” He grinned at Edmond, trying to alleviate some of his nerves, but it seemed nothing was working.
“Just stop it, Zander. Why are you even here?” Edmond muttered.
“Because I was invited, it would be rude not to show up.”
“Whatever.” Edmond shook his head, ascending the steps of the manor. As they walked through the front doors -- greeted by a butler who took their jackets -- Zander looked around, marveling at the place.
“Jesus,” he whispered.
“Zander, shut up,” Edmond hissed, yanking him away from the other partygoers. “Watch your mouth, you fool.”
“Sorry, it’s just really nice in here.”
“Please, you are a part of the help tonight, you should be seen but not heard. Now come along.” Edmond grabbed his wrist, yanking him along toward the ballroom. As they walked through the open doors, Zander managed to keep his thoughts to himself, but just barely.
“It’s magnificent.”
“Thank you, I’m glad you approve.” A middle aged gentleman said from the other side of Edmond.
“Lord Teasdale.” Edmond inclined his head. “This is Zander, from the studio, Sylvia invited him as another dancer for the night.”
“Ah, very good. That should make a lot of the girls happy, to have a professional partner for a dance or two.” Lord Teasdale smiled and nodded to them both. “Do excuse me; I must go mingle.”
“I should go find Sylvia, make sure she’s ready for the dance.” Edmond left Zander without another word, blending in with the other penguins in their suits.
“Fine, abandon me.” Zander slowly edged his way toward the wall, surveying the crowd. He spotted a refreshment table toward the other end and started toward it. He got about half way before he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder and a voice saying his name.
“Miss Ade…laide,” he managed to say in a strangled voice. The grin that had been on his face as he turned,died the second he saw her standing there. She’d recently gotten her hair cut, the short locks were feathery and light, a section of the front pinned back with a sparkling comb.
The dress she wore was a midnight blue, a splash of glittering gems sweeping the hem. Spaghetti strapped, the neckline fell in cinched folds, exposing her long neck and smooth chest. She smiled at him, her lips a rosy pink.
“You look amazing.” He couldn‘t help staring a bit.
“Thank you. You look very handsome tonight, yourself. I’m glad you could make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Zander swallowed thickly. Though now he was having regrets, so many regrets.
Adelaide opened her mouth to speak, but another voice cut through the din of the party, and Gregory appeared at her elbow. “Good evening,” he said and held out a flute of champagne to her.
“Oh, Gregory!” Adelaide blinked rapidly, accepting the bubbling drink. “I didn’t realize you were here already.”
Zander didn’t want to stay for their chit-chat, instead slipping away from them, in search of his own drink; he would need it tonight.
***
Edmond had left Zander, not really caring what ended up happening to him, in search of Sylvia. Wading through the sea of people proved much more difficult than he had expected, especially by the main doors as everyone’s arrivals were announced. He tried to find the hidden side door to the hallway, but was again waylaid by Lord Teasdale.
“Edmond, my boy, would you come here a moment?”
He moved past a group of young women, all cooing over the decorations for the night, and stopped by the Lord’s side. “Sir? How may I be of service?”
“I just have a quick favor to ask, but first let me introduce you to Andrew Worthington.” He gestured to a well dressed young man. Edmond guessed the man to be around his age; tall with hazel eyes and brown hair. He seemed nice enough, his smile warm as he inclined his head in greeting, but Edmond found himself disliking him immediately.
“Andrew, son, this is Edmond, Sylvia’s dance instructor.”
“Ah, well met. I’ve heard a lot about the change in Sylvia, seems you’ve done wonders.”
“As I’ve said to Lord Teasdale before, I cannot take credit for that.” He tried to smile, but he was sure it came out more as grimace. He focused on the Lord again. “You had a favor to ask, sir?”
“Yes, I was just hoping when you finish your dance with Sylvia, if it would be a bother to end up close to the dais down there? It would be helpful for the announcement, less fuss.” He pointed to the far end of the hall, where a small raised platform covered in rich red carpet had been added.
“Of course, that shouldn’t be a problem.” He nodded. “Might I ask what this announcement is?”
“That’s right, you wouldn’t know.” Lord Teasdale smiled brightly. “After being officially presented to society and her little dance, I plan to announce Sylvia’s engagement to Andrew.”
“I see.” Edmond felt like he’d been punched in the gut, his breath leaving him in a whoosh. “Well then, congratulations.” He inclined his head toward Andrew, but his eyes were unfocused. “Sylvia is a lovely girl.”
“Thank you.” Andrew lifted his champagne flute in a toast.
“I should be going, sir. I was trying to find Sylvia, make sure hasn’t forgotten everything in her excitement.” He laughed lightly, forcing a smile. “Congratulations again.” He bowed to both men, and left as quickly as he could without seeming rude.
Edmond edged his way to the side door, taking several calming breaths. Lord Teasdale had said as much a few weeks ago, there was no need to be surprised. In truth he wasn’t; he was hurt. Hurt that Sylvia hadn’t told him, he thought they were closer than that. Shaking his head he opened the door carefully, slipping into one of the quiet halls leading from the main one. As he shut the door behind himself, he heard a hissed whisper.
“Edmond!” Sylvia was peeking around the corner, waving him over.
“Hello, Sylvia.” He walked down the hall as she stepped out to meet him, and his breath caught.
Her buttery blonde hair was held back with a small crystal tiara, the long locks curled in fat ringlets cascading down her back. Her white dress was a frothy mass of tulle and satin, the strapless bodice ruched, and cinched with a satin belt. She grinned at him, twirling with her hands out.
“Isn’t it lovely? I confess that the entire of idea of the party is more for society than for me, but I adore the dress!” She giggled, her cheeks a healthy pink, and her silvery eye shadow twinkling every time she blinked.
“Vous regardez magnifique,” he breathed before he could even think to translate the words to English. Sylvia giggled, her cheeks flushing a little pinker.
Edmond cleared his throat nervously. “Are you ready?”
“I think so?” She shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve been in my room all day going through the pattern, I hope I don’t forget anything.”
“I am positive you will do fine. Besides no one will remember if you made a mistake or not, only how pretty you looked.” He held out his elbow to her and she slipped her arm throw his.
“Thank you, Edmond.” She smiled up at him. “And you look so handsome tonight, it’s like a fairy tale.”
“Pah.” He shook his head. “The good thing about Ballroom competition is that I always have a nice suit to wear.”
Sylvia giggled again, light and tinkling, as they walked down the hall, circling back to the main doors of the ballroom -- which were closed now for her grand entrance. She nodded toward the footmen before them, and they slowly pulled them open, causing a hush to fall over the partygoers on the other side.
The announcement rang out as they entered the room, though Edmond paid it little mind. They stopped and Sylvia dropped his arm, curtseying to the people gathered. Then they turned toward each other, Edmond bowing as she curtseyed to him. Straightening up he gathered Sylvia into a closed position.
“Ready?” he whispered.
“Yes.” She nodded with a smile. The string quartet hired for the night struck up the first few notes of Strauss’s Emperor Waltz, and off they went.
They glided smoothly across the floor, in perfect unison, the music washing over them. As they twirled and spun around the wide floor, everything seemed to melt away. There was no one watching, no one judging, not a care in the world. It was like their practices, just the two of them in the quiet room, their only focus on the other person.
Every step Sylvia took was perfect and practiced, grace flowing through every movement. Edmond couldn’t help but smile as they danced, proud of her. He took them through the final spin, leaving them near the dais like he had promised.
As they came to a halt, still in the hold, the last strains of the violin were still humming through the air, the people gathered all started to clap and cheer. Sylvia grinned at Edmond, a little giddy.
“I did it alright?”
“Perfect, chérie.” He smiled softly. Before he stepped back, letting her go to her father, he placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed both cheeks. “Perfect,” he said again and moved away just as Lord Teasdale stopped at his daughter’s side.
Edmond watched Sylvia as she was lead away, casting glances over her shoulder at him, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. She gave him a bright grin before turning her attention on her father.
Sighing, Edmond slipped past the partygoers and waitstaff, heading toward the doors as Lord Teasdale’s voice rang out.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for coming tonight, it has been a very special day. If you’ll indulge me for a moment, I hope to make it all the more memorable with an announcement.....”
Edmond rushed out the doors, unable to hear the words that would shatter his world. As he left the mansion, meaning to head back to his apartment, he was already plotting an extended vacation to nurse a broken heart.
-----
Here have a prett Viennese Waltz
And lookie at Sylvia's dress ... I sadly don't have Adelaide's. :(
