Victorian Snapshots Chapter 7
Helen shifted uncomfortably. Balls were hardly her cup of tea. She much preferred being at home with her patients and her children. But Nigel’s family was hosting so she couldn’t exactly say no. She had pulled out her finest gown for the event. Red with an over skirt and bodice of black lace. It was off the shoulder and wrapped her arms down to her elbows in black lace. John had declared her the loveliest woman in all England. But then he always said such things. “Don’t you look ravishing,” a voice whispered in her ear.
Helen turned with a smile to Nigel. “If I’m going to attend these functions, I must look my best,” she replied.
“I know you don’t enjoy these balls,” he said with a sympathetic smile. “But I thought I’d go mad without some decent company.”
Helen kissed his cheek. “Always happy to oblige an old friend,” she told him.
“Well just to warn you James is invited too. So best keep your eyes open if you’re still angry with him.”
Helen pursed her lips. It was fast becoming her normal expression where James and Nikola were concerned. “I’ll be sure to do that,” she agreed.
“I’d stay to help you but my presence is required as host,” he sighed.
“Go then,” Helen nodded. “I’ll be fine on my own.”
“I never doubted it,” Nigel smiled.
Helen fluttered her fan a few times for something to do. Another hour or two and she could reasonably head home. She noted that James had arrived and he was making his way towards her. Before she could think up a reasonable excuse, a hand came around her waist. She turned with a glare to lecture whoever had been so bold as to touch her without permission. Her look changed to a dazzling smile as she gazed into the amused eyes of her husband. “May the gentleman claim this dance?’ he asked.
“Most certainly,” she agreed.
He took her arm and led her to the dance floor with no more than a nod to James. The music was a waltz. John began to easily lead her through the steps. “Have I told you how wonderful you look?” he asked lazily.
“Only every day,” she smiled. She shifted close so she could rest her head on his chest.
“You know if you didn’t want to come you could have pleaded your delicate condition,” he pointed out. He was speaking of the child she was carrying. It was her fifth month. She would start showing soon and that would require her to stay home.
“And leave you on your own?” she asked. “Never. There’s too many females here. I don’t approve of the looks they keep giving you.”
“I don’t know why they bother,” John said honestly. “All the woman I’ll ever want is here in my arms."
Helen gave him a contented smile. “Perhaps they need reminding of that,” she told him.
John leaned down to kiss her thoroughly. “You’d think after six years, they’d understand,” he sighed. “Though since we’re on the subject there are quite a few men, married and single, I might need to have words with if they don’t’ stop their leering.”
Helen looked around. “Who’s leering?” she asked.
John tugged her off the dance floor. “How is it you can be so incredibly intelligent and yet miss these little things?”
“Perhaps because I’m so in love with you,” she suggested.
John stayed by her side for the next two hours. His hand was always touching her arm or wrapped around her waist. An effective deterrent against suitors of both sexes. When it was at last an acceptable hour to leave, John made their excuses and took her to the carriage. Helen rested against him the whole ride.
The house was dark when they returned home. All the children would be fast asleep. Helen considered going down stairs to turn off the generator but John convinced her it could wait. “Let’s at least look in on the children first,” she said.
“I was just about to suggest that,” he agreed.
They stopped first in Ashley’s room. The blonde girl was fast asleep in her little bed. The moonlight reflected off the light gray wrought iron of her head and base board, as well as the pale paisley comforter. Together they slipped in and kissed her forehead. “Sleep well, little angel,” Helen murmured, borrowing John’s pet name for their eldest girl.
John took her hand and tugged her outside. They next went to Gregory’s room. His bed was of black iron and made up with dark blue sheets. His hair was mused and rumpled from sleep which made Helen smile. “He looks so sweet,” she whispered.
“Absolutely adorable,” John agreed. They both tucked him back in and smoothed down the comforter. Helen kissed his forehead while John just ran a hand through his hair. The boy let out a muffled sound. “Sleep, my little boy,” John whispered.
The next room was Patricia’s. Her little bed was white with pink roses on it. Her blonde hair fanned out in curls just like her mother's. It made her look like a little china doll. Again they slipped in to make sure their small daughter was comfortable. "Sleep well my little dove," John murmured.
The next room held little Charles. He was looking more and more like a male version of Helen everyday. They would move Montague in here as well when the nursery was needed for the new baby. Right now their fourth child was curled on to his side hugging his stuffed rabbit tight to his chest. Both parents smiled at the adorable picture he presented. They tiptoed in to quietly arrange things before kissing him good night. "Good dreams my little prince," John told him quietly.
Helen smiled at how John had a special name for each of their children. Arm in arm, they made their way back to their own room. Montague was sleeping soundly in the nursery right off the side. They checked in on him to be sure that nothing was disturbing his sleep before changing into their nightclothes. Helen curled tightly into her husband's side as they lay down. She thought to herself that life couldn't possibly be more perfect.