Celebration Part 2

Descending the stairs I could hear music playing from the ballroom, as well as guests chattering. Entering the room I found Sir Nicholas waiting for me.

As much as I was flattered by him paying me attention, I felt out of place next to him, me being at least a head taller than his stocky self, It was awkward having to look down at him when we spoke.

"Good evening Miss Blackwood and Happy birthday," he said reaching out for my hand and placing a kiss upon it.

"Thank you, Sir Nicholas. I am glad that you could make it this evening." pleased with my reply, he stood more confidently now, "Will you be so kind as to have your first dance with me?" not wanting to be rude I accepted.

As we danced, poorly I might add. I noticed my mother and father observing me from across the room. My mother seemed pleased with herself so I can only assume that Sir Nicholas waiting for me was her idea. I rolled my eyes at the thought.

For years my mother has been trying to fix me up with countless well-off suitors and much to her displeasure, I haven't taken a liking to any one of them. As our dance came to an end I thanked Sir Nicholas and politely excused myself. Walking over to where my parents stood I placed a kiss on my fathers cheek, "Hello Papa." slipping a small box into my hand he whispered, "Happy birthday, sweetie." I smiled as I placed it into my purse, to open later.

"I see you have already lined up my suitor's mother," I said as I nudged her jokingly.

"Don't be so sarcastic darling, Sir Nicholas is a sweet man and it wouldn't hurt to get better acquainted." My father nodding his head in agreement, " your mother is right dear, he may not be the most well off when it came to appearance but he does come from a good family and would make a suitable husband."

not wanting to talk about it any further I excused myself to get some air. Smiling politely as I passed each guest, finally reaching the balcony I took in a deep breath, inhaling the cool fresh air. Wearing a corset had made breathing slightly more difficult for me and discretely adjusted it to be more comfortable.

Overhearing my mother speak to one of the guests I crept closer to the window, being closer now I recognized the voice to be Lady Caroline. "Oh, Sophia it is the latest news in town. Apparently, they returned only a month ago and have discreetly been fixing up the old mansion." she whispered to my mother, "I always thought the Lord of Mistwood had passed away." "Oh no dear, Lord De Lioncourt has been abroad for many years. When he never returned people assumed he had abandoned the estate but now here he is, and It is said that he returned with a large party as well."

So that explains why that man was at the lake, Mistwood Estate was no longer Vacant. But who is this Lord De Lioncourt? I have never heard of him, nor was I aware that Mistwood Estate belonged to him.

Not wanting to get caught eavesdropping I returned to the ballroom to mingle with the guests a little longer.

As the evening came to an end I excused myself and went up to my chambers. closing my door I stumbled over to the bed, undoing my corset with each step until I could finally slide the gown off. Collapsing onto the sheets I opened my purse and taking out the small box my dad had given me I opened it to reveal a stunning silver necklace and at the end hung a brilliant blue pendant in the shape of a teardrop. Smiling to myself I placed it around my neck and fell into a deep sleep.