“She is in her element,” I muttered to Percy.
“Most certainly. ” His gaze lingered on her as she passed. I could not read his expression.
“I once longed to be what she is,” I confessed.
“Truly?”
“Yes. A woman who does as she wills with no regard to the opinions of anyone else about her. ”
“What changed?” Percy tilted his head and regarded me with interest.
I pursed my lips slightly, then rolled my shoulders. “I realized I am not cold-hearted enough to hurt those I care about. ”
“Ah, I see. And she cares for no one?”
“Only herself. ”
Percy gave me an affectionate smile. “I do believe you are right. ”
“Why do I feel I have just passed some grand test?” I eyed him thoughtfully.
Laughing, he shook his head. “Oh, no test. I am just pleased to hear your words. You’re quite young to have attained such wisdom despite your rebellious heart. ”
“I may have a rebellious heart, but I could not bear to remove myself from those I care about. I have lost far too much too lose any more. ”
To my utter surprise, he kissed my cheek.
This, of course, sent the gossips into a frenzy.
“You are a lovely and noble woman. I am pleased you are my friend. ” His words were spoken in English and they touched my heart.
“You are so dear to me, I am honored that you are my friend. ”
Smiling, we walked to the foyer to wait for Laura. As more guests arrived and the atmosphere of the ball became more joyous, I began to revel in the evening completely. Though I wished with all my heart that Ignatius would appear at my side, I allowed myself to fully embrace the joviality of the ball.
When Laura appeared, I gave out a cry of delight. She was ravishing in her costume and made a lovely dryad. Smiling broadly, she rushed to us. Clutching my hands, she beamed with happiness.
“You look amazing, Glynis!”
“As do you, Laura!”
“Percy! Oh, my! You’re so handsome!” Laura gripped his hand as he kissed her on both cheeks.
“Laura and Glynis, the two most beautiful women in this ball, may I have the pleasure of a dance later with each of you?”
Laura tittered as I smacked him lightly with my hand. “You tease us!”
“I’m not lying! You are the most ravishing women in this ball. My poor old heart cannot withstand such beauty!” Gripping his chest dramatically, he staggered back from us. Laura giggled with delight as I playfully hit him again.
“Laura, come here,” Sir Stephan called out from nearby. Clad as a scarecrow, I found him a bit frightening in appearance. Beside him, his wife Maria was dressed as a milk maid. Both of her parents looked put out at her interaction with Percy and me.
“I have to go for a little bit,” she said with a sigh. “Otherwise, they shall make me leave. They want me to spend time with Dietrich. ”
“Perhaps I should claim I am courting you,” Percy grumbled.
Laura smiled at him sweetly. “I do not want them to gain hope only to have it dashed later. They know I despise Dietrich, but I shall do as they ask so I can spend time with you both. You are my dearest friends. ”
“And you’re ours!” My voice was filled with my passion and I kissed her cheek fondly.