A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Seven

I recall feeling quite surprised, and impressed when we entered double iron gates, that took us along a lengthy drive. We arrived at a large imposing castle with turrets and battlements with narrow slits, where I assumed cannons once stood. The grounds were magnificent, lawns led down to a lake, with trees off in the distance.

The large stone clock on the castle wall struck six. Many of the carriages had already arrived as our carriage pulled up and we three ladies dismounted. Thankfully it was a warm evening, as I'd never worn my cape.

Miss Violet wore a light blue blouse with high neckline, blue velvet choker to match her skirt that had multiple flounces and a bustle paired with a half train, along with gauntlet gloves of a darker shade of blue. I'd never seen her in evening attire before and was thankful she'd made the effort.

My hair like Julia's had been corkscrewed by Mary, who was a dab hand with the heated tongs...though it did leave me worrying there might be a sudden breeze, which would have ruined our locks, but thankfully the weather remained still and quiet.

The double doors opened and as we entered through a stone archway, I could hear the music of a Chopin waltz being played on a piano, it took my breath away leaving me requiring knowledge of who was playing.

Seeing my interest, Julia declared. “Oh! That's Samuel Holden our resident pianist.” She then informed me that there was also a quartet ready to waltz us around the floor. I was more interested in the pianist and his beautiful rendition.

As we were introduced by the Butler, Julia led myself and Miss Violet into the great hall that was already filled with many ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finery. I noticed there were fine gold framed portraits on the walls of high ranking dignitaries standing proudly in uniforms. While in other paintings women and children in splendid outfits posed. I wondered in that moment what thoughts the occupants of those paintings might be having.

But again my attention was drawn back to the pianist Samuel Holden, how handsome he looked in his green velvet jacket with matching trousers. He had an air of emotion that showed on his face, which was so intoxicating as he played, leaving me starry eyed and desperate to meet this blonde haired young gentleman.

The quartet of stringed instruments up on the stage at the front of the hall waited patiently for Samuel to finish. I turned to Julia with excited eyes, and whispered in her ear, “do you think it's possible to introduce me to this gorgeous man?”

“Ooh! Em's, so you've taken a shine to our Samuel have you?” She giggled as I blushed.

“Well, I have to say, he's a wonderful pianist with such a talent. Could you please introduce us?” I was so afraid of saying the wrong words, but the butterflies I felt when gazing, left me eager to get to know him.

A waiter approached us with a tray of refreshments, although I was tempted by the champagne, I refrained never having drunk alcohol. Julia on the other hand was eager for the bubbly. “Come on Em's, just one and you'll be light on your feet, it will give you confidence too.”

Just at that moment Miss Violet said she was going to sit down on one of the many chairs dotted around the edges of the dance floor. I'd quite forgotten about her with all the lively atmosphere.

“Come Em! Let me introduce you to some friends,” Julia said taking my hand, not giving me a chance to refuse.

I was getting a bit fed up of being dragged along on her missions. But knowing this was my first night here, I decided Julia might calm down after a while...after all she was my key to meeting the dashing Samuel, which spurred me on.

People were busy talking and drinking in groups, so we glided across the floor, our fans at the ready to show our feelings. Mine was in rose pink, which I thought went so well with my red gown. I hoped it would attract attention of Samuel.

He was still playing when we approached two couples that seemed familiar. They smiled as Julia announced, “You remember Emily, don't you?”

“Yes of course,” they said in unison. “We used to play down at the beach all those years ago...how old were we?”

“Nine I believe,” said Caroline, who I recognized straight away.

It was great to be reunited with old friends. Getting together with Caroline, Thomas, Verity and Bertie made the evening even more special.

Though I felt devastated when Julia announced that there was a sparkle in my eye for Samuel. It was such a shock to imagine she would divulge a confidence on our first meeting. In addition to this Julia began pulling me over to the front of the stage where Samuel was playing.

I could feel my face flush, matching my gown, so I held my fan to my face to hide my blushing. Then upon turning proceeded to open and shut the fan, indicating how cruel she'd been.

Julia drew her fan across her eyes to sign I'm sorry, then whispered, “I thought you wanted to meet him.”

“Yes!” I said, “but in my own time, not while he's playing, it's so rude.” With a disapproving expression of annoyance I whispered again. “Samuel is I admit an accomplished pianist that fills my heart with joy.” I was just recovering from this moment as he finished playing.

Clapping, my emotions took in the delight of his smile, lighting up his gorgeous blue eyes he turned to the audience and bowed his head.

I had to confess feeling enamoured as Samuel glanced in my direction and winked. I could feel my face glowing as he made his way over to me, weaving between ladies and gentlemen that seemed completely oblivious to his advances. I was under his spell as he desired a dance, his attention channeling me onto the floor in a waltz.

To be continued...A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Eight | ABCtales

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