The Ball- Part Six
The Ball- Part Six: (c) 2006 T.A. Chase
This night I scour the swirling crowd. I search with anxious eyes for the man I’m becoming infatuated with.
“Got your eye on anyone, son?”
I stiffen and turn to see my uncle standing beside me. His bluff face and jovial manner makes my father despise him, but there has always been something safe about him for me.
“No, sir.”
“Just as well. The cream of the crop is your cousin and we can’t have you two getting married.” He laughs and slaps my shoulder in jest.
I manage a slight smile, trying not to wince. My father had shoved me into the wall earlier in the day, leaving a bruise at the spot my uncle hit.
“A rather unattractive crop of fillies this season,” he continues, either not noticing or not caring about my discomfort.
A wave of heat surrounds me as if my clothes have caught on fire. He is here. Moving through the room, he greets lord and lady alike, showing no favor to any. My heart begins to pound. Sweat beads on my forehead. The moment of my freedom moves closer with each step he takes towards me. Will my fear take this chance from me?
I take a step towards him, his laughter calling to me like a siren does to the sailors on the sea. I meet resistance. Looking down, I see my uncle’s hand on my arm.
Panic, fear and shame shoot through me. Does he know? Has my father voiced his displeasure in me to my uncle?
“Careful, son.” Uncle’s gaze swings from me to where the Duke stands. There is nothing in his eyes to warn me how he feels. “You must learn to play their games.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I force through my panic.
“You do know what I’m saying. Come see me tomorrow. We’ve much to discuss.” He squeezes my arm and turns to leave. Looking back over his shoulder, he says, “I live in a glass house as well, son. There’ll be no stones thrown by me.”
I struggle to grasp what he says to me, but all I can think of is Greyson strolling towards me. My heart pounds and my blood seems to be boiling.
“Breathe,” I whisper to myself.
Uncle’s warning wings through my deprived brain. Fainting at his Grace’s feet isn’t being careful. It would bring attention to both of us. I don’t think I could survive the stares and laughter.
“You’re here.” His tone is soft so no one can hear him. “What have you got to lose?” He repeats his question.
Silence reigns between us. I’m choking on my answer. I know it’ll change my life, no matter what I say. There is no one else in the room with us, even though we are surrounded by the ton. No sound is heard though an orchestra plays in the back ground.
I want to speak. My soul begs my mouth to open; begs my throat to allow the words out. Fear has clamped its claws deep into my flesh and shame stands guard to keep me from busting free.
Emotions flash in his blue eyes and I’m not sure if they are anger, hurt or sadness. So many emotions I know the intimate touch of, but have never seen in anyone’s eyes.
He nods and moves away, disappointment on his face. That’s one expression I recognize, having seen it on my father’s face all my life. I want to stop him. I want to hold out my hand and touch him. The weight of the stares hold me back. In all of God’s world, there is no creature more pathetic than me.
17 Responses “The Ball- Part Six”
ah..Paige, thanks, but you do something I could never do and that’s write with laughter. My stories tend to bring more tears than smiles. 😉
I applaud you, dear lady.
Kate, you’re right. Angel must break to become strong. 🙂
I hope everyone cheers when we get to the end and he finds his purpose in living.
This is me asking nicely for another post tomorrow. Don’t mind this drool; it wipes right off.
Like Jenna said:
Pleeeeeeeease?? 🙂
I can’t say any more than these ladies already have…
*bows to your greatness*
T.A., honey, you astound me. This so so beautifully sad and yet I know that Angel must go through this pain to become whole and healthy. My heart breaks…but in a good way.
I can’t wait until tomorrow!!!!
:))
I can’t just spill all their secrets at once though. Where’s the mystery in that? I have to build up some suspense. 🙂
Mmmmmmmwah!!!!
Yes you can’t be cagey with Angel & Greyson. Nope. Not allowed.
lol..well spoiling you ladies isn’t really a chore for me. 😉
So when you stop by tomorrow, there’ll be the next scene from Angel and Greyson. Seems silly to keep all their secrets to myself.
Oh please, T.A.! I’ll love and adore you even more then I already do.
*clasps hands together and flutters lashes* Pleeeeeease? Spoil us, baby. Spoil us!!
Emma, you’re welcome. I look forward to Tuesday because I love sharing Angel’s story with y’all. 🙂
You just might be surprised tomorrow. I’m leaning towards being nice to everyone and posting the next scene.
Pleeeeeease post another excerpt tomorrow!?!?!
I was happilly doing my blog rounds this morning, and when I got here and realized it was Tuesday I squealed quite loudly.
Thanks for making Tuesdays a day I look forward to!
lol…I might be convinced to post an extra excerpt tomorrow, Sherrill. If everyone asks nicely. Even have a great pic to go with it.
I think the fact that Angel is so broken will make his growing strength and freedom more powerful. For all that he can’t say it, his decision is made.
You’re right, Jenna. We’ve all felt that fear and that shame…even if we have nothing to be ashamed of.
They’ll fix themselves. I’m just an observer to their lives. But I’ve seen what happens in the next couple of scenes and I think that while Angel might think the world’s fall apart on him, it’s really opening up in a different direction. 🙂
I’m thrilled that you like my Angel and his love. He’s got a special spot in my heart, I admit.
Fear has clamped its claws deep into my flesh and shame stands guard to keep me from busting free
Like Jenna, this line really got me. Poor Angel. So hurt, so broken. It’s heartbreaking because it’s so real.
Next installment, please. 🙂
That last line. Dear. God.
And this line Fear has clamped its claws deep into my flesh and shame stands guard to keep me from busting free. We’ve all known debilitating fear that sucks the air right out of your chest, no matter the cause.
Oh honey…fix this. Fix Angel. Fix Greyson. Fix them all!!
I’m hooked. So very hooked. You rock my world, T.A. You really do. *blows a kiss, sits back and sighs*
His uncle does seem like a great guy, doesn’t he? I’m still not sure what the details are to his comment about glass houses, but I’ve found out why Angel’s father hates him so much. 😉
I just finished Part Twelve and things are really heating up. lol
Angel is breaking my heart as well, S.W. But I can’t help feeling that he’ll find his strength and Greyson will be there to urge him on.
TGIT, baby! Angel’s uncle is the man. This is great stuff — you’re breaking my heart, TA, and I love it. 🙂