Chapter 10

"Lilian, have you heard? Mr Holmes has set the date of a ball! How wonderful, is it not?"

"Emily, this is splendid! Where shall it take place?" Lilian said, several months after the before-mentioned incident.

"It is uncertain - I believe at Ellsworth Manor, for it is the largest place I can think of. Lilian, think only of the dancing, how amazing it shall be!"

"My dearest daughters," Lady Elizabeth interfered, "thinking of a ball can only bring me joyous thoughts - for there must be an eligible young man, with a good fortune, and perhaps agreeable, that should captivate your attention. It is a great event, especially for you, Emily, since Mr Holmes hosts the ball."

"Maman, you cannot think of our being more than friends!" Emily answered, startled at her mother's saying.

"I can, and I shall. Lilian, you must think seriously about a future attachment, for soon you shall turn twenty-one. At your age, many women are considered old."

"It is my situation and relations that gives me the right of being old without others' saying this," Lilian answered laughing.

"That is true, indeed, but you cannot depend on this belief forever, my dearest Lilian; you see, one never stops aging."

Lady Elizabeth quit the room and left the two sisters alone.

"Lilian, do you think that Mr Barnes has been invited?"

"What should I say? Not a single word have I received since he left us in May."

"It is true; I believe that Mr Holmes has thought of him, but I am sure that an urgent matter has prevented him from coming."

"We cannot know it."

Lilian's belief was done justice, for two weeks later, on the evening of Lilian's anniversary, several carriages were waiting in front of Ellsworth Manor; it came as a surprise to Lilian when Mr Holmes announced the ball as a birthday present for her.

Emily was exceedingly pleased with the ball and danced as often as she could, for no one could prevent her. When a short pause was made, however, she told Lilian how fatigued she was. Her sister said to Emily that she was extremely sorry for her, but she could do nothing to make her situation better.

"But why are you not dancing, Lilian? It is a great birthday present, and it would be a pity to act so ungratefully towards Mr Holmes, as to not dance."

"I am not in the necessary spirits, my dear Emily. I enjoy seeing you dance; I sincerely think that no proper partner can be found in this room, except Mr Holmes, who is of course your partner."

"Very well, Lilian," Emily said, before going again.

Lilian wandered her eyes upon the other faces, and was almost shocked when she recognized Mr Barnes' face, while he was trying to reach her table.

"Miss Barton, how glad I am to meet you!" he said, bowing.

"Mr Barnes, I did not know you were to come," she replied, with a sincere look in her eyes.

"Of course, I am a very unstable man, and I still have a few people to greet, but will you do me so great a favour, as to dance with me?"

"There is no reason why I would not."

This reply was enough and Mr Barnes' face gleamed with joy. They danced very cheerfully and even Emily, who was dancing as well, could not help a little frown when she saw her sister dancing with so unexpected a guest. After the dance was over, Lilian went to Emily so happy, that her sister was sure then of her being in love with Mr Barnes.

"Lilian, when did it all happen? No sooner had Mr Barnes arrived, than you were already dancing with him! I cannot imagine your charms - they are too strong for my understanding."

"Emily, I can hardly believe that you hear yourself - I have no unique charms and there are barely any in my countenance. There is very little truth in what you are saying."

"Then how will you explain the happiness on his face? My dear Lilian, you have surely bewitched him, although you say you cannot."

"Lilian, look, they are both approaching. Let us turn our conversation to another subject. How do you like the decorations, Emily?"

"They are outstanding; Mr Holmes has surely spared no efforts in decorating. Mr Barnes, I am exceedingly delighted with your presence here!" she said, noticing their arrival.

"Miss Emily, I cannot think of a greater pleasure than mine."

With these words, he turned to Lilian and said, looking very puzzled and amusing at the same time. "Miss Barton, I have quite forgotten - or was I not properly informed? - of your birthday anniversary. Presents are expected, of course, do not say they are not; I was not in knowledge of the event, but I have brought you something from London."

"From London?! Could this be the reason for your silence, all these months?" said Emily. Lilian looked at her with amazement and wanted to scold her, but she could not.

"Yes, it is indeed. There were so many things to deal with; should I have written, Miss Emily?"

"Why, yes!"

Lilian felt it was enough and suddenly exclaimed, "Mr Holmes, your present is perfect; few may compare with it and I am sure I shall never receive one as this again, I am sincerely obliged to be here."

"Miss Barton, may I exchange a few words with you?", Mr Holmes asked, surprising both Lilian and Emily.

"Why should there be a problem in that?" she answered, following him through the crowd. Having exited the house, Mr Holmes turned and continued:

"Miss Barton, I have discussed with your parents this concern and they are very pleased with it, but I shall be fully satisfied if I ask you as well. Everybody has noticed my close relationship with your sister, and few have even presumed that an attachment has been made. Yet I have not reached that point because the answer you have given me once -", he stopped to glance at her, "seemed not enough. So I set back to Ellsworth Manor to make a decision; by the time your sister arrived home, I was determined to try her feelings."

"Mr Holmes, is this supposed to lead to -"

"Yes, Miss Barton, you guessed right. I want to marry your sister, and I need to know your opinion."

"Mr Holmes, I have been watching the actions of you both towards each other, and I have quite decided that whenever this time may come, I shall be very satisfied. It is a very appropriate connection to be made and I cannot think of one reason against it. You have my happy, though insignificant consent."

"Miss Barton," he exclaimed, with a broad smile on his face, "you cannot imagine my happiness at hearing this! My sisters have said that I am too young to settle down, yet my own judgement has plenty of reasons against them. Thank you, Miss Barton, for your great understanding."

They returned and Lilian looked meaningfully at Emily. She saw, however, that the dancing had continued, and Mr Barnes was the partner of Miss Cassandra Holmes. Little was her surprise, for, as soon as Mr Barnes saw her entering the room, his eyes only looked upon her. She smiled and turned away, trying to watch Mr Holmes' conduct towards her sister. It was unchanged, however, and the evening passed amazingly, with many memories to contemplate on.