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I was reading a volume of Grimm's fairy tales when Sarah Jane came in calling for me. “Elizabeth! There you are!”
“Where else would I be?” I inquired as I put my book down on my lap.
“I need you to get ready at once to go to the milliners. I want to get some fabric to line my hat with to match my gown for the masked ball.”
“Why must I go? Why not ask James?” I wanted to ask why she needed a matching hat; it was a masked ball!
"I already asked him. James said he'd go only if you went as well."
“I shall speak with James.” I was just a tad bit cross. I wanted to relax.
I found James in the fencing room. I watched him for a moment. His movements were quick and elegant. And no doubt deadly should he need them to be. (With a real sword of course, but somehow I did believe if needed James could turn even his wooden sword into a deadly instrument.)
James, being the brother closer to my age, teased me more than our elder brother Edward did. Whereas Edward had lighter hair, James' hair was dark. His blue eyes were greener than a true blue and very expressive. Edward had blue eyes that many seemed to envy. My own brown hair was a murky blend of the two. I was the little mouse of the family, and Mouse was one of the nicknames bestowed on me.
“Hi, Mouse,” James greeted as he noticed me and gave me one of his characteristic quirky grins.
“Sarah Jane says that, according to you, I have to go with her to the milliners for fabric as you’ve abdicated your duty as escort.”
“I do not know what you are talking about,” James said.
“James! Be serious.”
“Ah, yes, well, I might have said something along those lines. I am too busy to go, and as you well know, she cannot go alone.”
“Sarah Jane said you would go only if I go,” I reminded him. Or was I informing him? Did Sarah Jane put me up to getting him to go?
“I do not recall saying I would go, I only said I might consider going if you were going.”
“That is pretty much the same thing when you are talking to Sarah Jane.”
“Ugh, I hoped I could just get busy. Tell Sarah Jane I’m busy, so unless it can wait—” James drew closer to me with his wooden practice sword.
“James,” I said as I heard Sarah Jane calling as she approached. “She'll be here in a moment.”
“Drat it all! Fine, I'll go,” James said with a final lunge, his sword aimed right at my heart. “Give me half an hour to refresh.” And with that, he went back to practicing his lunges and jabs.
***
“It seems to me that Mouse has been prone to accidents and misfortune these days,” James commented as he read over Sarah Jane’s shoulder. “Maybe we shouldn’t let her venture anywhere for a while.”
Sarah Jane turned a page of her book. “Of course. And I just bet you’ll volunteer to stay at home with her?”
“I would consider it to be my duty.” James bowed with a flourish and winked at me.
“I’m curious, what brings on this sense of chivalry, James?” Edward asked with amused interest.
“Only the very real love of an older brother for his baby sister,” James answered.
Edward’s mouth twitched. “I’m not buying it. Besides, I think Mouse just might wish to go to the ball.”
“You do realize, Mouse, it’s a ball. There will be a lot of people.”
“I can handle it.” I gave James my brightest smile.
Aunt Pen joined us in the library. “Elizabeth, your dress has finally arrived. I sent it to your room with Alice. Be a dear and try it on for me. I’d like to make sure the seamstress got it right.”
“Of course.” I went to my room and changed.
When I walked back into the library, Edward smiled. “You look lovely, Mouse.”
Sarah Jane and James nodded in agreement.
“Thank you for the dress, Aunt Pen,” I said as I turned around for her. “It’s lovely.”
Aunt Pen scrutinized me a moment before giving her approval. “You do look very fine, Elizabeth. Be sure to save a dance for Mr. Throckmorten.”
I held back a groan. “Of course, Aunt. I’m not sure I’ll be up to dancing much anyway.”
“Apply some more of the liniment Mr. Throckmorten sent to your ankle if it’s bothering you. You should have more sense than to go walking into town when you’ve only just recovered.” Aunt Pen said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to retire early tonight.”
“Good night, Aunt Pen,” we all said.
I watched Aunt Pen leave before turning to my siblings. “I should go change. I don’t see why this couldn’t have waited until tomorrow.”
Sarah Jane pressed her lips together. “She has her heart set on you making a match.”
James glanced at Sarah Jane. “A certain match you mean.”
I shook my head. “That’s not going to happen.”
James relaxed. “Good, because Edward and I will not approve of it. Right Edward?”
Edward picked up his book. “I’ll support whatever, or whoever Elizabeth chooses to make a match with.”
“Even if it’s Throckmorten?” James asked.
“He might not be all that bad.” Edward caught my eyes over his book.
“Right.” James wasn’t convinced.
“Thank you for the support, Edward,” I said.
“Don’t look at me like that, James,” Edward said. “I only meant I want the best for each of you.”