Finally deciding that it was time to join the Hall, Vicki wandered in. She had been told that an unmarried girl's first dance should be with a family member. Since she did not have any male family members here, she had to go with the next best thing, her soon-to-be uncle, Lord Edmund Duncan. Victoria was dressed in her finest dress, the one for special occasions, with an assortment of shades of pink and red in the bodice flowers, and skirts, the slits in the pink sleeves show a deep scarlet red. Her hair was nearly arranged half up, like a rose on the back of her head, and half down. She looked elegant, though she did not feel it.


She looked around, looking for Edmund, though she did not find him. She sighed heavily, and found a glass of water. Marie, who had been chosen to work the ball tonight, too, came over to her mistress seeing her distress. "What is the long face for, Lady Victoria." The maid remembered her manners, in the formal setting.


"I can not find Lord Edmund. I was hoping to dance with him, as my first dancing partner." She sighed deeply.


"I have an idea. I will go and have word sent to him that you are waiting for him." The maid was quickly gone, leaving Victoria alone again. She laughed at herself, because last time she had wanted Edmund's attention. She had tried so hard, and managed to rig up this crazy idea, and tricked him into meeting her. She was disappointed that she had let her nerves get her enough that she had not thought up a good idea to get his attention this time. Well, all she could do was wait, which she did as she sipped at the water.

Edmund had of course first danced with Duchess Esabell, a given requirement for such a celebration. Edmund found her changed somehow tonight, as if she viewed him as more than merely the wisest choice to remain secure of her Duchy. The thought pleased Edmund and he couldn’t help but reciprocate tender feeling towards her. Their pending marriage held potential to be even better than he’d initially thought and Edmund had smiled as their dance together ended. There were many in line to dance with Pemberton’s duchess and so Edmund had kissed her hand farewell for the time being and mingled into the crowd of guests. Before long, a maid approached him and humbly served note of her mistress Lady Victoria’s wish for a dance with his lordship. Edmund had kindly accepted and after the servant pointed out where the lady rested, he promptly headed in her direction.
She was dressed delightedly, somehow managing to capture that look of youth that Edmund had noticed in their prior meeting. Perhaps it was the mischief he recognized in her sight or the bright smile she flashed. Either way, Edmund had forgiven her earlier stunt and felt a kinship towards her that he enjoyed. He appreciated humor and found it a necessity for a full life.
“Lady Victoria,” he said as he stood near her. He grinned as he quietly added, “You see, no ropes are required to gain my attention” but his light-hearted chuckle let known his intent was harmless. Edmund bowed properly to her, holding out his hand so that she could place her own upon it. “Will m’Lady honor me with this dance?” he asked courteously. It didn’t matter that she had first expressed desire for it. Edmund waited to take her hand, his eyes displaying the total contentment he felt.

When she heard the familiar voice say her name, Vicki quickly turned around. "Lord Edmund! It is such a pleasure to see you again." She smiled brightly, truely happy to see a familiar face amungst all of the strangers. She had know that he would be there, that is why she had been so discouraged when she could not find him. Now, she felt a little more at ease.


"Yes, I have learned my lesson." She winked, and giggled at the mention of her little prank. She had hoped he had known that she had wanted to ask him to dance, if not, she would simply ask him herself. However, her eyes lit up when he asked her. She stood up, gave him a courtsey, and placed her hand in his. "I would be most honored, my good Lord." She responded to him formally, though she could not surpress a delightful giggle. "Thank you." She added, knowing it was proper. Her face was brightly lit with a smile, that showed she was truly happy. She even let the mystery fall from her eyes, and let the bright green express herself. She followed his steps through a dance, she knew so well.

Pleasantly surprised to find Lady Victoria matched his steps so well, Edmund smiled as they moved gracefully around the hall. For someone who struck Edmund as a young girl, she knew well the art of dance and was remarkably the best partner he had so far this eve. When two skilled persons dance well together, it brings a magic that courses through the air and is noticed without boastfulness. Edmund smiled broadly as he was able to lead some more complicated maneuvers that he knew she would easily follow. It was delightful to find his match as far as dancing went.
“You enjoy dancing, Lady Victoria?” he asked yet his words were said confidently. She was a natural and Edmund was enjoying the more advanced steps involved. They took more of his concentration, his feet so lightly touching the ground before they were lifted a split second later. Her pink gown matched the exuberance she radiated and Edmund felt a paternal type liking to her. He laughed as they swept around the floor, obviously one of the better skilled couples present. He remembered how Esabell had wondered about his abilities when he admitted how much he relished dancing and now the memory brought a grin that lit his own emerald gaze. Lady Victoria had similar eyes, her expressions once cloaked but now gleaming forth. Edmund held her glance, his deep voice belying the joy he felt. Dancing well was a very physical activity and he could feel not only the ache of his wounded shoulder but the burning of his calves as he quickened their pace, the music building to a crescendo.
“Would you care for a drink after this, m’Lady?” Edmund asked, finding it difficult to truly maintain a conversation when involved with a masterful gliding of combined skill.

Victoria was surprised, as much as he, that he was a good dancer himself. She had never danced with any one, other than her father at her lessons, or her tutor. Her father had been such a clutz, that she did not think that men could be dancers too. But, of course, along with all of his other surprises, Edmund proved her wrong. His steps were not simple, but she was glad to start the evening off so strong. Any one could tell by the look on her face, that she was truly enjoying herself.


"It is a hobby of mine," she replied, with a playful tone. She had often been told she was a great dancer. Her governess had always told her that if she was not careful, that those gypsies would take her and make her the star of their shows. The idea had always amused Victoria, though she would never think of becoming a gypsy. She continued to watch Edmund, she felt a connection with him that she had only had once before. She knew it was the sort of a connection that was good to have with an uncle, so she feared it not.


He brought up an after dance thought. "Yes, that is a good idea, Sir." Then she thought over how he had been addressing her. M'lady, Lady Victoria, all names that were so formal. She knew that it was proper manners for a gentleman to address every woman as such, but she was not every woman. And, besides, they were going to be family soon. "One more thing, you certainly must stop addressing me so formally all the time. Just Victoria, or even better, Vicki, will work. I think family has the right to use more informal terms, don't you?" She quickly looked at her feet, she thought that she had almost faltered a step while she spoke. Once she was satisfied that she was still a graceful dancer, she smiled back up at him.

Edmund smiled as she expressed her desire for a less formal interaction. He had thought it best to wait until she made such a request and now he was glad she did. “Your wish is my command,” he said in silliness. She was a happy young lady and her joy radiated from her. Edmund felt as if she were a ray of sunshine whose vibrant smile could chase away any looming cloud. Perhaps she reminded him of his own sister Gracie. She had also been full of glee and merriment, much to Edmund’s credit. He had protected her from losing that untainted taste of life and he absolutely enjoyed anyone with such personality.
Their dance finished with a tasteful flair of highly skilled moves. Edmund smiled as his feet ended the final steps and he leaned over to kiss her fondly on the forehead. It was an obvious sign of paternal affection and not one that could be misconstrued easily. His breathing was slightly labored and he had to force himself to ignore the fiery burn his shoulder gave off but his eyes still danced in celebration as he told her, “I must thank you for such an enjoyable dance, Vicki. It has been quite awhile since I’ve met an equal partner in the sport.”
Edmund laughed in good spirits as he gently led her to the nearest table boasting of drink and sustenance. There he went instantly to the fresh cool water, holding it in ready to pour them each a glass as he turned to her and asked, “Water acceptable to you?”

Vicki beamed at his silly response. With a giggle she let him know that this was surely going to be a good uncle/niece relationship. She had never really met her other two uncles but once, and now they were both gone. But that thought never crossed her mind. Right now she was only able to think positively. Her eyes dances, her heart beat out the music tempo, and her grace never left as they finished the dance.


She giggled again, as he kissed her forehead. She gave him an affectionate gaze. "And thank you, Uncle Edmund. Having watched every one else dancing I feared that no one was going to be able to keep the dance fun, with complicated steps. I was glad to be proven wrong." She grinned at him, following him to a table. She thought about his shoulder, but did not bring it up. She knew that it was to be kept between them, and not brought up in public, if brought up at all.


"Water is perfect, I do not yet have much taste of any thing else." She responded to Edmund's question, upon reaching the refreshments. Taking her glass, she sat in the nearest seat. She took a long cleansing drink, giving herself a chance to slow back down from her quick pace. When she looked back out at the dancers, then back to Edmund she had a playful smile. "Being my uncle you are not going to force some dance, in hopes of a future marriage, on me, like the fathers, uncles, and brothers I see out there are, are you?" She was truly playful, and let even her eyes show it so that he would not take her question the wrong way. She felt sorry for some of those girls out there, knowing they might not ever truly have a say, but she never in a million years would actually think Edmund would be like them. She winked, and waited for a, hopefully, playful reaction.

The word uncle she placed before his name brought a smile as he finished pouring her drink. He was relieved she hadn’t wanted wine, saving him from the endless charade of feigning enjoyment. “Yes I dare say we stole the dance floor,” he said with appreciation. Perhaps it was odd for a Benthey nobleman to have learned the art of dance as well as Edmund had but it had been his escape from daily life, and one he had continued as he aged. It was the single fond memory of his mother, the only one that out shined the agony of her chosen detachment towards her children. She had turned the cheek while her sons were beaten and Edmund hadn’t quite forgiven her. It was amazing the heartaches that festered inside a person, affecting their entire thought process and helping sculpt them to a certain mold. Dance was his escape, his freedom and when it was done with a partner of equal skill, Edmund was left with a sense of contentment rarely attained elsewhere.
As Victoria drank, Edmund quietly murmured an agreement to her stated preference for water. "I’m not of much preference for stronger drink myself.” It was strange how he felt comfortable with her easy-going presence. She reminded him a lot of youth and carefree days spent watching his sister Gracie sprint through the fields of Benthey with a coltish movement that had grown into one of doe like ease.
When his soon to be niece spoke of arranged marriage, Edmund wanted to return her good humor, wanted to laugh and promise her to the most boring Lord he could find but he knew there was truth behind the banter. Truth behind even his own pending marriage to Esabell. Simply put, she had chosen him for the foremost reason of need. Not need of a passionate matter but one of political aspect. She needed a husband to secure her Duchy and Edmund had been the only one suitable for the part. The only one of two men nonetheless. His rival for Esabell’s hand in marriage hadn’t exactly been much in the way of competition for young Lord Wylyam hadn’t yet learned the art of respectful manner. Respect went a long way and so it was this thought that prevented Edmund from continuing their teasing conversation. Instead his eyes had grown clouded with uncertainty when she winked, and his hands clenched around his glass with detached decision. He sighed, losing the jovial atmosphere a significant degree by choosing honesty.
“Vicki, I once wedded for courtly love and it was left not only a disaster but one that took me years to let the pain subside. Your aunt Esabell and I have not entered this engagement with such intentions.” His voice was carefully kept neutral. It was true he was growing fond of Esabell and true she could arouse much more than a random political debate from him but Edmund also knew they were far from the dreamy-eyed love story young Victoria may imagine. There was a side of Edmund that still held back, still yearned for another night beneath the stars and cushioned by a field of flowers with a certain lady that both drew him in and revolted him instantaneously. He didn’t know why nor how to erase such disturbing realization but he wouldn’t lie and tell Victoria what she wanted to hear. Edmund kept his unwanted, troubled thoughts to himself and offered the only answer he had at that moment.

As she listened to his words, her smile faded. She was confused, she did not understand what caused the change in emotion. She had in no way meant to be refering to him and the Duchess's relationship. That all was left in their last conversation.


"Edmund, I did not mean it like that. It was not in reference to you and Aunt Esabell. I understand the cituation under which the two of you are getting married. I was only jokingly checking to make sure I would not be an item used in future political strategies. I can handle being asked to consider helping, but not being forced to. You and Esabell made you decission together, to help the people of Pemberton, but I have seen many other girls pushed into marriage, for her male guardian to gain money, land, and/or power. I do not want to be added to that number."


Her eyes searched his. The serious turn of the conversation had cut off any emotion she displayed. She now worried that her hopes for a positive male figure in her life again, were going to slip away. Her heart beat quickly with anxiety and fear, as she waited for his response.

He watched her as she explained herself, his gaze firm but vacant of the previous joy. Of course she wanted his promise she’d never be forced into a marriage she didn’t want. Edmund was frustrated by the womanly notion of wedded bliss. Why is it that a man understood political affairs sometimes took precedence over life when it benefitted a larger agenda but womenfolk still yearned for that fantasy dream of true love? He knew he would never push her into a marriage he himself didn’t approve but he also knew she wanted him to guarantee he’d seek her last word before final commitment. It was a strange request really for ordinarily Edmund knew he’d never resort to such a strict ruling decision but who was he to know what the future held? He had to admit if her hand in marriage would bring a positive treaty for Pemberton, then the idea would indeed be considered despite how she felt emotionally. It wasn’t that he viewed her as a pawn to be used when needed but he considered any of the royal family a part of one whole... that whole being Pemberton. He was marrying much more than Esabell. It all came back to Pemberton.
He sighed almost inaudibly. She was naive in some ways, knowing less than Edmund had learned in the last several days. She was youth and innocence, happiness and laughter. He hadn’t the heart to rip that from her. What choice had her aunt Esabell had really? He didn’t think theirs had been a mutual decision so much as one made with best intentions and desperation. Now if they managed to find more than that between them, it would be a welcome addition.
He smiled gently so as to reassure Victoria of her worries. This was not his expertise. He wished Esabell was near to assuage her niece’s fears. He could only offer the words he knew he spoke without lie.
“Vicki, I promise I will always keep your best interests first and foremost before that of any courtier.” He could not however, tell her he’d put her before their Duchy and so he didn’t.
Gulping his water, his eyes scanned the guests nearby them. This wasn’t the time for a heart to heart talk and Edmund wasn’t very good at keeping women from becoming angry at him when it was so he flipped back on the charm, setting his empty glass down onto the table. He regarded his future niece with genteel tenderness. “Don’t fret, Victoria. This is a time for celebration. Rest assured I plan on ruling Pemberton with Esabell’s input on all matters. She is a wise lady, and one I presume you trust enough to quench your fears now and please another lord with your skilled dancing talent.” He somewhat teased her though there was an underlying tone of seriousness. Edmund smiled again, patting her hand affectionately. He wasn’t some domineering nobleman who planned on usurping Pemberton’s duchess. He had only growing admiration for her and a loyalty for her Duchy that was fast becoming superior to that he felt towards Benthey.

She waited with baited breath. She hoped that he would answer quickly, so she did not have reason to fret that his feelings were different. She thought she heard him sigh, and her heart jumped to her throat. What would she do if he gave her the opposite answer, than that of which she was looking? What would she do to assure that her say was final in any decision pertaining to her? She hoped those questions would not have to find an answer.


She listened to his words. When he did not give her the exact answer she wanted, but his words were not hurtful. She sighed, knowing there was no point in trying to get any thing more, this was as good as she was going to get. "Very well, that will have to be enough to keep my fears at bay, for the time being." She so much wanted to beg him to let her make her own choices, but she refrained. Her heart slowly slid back into place. She knew he meant well.


She smiled slightly at his minor teasing. “It was not your Lordship that I was questioning. It was your place as my uncle.” Her voice was just as teasing as his, though the words were quite serious. She then finished her water, ”Family relationships can not be built solely on getting what we want from each other. And you would not be a proper paternal figure if you gave me every thing I wanted.” She winked at him. Setting her glass down, she slid off her chair. She walked around the table, to stand next to him. “I think that you and I will get along just fine. I am proud that I will get the chance to call you my uncle.” She kissed his cheek lightly, like a child would a father.


Then, standing up straight, she took on a playfully formal tone. ”Now, Lord Edmund, this is your niece’s first ball, and she has much dancing to do. Would you mind escorting her to the edge of the dance floor, where she might get acquainted with the next possible partner?” She giggled, not able to keep her tone with him sounding so formal.