Love Comes in Three

Chapter Five "Possibilities"

            "I'll take that as a yes," Percival said and took my hand bringing me to my feet.  He escorted me to the middle of the room, "nothing fancy but a few rounds, please?"  He bowed and I curtsied, then I followed his lead as we performed an abbreviated version of a country dance.  

            It truly was just a few turns as the music came to an abrupt stop.  Percival and I looked to the pianoforte, finding Faith and Patience sitting there in awe.  The silence was speaking loudly until Freddie stood and clapped, "Truly lovely," he insisted, "We haven't had such an evening like this in far too long.  Come, more music!  More dancing!" he cheered making his way to Patience, "Dance with me?" he asked her offering his hand.

            Faith immediately began playing again, something fresh and happy when Patience stood, "I'm sorry," she said walking past her husband, "I have a headache."  She quickly left the room and headed straight for the stairs.  As she passed us, Percival reached out to stop her and she just brushed him aside.

            "I'm sorry, Freddie," Percival began.

            "No," my brother shook his head before downing the rest of his brandy, "there's no reason to apologize."  He took a deep breath and looked around the room, "Go ahead, back to your merrymaking."

            I just watched him as he stood in the doorway looking up the staircase.  I wanted to say something, but I had no idea what.  When Percival nodded to his sister she began playing again, but I could not find it in me to dance again.  I gave a quick solemn shake of my head and let my hand rest on his arm before moving away.  Faith picked up on it quickly and the music faded once again.

            "Thank you," Percival said catching my hand, "for another chance at a dance."  He bowed and gently kissed my hand before letting me go.  My breath caught as he stood looking at me for a moment.  I could not find any words so I curtsied quickly and started to leave, stopping at Freddie to kiss his cheek and whisper my goodnight.

            That evening I sat at my dressing table, just thinking as I brushed out my hair.  I thought back to when Freddie first brought Patience home to meet our family.  I remembered the beautiful and jubilant young lady that hung on my brother's arm as if he was what gave her life.  I remember watching from behind a curtain, she reminded me of one of my porcelain dolls, elegant and refined . . . exquisite.  They were very happy in those early days, even when here.  Then I was struck by a memory and fervently began going through my dressing table and jewelry chest.  I found a tiny locket hidden in the back of one of the drawers.  When I opened it I could smell a faint perfume, and the memory came rushing back.  It was my eleventh birthday and we were having a party.  I had been sulking because I was still so young compared to my brothers and my parents would not grant me the same allowances . . . not even on my birthday.  Patience had come to my room with a small gift in her hands, it was the locket.  She knew I liked her perfume and so she put some on a bit of cloth and tucked it inside the locket, promising me that I would grow up soon enough and have all the lovely things that ladies had.  I felt a stray tear roll down my cheek as I recalled that special moment.  How many times had I opened that locket to dream about when I would be a fine young lady?  How could I have forgotten it?

            I wiped my face and put on my robe, eager to show Patience the special trinket that bonded us at one time.  Maybe she would have similar fond memories and we could start fresh again.  I quickly padded down the hall to Freddie and Patience's room.  I saw my brother enter and so I stopped, giving them a moment before I knocked, but the door was slightly ajar, so I just waited outside.

            "Do you care to explain yourself?" Freddie asked.  I heard agitation in his voice, something that hardly ever happens.

            "I said I have a headache," Patience answered flatly.

            "Dash that!" Freddie blurted.  I heard movement within the room and I thought about returning to my room, but I looked at the locket again and somehow I thought that it could make everything better.  "You were enjoying yourself!  I saw how happy you were sitting beside your sister.  Everyone was having a grand time . . . "  I heard him pause, "Is this about Percival and Margaret?"

            "There is no Percival and Margaret," she insisted, setting something down hard.

            "Come now, darling," Freddie was using his soothing voice, "I think it's a little obvious, don't you?"

            "No!" Patience shouted, "I will be hanged before I let there be a connection between them!"  I held my breath, not comprehending all of the implications.

            "It's not up to you," Freddie retorted with a chuckle, "they've already . . . "

            "He is not for her!" Patience's voice was breaking, "He's just not!"  I heard a soft sob.  My fingers touched my cheek, there were no tears.  There was another sob and I knew it was Patience, she was crying.  I looked at the locket in my hand, it would take more than that to correct whatever problem she had with me, so I left it on the table beside their door and returned to my room.

            I sat at my window and looked out into the night, "He is not for me," I told my reflection in the glass.  I repeated it several times.  In honesty I had not thought much about any sort of arrangement with Percival, but now knowing how much Patience was against it, it felt like I was losing something dear . . . again.

            "He is not for me," I said again against the glass, my breath causing it to fog.  It was quickly followed by a stifled sob, this time I knew it was from me.