◊ Wings of Eagles ◊

oO Chapter XII Oo

“He offered me so much.” Rebecca declared to Sara. “He said that he admires me and has much money that he spend on more jewels such as this.”

Rebecca revealed the jewel. Sara’s mouth dropped too upon the sight of it.

“It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“I know. When he is not here, I feel anxious and I can’t stop thinking about him. When he’s here, my heart races with excitement. What is the matter with me? I simply hate feeling this way. I mean, I barely know him!”

“Calm down.” Sara declared putting a comforting hand upon her friend and placing the necklace in Rebecca’s palm.

“Tell me, what should I do?” It was one of the few moments in which Rebecca actually felt helpless and sought Sara’s advice.

“I cannot tell you what to do.” Sara finally answered. “In the end you are the one that makes the final decision. I can say all I want but you are the only one that makes the decision. If you want to know what I think, I believe you should take it. He has proven his wealth, by this jewel. This life is horrible—we would both agree to that It’s a chance that you must decided to take or not. However, believe me when I say that many, many people have offered marriage proposals, all of them far from genuine. He is not a guaranteed way out. It’s all a gamble, but I’ll support whatever you decide.”

Rebecca sighed. She hated to hear what Sara said. It was not what she wanted to hear. She wanted to know that it would be ok if she left. She wanted to know that she had been given the chance of a lifetime.

When Rebecca laid her head to sleep she had a big decision to make. She could wake up in a few hours and take a chance and leave.

But would I be making the right decision? Will I regret it later?

Turning and tossing in her sleep, she went in and out of sleep. Finally she could not stand her restlessness and sat up. Hearing the chimes in the background, Rebecca’s heart gave a jolt. Could it be? Was it true?

Was it the midnight bells? Looking out the window confirmed that fact.

Was it a sign? Did that mean that she should leave with him?

Her heart went back to Brandon’s words concerning all that he could offer her. In a moment of pure ecstasy, Rebecca chose to believe in his very word, hoping beyond all hope that he was her way out.

With her shawl and few clothes packed she carefully opened the window and stepped out into the midnight darkness. When she had her feet on the ground, she was fueled with such excitement she couldn’t help but run.

Rebecca hated the idea of going to the party. She wanted to declare that she was not going, and see the shocked look of Caroline’s face. She wanted to stay home and spend the time alone in the quiet. Yes, that would be quite comforting to her nerves.

However, when she heard that Edmund was going, Rebecca reconsidered. He was a complete mystery to her, and she wanted to find out more about him. After all, if he was going, was the party going to be that bad? Rebecca told herself that it would be, but a nagging feeling tugged at her and made her think twice.

Caroline’s words also struck her, because by refusing she was also harming her own reputation. Did she

dare do that in light of her situation. She was already disliked. Would they dislike her even more for coming uninvited, though? Probably.

The whole situation was confusing until Rebecca, tossing and turning in the middle of the night. She didn’t know what she would do.

What would do you, Sara? Rebecca asked in a whisper.

No answer came, but Rebecca was not surprised.

Of course, I’m not likely going to avoid such engagements once I’m married to John Clayton. Rebecca concluded.

Turning over once more, Rebecca gave out a sigh.

“Fine, I’ll go. I have the dress anyway, ” Rebecca said aloud to herself. After all, if she did not go, there be no end to the

There she lay for a few more hours until she saw the first ray of light shine through the window. Relieved that she would not have to toss and turn in her bed, she got up and washed her face off, drying it with a nearby cloth.

With a sigh, she prepared for the day. The party would not commence until hours later. She put on a simple dress and headed downstairs to eat. The breakfast then was not as appetizing, and held no taste for her. Rebecca didn’t care though. That was the least of priorities. She did not much care for food now.

As the day slowly passed, Rebecca tried to fill up every moment in hopes of divert her thoughts away from how long it would be until she had to go. Hearing Caroline scream, though didn’t make things better.

“It’s arrived!” Caroline declared.

“What has arrived?” John asked.

“The invitation! They’ve sent the invitation. We won’t have to go uninvited now!”

Rebecca was rather suspicious though. Why would the invitation be sent the day of? Everyone else had already received theirs. What made the family change their mind at the last minute? It was hard to say, and as Rebecca did not want to think of the event, she tried to ignore Caroline’s excitement, and all the talking, walking, and laughing going on not too far from here she was sitting.

When at last the time came, everyone retrieved their coats and headed out into the cold air. Rebecca followed and took a carriage that Edmund was stationed in. Rebecca groaned when she realized that she would be in such a situation. She wouldn’t mind being with Edmund with others around, but going with him alone was just quite unbearable.

Why did they not get the four seating carriage? Rebecca asked herself, but quickly figured out the answer: the smaller carriages were much more elegant and beautifully designed. It was all for fashion that she had to suffer this awkwardness. One thing that she was grateful for was that the seats were across from each other. If she had been made to sit beside him, how much more uncomfortable would it be!

Within moments the signal was given and the horses trodden on toward the Whitely estate

“This is your first official party, is it not?” Edmund asked after a few minutes of silence that followed the starting of the carriages.

“Yes, it is.” Rebecca answered.

“Are you excited?”

“No.”

“Why ever not?” Edmund asked looking confused.

Rebecca sighed, trying to find words for the mixed feelings inside of her.

“Because it’s just another way for me to be mocked in front of everyone. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with that from Caroline and John, but I guarantee the this will be a nightmare.”

“Maybe it won’t.”

“I guess we both have different opinions then,” Rebecca concluded.

For the rest of the ride, the two were silent. Rebecca sat as she let the sounds of the clicking hooves and cracking pebbles resounded beneath the carriage. Her body moved up and down with each small hill. Her eyes began to wander toward the scenery outside the window. A few minutes brought the sight of tiny specks of snow. Rebecca couldn’t help but be somewhat excited about seeing it.

Snow is the only good thing that comes from winter, Rebecca decided.

After a few more minutes the Whitely estate came into view and she made her way out. Edmund immediately made his way toward the side Rebecca was getting out. His hand was offered up to help Rebecca down, but she ignored it and climbed down the carriage, her dress’s hem soaked by a small puddle.

When they walked through the door and into the dancing floor, everyone’s eyes turned at the group. Even though they came invited, people still didn’t make her feel welcome, but it would have been foolish to think they would.

“It’s ok, ladies and gentleman,” Mrs. Whitely declared with a wry smile, breaking the silence. “Don’t be so shocked to see them, I have approved their admittance.”

The Woman’s words did not help to ease the shock of the people whose eyes did not peel off the group.

“So, you actually came?” Ellen asked walking up to Caroline who had had a smile of victory.

‘Of course. Why should I not, when I received an invitation.”

“You did? When?”

“That’s not for your to be concerned with, but if it will please you, here it the very invitation. I brought it with me in case there was a dispute.”

Caroline held out the parchment toward Ellen, as she examined it with widen eyes full of surprise.

“I see. Did you have to bring her, though? After all it is she who caused such talk in society. ”

“You mean this woman would not at all fit into society?” Caroline asked pointing to Rebecca.

“That is her?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Ellen seemed to have no words to reply with and ended up walking away in a huff.

“You better not make a fool of yourself here.” Caroline whispered in Rebecca’s ears once Ellen was out of sight.

Rebecca couldn’t help but skew her mouth in reluctance. Caroline then, walked on without looking behind her and commencing to the party engagements. Music started up once more and the men and women began to dance with their partners. Carefully, Rebecca watched their every move. It was really her only source of entertainment.

Rebecca was quite surprised upon an unknown feeling entering her upon seeing Edmund dancing with a woman. He was smiling and his face light with such animation.

Where did this feeling come from? Surely she wasn’t jealous of the woman.

But, Rebecca thought, she isn’t half as handsome as other women. She had a dull brown color for her hair that was quite fizzy and only seemed tamed because it was put in a tight bun in the back. The woman’s cheeks were stiff and high with a very angular and sharp chin. Her eyes, Rebecca could not see, but she could tell that they were small and not very appealing.

Sighing Rebecca got up and headed to get some punch. When she walked up to the stand and got the punch

she took a quick sip before turning around and heading back to sit down. As she moved her arm was held out and hit another woman’s arm, flinging the liquid on Rebecca’s new dress. Rebecca gave out a small scream, and the woman around Rebecca gave shocked expressions.

“My apologies Miss.” The woman stated and turned to

Yes, I am sure you are very sorry, Rebecca thought. You are lucky that this dress didn’t get on you white

material.

“Are you ok?”

Rebecca turned around to find Elizabeth standing behind her. Rebecca quickly regained her composure and cleared her throat.

“Yes, of course, I’m fine. “

“Here let me help wipe some of that punch off.” Elizabeth offered pulling her to the side.

Why is she doing this? Rebecca asked herself in confusion. Why would she help me, a scorned woman of society.

Suddenly in dawned upon her that maybe she had been merely instructed to do this.

Of course, I should have thought of that. I should have known that you were not genuinely kind. You only did this in order to keep up your charitable appearance.

What Rebecca saw next puzzled her even more as Elizabeth led her to the nearby parlor where some woman who did not wish to dance, gathered and talked.

As they walked thought he crowd she noticed all the eyes of the woman looked not at her now, but at Elizabeth with certain disgust.

“Don’t you care what other people are saying about you by helping me?” Rebecca finally asked.

“Of course not. Why should I?” Elizabeth answered with a small laugh.

“I don’t know. Everyone else cares greatly.”

“Well, that is their problem. Truthfully, I could care less if they laugh and make fun of me, so long as I know I am doing the right thing.”

The right thing?

“You think helping me is the right thing?”

“Of course.” Elizabeth replied. “No one should be treated in such a way you have. That woman was possibly rude for not even offering to help.”

Elizabeth took the cloth now, and begin to dab at the large darker rd stain. It did not come off very well, to Rebecca disappointment.

“Well, you were at least lucky to worn such a color dress. Had it been white, the spot would have been even worse.”

“True.” Rebecca answered.

“Are you up to going back out there and possibly dancing some more?”

“I suppose, but I won’t dance.”

“Why not?”

“Because I cannot.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Forgive me for not thinking. Of course you are not familiar with the dances. This is your first time attending such an engagement.”

What was the deal with this woman? Why was she suddenly apologizing for things she did not really do to offend her?

“You should at least give the dances a try.” She continued.

Rebecca gave a small laugh. “I’m afraid that is impossible.”

“Why?”

“Because no man would ever give a second thought to dancing with me.”

Elizabeth looked at Rebecca in certain disbelief.

“Don’t think that,” she said. “I’m sure that some man would offer you a dance. Now, come with me back to

the dancing floor. I sure that some one will offer you a dance.”

“But the stain…”

“It’s hardly noticeable,”

Suddenly Elizabeth’s eyes brightened. “Why does Mr. Clayton not dance. Surely he would not object. After all, he is your fiancé.”

Rebecca inwardly groaned. She did not want to dance, especially with Mr. Clayton.

Elizabeth did not seem to take notice of the look of uncertainty on Rebecca’s face and pulled her out of the drawing room and onto the large room with all the men and woman dancing.

“Wait here.” Elizabeth instructed and left to more than likely find Mr. Clayton.

Rebecca contemplated on whether or not she should leave or stay. She wanted to leave and avoid Mr. Clayton. It had nothing to do with Elizabeth. She actually seemed like a decent woman compared to the others she had met. She didn’t want to stay because she did not want to embarrass herself with her poor dancing skills and spend the time with him.

“I’d rather dance with Mr. Langston.” Rebecca told herself laughing at her foolishness.

I must forget him, I must.

With a sigh, Rebecca decided to exercise her legs and walk around. Before she could however, she heard a voice behind her. Rebecca turned around to find that Edmund had just caught her in time.

“Miss Ingram.” He said.

“Yes?” Rebecca asked wishing with all her might that she could just disappear. Why did he have to bother her so?

“I was wondering if you could give me pleasure of the next dance.”

“The next dance?” Rebecca asked in disbelief. Was he really asking her to dance?

She cleared her throat and shifted on her foot uncomfortably. Well, I suppose I got what I wished for, Rebecca thought with mild amusement.

“Yes, a dance.” Edmund answered with his soft smile and dazzling eyes that seemed to beg her to accept

his proposal to dance.

With a sigh, Rebecca nodded. She did want to dance, but she was afraid of making herself stick out and make herself even more of an outcast.

Maybe if they see me dancing with Edmund they will think differently about me. And after all, I might as well enjoy myself as Elizabeth said.

Edmund gave another smile and held out his hand.

“I’m afraid I must warn you of my inexperience,” Rebecca said as they made their way.

“That’s of little matter, though. You won’t know how unless you try.”

He did have a point, so Rebecca, continued to follow him to the floor. They lined up, the ladies on one side and the gentleman on the other. Music began, and they bowed.

Continually, Rebecca had to look to the other women for guidance as to what to do next.

She reached out her hand to Edmund and without touching circled to the other side and parted. She looked to see that they were walking up to their partner and having their forearms touch.

Some might be a little uncomfortable upon touching another man in such a simple way, but being used to even more intimate touches it did not bother her and she consumed.

“You dace rather well.” Edmund declared during one of the turns.

Rebecca felt her cheeks red, “Thank you. I’m afraid I’m not the best, though.”

“Well, for a first time, you really should be proud.”

Rebecca didn’t answer and indeed let her head hung down, trying to hide her smile.

Rebecca noticed that heart beat even faster as she made her way round and round, hand here, and hand there, clapping and watching as all the women appeared to have a lovely time. Pretty soon, even Rebecca felt a little more comfortable and began to enjoy herself even more than before.

Just as they were exchanging sides again, Her own foot caught on her dress and she stumbled over to the other side, making loud clunking noises with her shoes. Rebecca let out a small laugh, but quickly regained her composure and stood up straight, continuing the dance. Edmund gave Rebecca an amused smiled, and Rebecca couldn’t help but smile back.

I’m so glad that I didn’t completely fall to the floor, she thought with relief. How clumsy of me, though. I should have known that I would have done something like that.

Rebecca couldn’t help but be disappointed when the dance was over and last notes were played. Everyone gave cheers of approval, and the people participating in the next dace made their way to line up.

Rebecca walked off the floor with Edmund and gave a laugh.

“That was a lot more entertaining than I would have supposed," Rebecca admitted.

“I thought you might enjoy it." Edmund gave a smile, "Now, please say that you won’t stay in the sidelines for too long.”

“I cannot guarantee that, because I am afraid that you are the only one bold enough to ask me. Thank you for the dance, though. I enjoyed I quite immensely.”

“It was my pleasure,” Edmund answered bowing.

Truly, Rebecca was grateful for his offer. If it had not been for him, she would have had quite an awful time at this party. As she watched him walk away, Rebecca could not help but see him in a different light.

He was defiantly not like any other person she had ever met.

But, that was what she had thought about Brandon at first.

He’s different than Brandon, though, Rebecca countered.

There was something obviously genuine about his offer, his compliments, and his defense when he stood up for her.

Desiring to rest her legs after the dance, Rebecca, then headed to a nearby seat and observed all the passing dancers with great satisfaction; more than she could have ever supposed she would have. She saw Elizabeth approach her moments later.

“There you are!” she exclaimed.

“Did you want me?”

“Oh, no. I just wanted to say that I saw you dancing. I’m awfully glad someone did ask. Who was it?” Elizabeth asked.

“Edmund Langston.”

“John’s cousin?”

“Yes.”

“Well, how nice of him. I told you someone would offer to dance with you. Care for a drink? I’m sure you’re awfully tired after the dance.”

“I suppose a drink wouldn’t hurt,” Rebecca replied. With that, Elizabeth went to get her something to drink, and Rebecca was left alone to her thoughts.

Suddenly, hearing Caroline’s name mentioned cause Rebecca head to turn toward the source of the sound. Her head moved right to find two woman conversing.

“Did you notice how Caroline came in as if she owned the place? How shameful. I say she should never have been invited, and kicked out.”

Rebecca didn’t think much about this statement because she honestly felt the same way, but of course, that would have meant she would have been kicked out too, and that wasn’t exactly what she wanted at the moment.

“That’s horrible!” another woman declared.

“Well, it’s true, you know. She’s constantly made bad decisions, first with that man, Mr

“Oh, dear, that was the height of her nonsense. Everyone knew that he was after her because of her money and social position, but of course she listened to no one, that proud woman.”

“Well, she got what came to her.”

“I guess bad judgement has run in their family, what with John agreeing to marry that horrible harlot, and Edmund’s broken engagement. Infidelity is the worst, if you ask me.”

Rebecca couldn’t help but feel her fist clench tighter hearing comments made about her. Why, did they not know she was not far from them? Apparently not, but what calmed her anger, was the last part of the woman’s statement. Infidelity? Did that mean his engagement was broken off because he was caught with another woman? It was all too terrible for her to even comprehend. She should have known that he had been hiding something. No person was that good at heart. No one, and this proved that fact to her. She felt awful for ever getting her hopes up.

As Rebecca looked out unto the crowd of people, Rebecca felt a frown form on her face, as she recalled Brandon and that fateful midnight on the streets. She concluded that things certainly were not what they seemed to be.

A/N: so this was the chapter that had to go through the most editing, considering that about a month ago, I changed some details, to make the story make more sense. I'm not sure if there are a lot of errors here, but I imagine so. Again, I am still asking for a Beta, if anyone is interested, ESPECIALLY since, yes, I can say, this story is completed. I shall go over, edit a little and then post the rest. (: I have spent the last fews days endlessly typing to get this done, so now I have it complete, and I can shift my focus to my other story. yay! Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great day, and thank you all for your reviews! And yes, I meant for that invitation to come. Answers to how that happened will come up later.