“For my beautiful daughter. Spotted these at a shop downtown. Knew they were for you. Looking forward to our special time tonight.”
My mind reeled back in time, remembering how Mom and I had attended a Christmas event at the college which included a showing of A Christmas Carol. It wasn’t long after that she’d gotten sick. Before we knew it, she was gone.
I closed my eyes and clutched the shoes against my chest.
“Miss you, Mom,” I whispered. I inhaled deeply then rose. Setting the shoes aside, I slipped on the blue gown. It fit me like a glove.
“Oh, Miss Hunter!” Dorothea said, entering the room once more. “You look beautiful! How does it fit?”
“Perfect,” I said, checking the sleeve Dorothea had repaired. “You’ve done a wonderful job.”
“Just watch this seam in the back,” she said as she turned to zip me up. “I’ve never seen stitches like these before. Stubborn. Almost like the dress had a mind of its own,” she said with a laugh. “But, with a little coaxing, she cooperated. There you go,” she said then, turning me toward the mirror.
The image looking at me was an echo of my mother. The sparkles on the blue fabric glimmered like stars. The intricate silver threading in the embroidery shimmered. The fabric on the skirt was light and soft, the bodice decorated intricately.
“Rayne is downstairs,” Dorothea said then. “Shall we get these shoes on?”
I nodded. Carefully gathering the skirt, I sat on the bed while Dorothea slipped the shoes on.
“I’m back to your senior prom,” Dorothea said with a laugh.
“Don’t remind me. You remember when Conner got out of the limo, how his pant leg lifted up to reveal his white socks? I thought Dad was going to pass out.”
Dorothea laughed. “I’m not sure who was more shocked, him or Conner, especially when Mr. Hunter went inside only to come back with a pair of black socks.”
I laughed. “Yeah, that was the end of that prospect.”
“Well, the prospect downstairs is looking rather dapper tonight, if I do say so myself.”
“Does he now?”
“Honey, I’m old, not dead.”
We both laughed out loud.
“Okay, let me just squeeze the clasp,” she said, applying the pliers. “There. Now, you’re going to have a time getting them off, but they should stay put.”
“Thank you, Dorothea.”
“Anything, my dear. Wish your mama was here tonight. Mr. Hunter told me Horatio is planning to propose to Miss Dayton.”
I nodded. “Big night.”
“Well, you enjoy yourself too,” she said, holding out her hand to help me up.
Taking one last glance into the mirror, I adjusted a curl behind my ear, grabbed my clutch purse, and headed downstairs. The sparkling shoes wobbled for just a moment as I slid into them.
Heels, fail me not.
Chapter 17: Rayne
I nervously toyed with the crystal figurines sitting on a table as I waited for Viola. The moment I realized, however, that the little ornaments would probably cost me a month’s income, I stuck my hand in my pocket and went to look out the sliding glass doors leading to the gardens outside. It was already dark. The garden fountains were illuminated with soft light.
“Rayne?” Viola called.
The sound of her voice swept across the room and gripped my faerie heart more strongly than any spell ever had. I turned to see her coming carefully down the stairs, a vision of beauty, like she was wearing the starry sky wrapped around her. More than her gown or anything else, however, it was the look in her eyes that moved me most. There was a glimmer in there I’d never seen before. For the first time, I felt what it was like to be victim to someone else’s sparkle.
She crossed the room and took my hand. After a moment, she laughed. “Well, say something.”
“I…I…stunning.”
She smiled softly. “I suppose that will do. And you,” she said then, gently stroking the lapel of my suit, “you clean up nicely.”
“Don’t tell me you were really expecting flannel and jeans?” I joked.
She smiled once more, the look on her face illuminating the entire room. “Of course not. But I understand you had some help. Looks like I’ll have to thank Cassidy.”
“Wait, I saved the best part,” I said. “In the truck, though. You ready?”
Viola nodded. “Night, Dorothea,” she called to the housekeeper who was standing on the upstairs landing, dabbing her eyes with a hankie.
Taking Viola’s hand in mine, I led her outside. The air was warm for a spring night in Chancellor. The smell of flowers wafted off the garden. In the distance, I could hear the call of frogs. There was magic in the air. I could feel it all around me. If I hadn’t known better, I would have suspected some faerie magic at work. Grinning, I opened the passenger door, leaned inside, and grabbed my top hat and cane, popping the top hat on.
“Madame, your coach,” I said with a bow.
Viola laughed. “How gentlemanly of you, Mr. Darcy,” she replied with a polite nod then got in.
I went around to the other side, slid in, and clicked the engine on. To my great relief, the truck started, and we headed off. I turned the old radio to a classical music station and drove toward Arden Estate. I tried to pretend my nerves weren’t bothering me, but they were. The event tonight would change all our lives: Julie’s and Horatio’s, Alice’s, and, I hoped, mine. I hadn’t felt this awkward in ages. My twinkle always saved me. Along with a few silver-tongued lines and my looks, I never worried about how I’d score with the ladies. But around Viola, I was a mess. I always fancied myself an Oberon, but tonight, I was operating a lot more like Tinker Bell’s awkward second cousin.
Viola’s phone buzzed. “Alice,” she said, flipping through the messages. “She and Luc are there. Julie and Horatio. Told her we’re on our way. Not that she’ll have eyes for anyone but Luc anyway. God, it’s like love at first sight. I thought that only happened in movies,” Viola said wistfully.
Reaching across the seat, I took her hand, lacing her fingers in mine. “Well, that’s not the only way to fall in love.”
Viola squeezed my hand in reply. “Rayne,” she whispered softly. My name had never sounded more beautiful. “Lovely night,” she whispered, gazing out the window.
“Lovely woman,” I replied.
“Oh, shut up,” she said teased.
“I mean it.”
She was silent for a minute then laughed.
“What is it?”
“Horatio is going to kill you.”
I smirked. “No, he isn’t.”
“No?”
“No. I talked to him today.”
“Wait, what? You like, got his blessing?”
I turned to look at her. She had the funniest expression on her face, at once she seemed both pleased and surprised. I lifted her hand and kissed it.
At that, Viola only laughed, but her laughter was joyous and happy, and it made my heart sing.
We arrived at the magnificent Arden Estate just a short drive later. The entire place was lit up. Black limos and all manner of high end cars pulled into the front lot where valets stood waiting.
While my truck raised a few eyebrows, no one said a word. I handed the keys over to the valet and went to the passenger side to meet Viola.
“Jeez, glad I washed her,” I said, shooting a glance back at my old pickup.
Viola laughed out loud. “All this,” she said, waving her hand at the assembled crowd. “Is so…expected. Boring. You stand out,” she said, then reached up and took me by the chin, giving it a little shake.
“I’m nothing compared to you, Miss Hunter. Shall we?” I asked, motioning to the entryway.
As we climbed the stairs, we were treated with the lovely sounds of the orchestra. The music rolled out of the massive building, filling the night with the dulcet tones of the waltz. All around us, gentlemen dressed in fine suits and ladies in beautiful gowns headed inside. It was like al
l of Chancellor’s old money had come out for the event. Several people called to Viola. Putting on her best wine-heiress smile, she nodded and waved to them.
“No escaping it,” she said quietly with a sigh. “Wherever I go, I’m Blushing Grape Vineyards.”
“No,” I said, stopping. Taking her gently by the waist, I turned her to look out over the cherry orchard that surrounded the estate. In the distance, the dark waves of Lake Erie glimmered in the moonlight. The pink and white cherry blossoms in the orchard, sitting between us and the shoreline, created a magnificent and a gentle canvas. The leaves, reflecting the silver moonlight, danced in the wind. The scent of the cherry blossoms perfumed the air. “You are so much more. All nature bends its eyes just to look at you. See,” I said, and then very discreetly, pulled my little willow wand from my jacket pocket and gave it a wave. The wind blew once more, and this time, it caught the pearl-colored petals. With a soft, fragrant breeze, it marshalled them toward Viola. The wind blew the petals into a gentle torrent around us.
She laughed gently, reaching out to touch the petals, then turned toward me. “What was that?” she asked.
I shrugged. “You see, I was right.”
Viola wrapped her arm around my waist, and we walked up the stairs. Mellow, golden-colored Japanese paper lanterns painted with images of cherry blossoms illuminated our steps. As we reached the top of the staircase, Viola wobbled, then stopped. Pulling aside the skirt of her dress, she examined her shoe.
“Buckle,” she said, then bent down to adjust it. “Dorothea tightened it, but I guess I better be careful.”
“Can I help?”
She shook her head. “There, that will do for now,” she said then reached out to me.
I steadied her as she rose. When she did so, however, a strange expression crossed her face.
“Oh my gosh, my dress. I think I felt something rip.”
“Where?”
“The back, at the zipper.”
Looking behind her, I examined the zipper alongside the intricate embroidery. Sure enough, it was ripped open.
“Is it torn?” she whispered, her voice shaking. “This was my mother’s dress.”
“Just a moment,” I said, and moving deftly, my wand hidden in the sleeve of my coat, I gave it a wave. A tiny sparkle of light slipped up the back of the fabric, mending it. Gently, I checked the work. Perfect. “It’s okay. One of the beads pulled out of place, must have given the fabric a tug. It’s all right now.”
“Thank goodness,” she said then, looping her arm in mine. “I’d hate to think I ruined something that belonged to her. Okay, I think I’m ready. You?”
I smiled down at her, stroking her cheek with the back of my finger. “Beyond.”
With that, the woman I was completely mad about and I entered the ball.
Chapter 18: Viola
The scene inside the ballroom of Arden Estate was a feast for the senses. The room was full of Chancellor elites dressed in black tie and gowns of silk, jewels sparkling. Everywhere I looked, I saw pink and white cherry blossoms. Ornate arrangements illuminated by candlelight decorated the tables. There were stands of cherry blossom branches hung with paper lanterns all around the room. The room was alive with their pearly color and elements of twinkling gold. My nose was on fire with the smell of the beautiful, delicate flowers. I’d been to a few Cherry Blossom Balls, but by far, this was the most beautiful event I’d ever seen. Delegates from our Japanese sister city moved through the room sipping champagne as the orchestra played the dulcet tones of the Edelweiss waltz.
“Look,” Rayne said, motioning to a couple on the dance floor.
Alice and Luc moved gracefully around the room, lost in one another’s eyes. Alice’s blue dress seemed to float around her as they drifted around the center of the ballroom dance floor under the glimmering lights of the crystal chandelier overhead.
“She looks so beautiful,” I whispered. “I’m so happy for her.”
Rayne was smiling as he looked on. “Me too. Ah, there’s Julie and Horatio.”
My brother stood smiling with his arm around his girlfriend’s waist. They were near a craft table where, it seemed, Julie had prepared a cornucopia of cherry blossom inspired delights.
Rayne and I moved toward them.
“Not bad. Needs more tissue paper carnations and crepe paper though,” I told Horatio.
“Yeah, and the balloon animal clown is late. Event ruined,” he replied, then laughed.
“Viola, you look so beautiful,” Julie said, letting go of my brother to come hug me.
I hugged her tightly, knowing she had no idea what the night had in store for her. I had to choke back my tears.
“You too,” I said, pulling back to admire the pink, blue, and white kimono she was wearing. She’d pulled her red dreadlocks up into a neat pile on her head and adorned her hair with cherry blossoms.
“Thanks! I wanted to fit in and lucked across this.”
“Wow, Julie. Did you make all these?” Rayne asked, looking over the desserts.
At the center of the table was a tall cake made to look like a Japanese temple piped with cherry blossoms. On the table were tiered trays of cupcakes topped with crystalized blossoms, fondant blossoms, chocolate blossoms, and everything in between. She also had laid out delicate pink and white petit-fours topped with cherry blossoms and cookies shaped like the flowers.
“Totally inspired. Some are infused with the flower, some with cherry,” she said, pointing. “And the other ingredients are, of course, secret,” she added, winking at Rayne.
The gesture puzzled me, but I chalked it up to Julie’s playfulness. I knew she only had eyes for my brother.
“I know that dress,” Horatio said then, smiling at me. “I have to admit, my little sister looks beautiful. Good thing I know her date has manners.”
Rayne bowed toward him.
“Viola? Rayne?” a soft voice called from behind us.
We turned to find Genevieve Harper, the owner of Lavender Fields Bed and Breakfast. She shifted nervously then smiled. She was wearing a lovely dress befitting the name of her business, the soft, violet-colored material trimmed with shining beads.
“Genevieve. So good to see you. I wasn’t sure—” I began.
“Luc talked me into it,” she explained then turned to Horatio. “It’s a beautiful event, Mr. Hunter.”
“Mr. Hunter is my father. Genevieve, right? I’m Horatio,” he said, sticking out his hand. “I think we’ve seen one another at chamber meetings?”
She nodded. “Nice to meet you, Horatio.”
“I’m Julie,” Julie said, shaking the woman’s hand.
“Did someone mention me?” my father asked as he joined us. Like the rest of the assembled men, he was dressed nicely in a tuxedo, a grape leaf on his lapel.
“Not too shabby,” I told him, dusting off his shoulder.
He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Your mom would love to see you in this, Viola,” he said, admiring my gown then turned to Julie. He grinned at her flair, shook his head, then leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Adorable,” he told her. “Now, what have you made today?” he asked, looking over her table.
“Try this,” she told him, handing him a bite-sized petit-four.
My dad popped the confection. “Perfect,” he said between chews.
Julie giggled. “Glad you like it. Mission accomplished.”
Rayne, I noticed, was grinning at Julie. I suddenly felt like I’d been left out on a joke.
“Mr. Hunter, have you met Genevieve Harper?” Rayne asked.
Dad turned and, I realized, noticed Genevieve for the first time. A strange expression crossed his face.
“N…no. Hello,” he said, reaching out for her hand. “Aaron Hunter.”
“Genevieve Harper,” she replied.
“Miss Harper owns Lavender Fields Bed and Breakfast,” I added quickly. I had never, ever, seen my dad look at anyone like that…well, not since my mom. It so surprised me that I foun
d myself grinning. “She lodges most of Blushing Grape’s out-of-town guests.”
“Do you? Then I guess I owe you a thanks.”
Genevieve smiled shyly. “My pleasure, Mr. Hunter.”
“You’re missing a drink, Miss Harper. I heard the champagne is flavored with cherry blossoms tonight. Might I get you one?” Dad said, extending his arm to her.
Genevieve blushed.
I shot a look at my brother. We exchanged a “what the hell” expression then tried not to stare. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was Dad making a move?
“Okay,” Genevieve replied with an awkward smile then linked her arm in his.
With that, Dad left with the owner of the bed and breakfast, leaving me gawking in his wake.
Rayne and Julie were laughing lightly while Horatio and I continued to look from our dad to one another.
“What was that?” I asked.
“Magical night,” Rayne offered as an easy explanation. “Right, Julie?”
“One expects no less in Chancellor,” she answered.
“Well now,” Rayne said then, turning to me. “Do you waltz, Miss Hunter? We can’t let Alice and Luc think they are the only fine couple in the room.”
“I do,” I said, setting my hand in his. “Do you?”
“Of course.”
“Well, aren’t you full of surprises?”
“More than you could ever guess.”
I winked at Horatio who looked decidedly uncertain, and with that, Rayne and I joined the other dancing couples, falling into step with the ballroom dance.
“Rayne! Viola!” Alice called, finally seeing us.
I smiled and waved at her.
I turned back to Rayne, who moved fluidly around the room. “Now, where did a hippie beekeeper learn how to ballroom dance?” I asked. Both Horatio and I had been forced to take lessons, and, admittedly, I’d had a lot more fun learning than Horatio did. Rayne, however, seemed a master at it.
“Oh, I pick up things here and there,” he replied.
“Ah, yes, here and there. Nice place.”
The Chancellor Fairy Tales Boxed Set: Books 1-3 Page 22
