Chapter 93 - 93: The Ball IV
Her question was answered for her when she saw Geoffrey at the front taking position to lead the grand march with Joan. He was wearing an elegantly stylish doublet with the collar pointed up. It was in the color of ivory and gold. His hair was brushed back, and he looked particularly handsome that night. Everything about him was befitting of his station.
Behind him was Artemis who was escorting Diana. They were followed by Diether and a girl she did not recognize.
Leonard led her to take their position which was the 5th pair from the leader. At the background, Serena heard the beginning of Verdi's Aida playing.
Geoffrey and Joan as the leader heads of the line marched up to the center of the room and everyone else followed. Then they continued until they reached the head, he turned to the left and she to the right; the gentlemen followed him and ladies followed her. When the two of them reached the bottom they pass each other, this time the lines were already forming two circles, the line of gentlemen going around on the outside, and the ladies on the inside, and in the opposite direction. Then, when the two met each other again at the top of the room, they march together around the room followed by the others.
There were more than a hundred pairs during this grand march, all the ladies participated while the gentlemen who did not come with a partner for the night was left sitting at the sidelines. How sad was that?
Anyway, Serena's eyes met with Charlton in the passing, and they smiled at each other.
When the grand march ended, and the introductory song began for the quadrille started playing, Kylo led Via to Charlton. Charlton took her hand and led her to a position where Leonard and Serena were. Their eyes met and as if they were reading each other's mind, they understood what the other was thinking. Both thought that at least this way, it was like they were dancing with each other too.
When the song ended and the one for the lancers was about to begin, Leonard seeing Geoffrey waiting led Serena over making the two meet each other the first time for the night.
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Geoffrey have already seen Serena earlier when she entered the venue. He wanted to approach her then, but he was still talking to the school dignitaries at that time. When he saw Leonard coming over with a lady's dance card, he knew that it must be Serena's. Thus, right after talking to the principal, he approached Leonard with a mission.
Luckily, at that time, her dance card was still empty except for the grand march, the first quadrille and another after the intermission. In truth, he wanted to fill his names on all the blanks but knew that it would not be appropriate. At most, he can only dance with her 3 times as she was her fiancée. Thus, he must choose the right ones.
His first choice was the two-step before the intermission, followed by the second waltz which was the last dance for the night. However, Leonard told him that her sister might be too tired by then and so requested to leave the last two dances blank first. Geoffrey accepted that and settled for the blue danube which was the only other waltz. He was fine with that too. His third choice was the 3rd dance, simply because he can't wait to talk to her already.
After the grand march, he did not dance the quadrille with anyone. That was because he wanted to meet her right after the quadrille ended. He positioned himself near them so Leonard can see him immediately. Luckily, he did and as he approached, Leonard also met him halfway with Serena in tow.
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Geoffrey offered his hand to Serena and she accepted it then he led her back to the dancefloor. As they were waiting for the other dancers to take their position, he started their conversation.
"You look lovely tonight." Geoffrey complimented her with a smile, trying to sound friendly when in fact his heart was beating in a very fast pace.
Serena feeling flattered blushed. It was the first time he complimented her looks to her face. "You too." She replied dumbly. Tonight, his male lead aura was exuding from him in waves.
Since a lot of people were already filling the dance floor again, they had to cut their conversation short. Geoffrey was satisfied seeing her blush, at the very least, he took it as her not being immune to his charms.
--
The lancers was pretty similar to the quadrille only more energetic. It was a square dance performed by four couples. Going back to the dance floor after fetching Gizel, Charlton saw Serena blush with whatever it was Geoffrey told her. Suddenly he felt some jealousy rising within him. However, he tried to control himself as he joined them with Gizelle. The other two couples with them were Leonard and Milly, and Artemis and Gina.
Charlton did not enjoy the lancers like he did the quadrille. He saw how Geoffrey looked at Serena and Serena smiling back at him. He knew he should know better, but he could not stop the churning in his chest.
After the lancers was the Gallop which he will dance with Milly. Thankfully, Artemis was Serena's partner this time. So, he could lay his jealousy at bay.
After that, he had no more dance engagement. Wanting a chance to talk to Serena, he remained at the sidelines, looking at her every time a song ended.
A lot of ladies were eyeing him, but he chose to ignore them. He had no plans of dancing any more. He just wanted to talk to Serena and see her dance card. But much to his disappointment, even when the 8th song ended, she was still in the dancefloor. Truth be told, he was not a bit happy with how things were unfolding.
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When the introductory song for the blue Danube started playing, Geoffrey went to Serena's side to ask for her hand.
Serena placed her hand in his. She was actually enjoying the night very much. It has been quite a long time since she attended a ball. In her time, balls like this became out of fashion already. But she did experience attending some in her younger years. She was glad that she can now use again these dances she took pains in learning.
Like what Charlton did in the celebration they attended, Geoffrey placed his hand behind her as she laid her hand on his shoulder. He smiled at her, and she smiled back at him.
She found it funny that he looked just like a prince from a fairy tale, and the blue danube which the orchestra was playing sounded like the waltz of the geese. She funnily thought that every time the music reaches a certain part, it would be the ducks squeaking she hears.
Geoffrey on his part liked the way Serena was laughing every so often. It seems like she was enjoying his company as much as he was enjoying hers.
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TBC