The Staffords seemed to have deliberately chosen the period of the late eighteenth, early nineteenth centuries. And it seems indifferent to everything, but the first thought that arose in my head. Will Gillian be there? This girl has firmly lodged herself in my head. I am driven by interest. I want to know what is special about her?
Men's fashion of that time was not distinguished by diversity. So I put on a waistcoat, a black tailcoat and, of course, a white tie. Black is not suitable, they began to wear them in the second half of that century.
The reflection in the mirror confirms that I look spick and span. Only there is a striking difference from that time, I feel nothing. There is no anticipation. I look good and that's all. And the reason is not important.
"Mr. Salisbury, a car has arrived for you," the butler said.
He nodded. Without even looking at his reflection again, he took the masquerade mask from the table and left the bedroom. The driver was waiting downstairs, at the front entrance to the building. When he saw me, he hurried to open the car door. He sat in the back seat. He was not in the mood to get behind the wheel himself.
The heart anticipates the meeting. While we were driving, something stirred inside.
The noble family, such an ancient lineage, had many mansions where they could hold a ball, but they preferred to rent a castle, an hour's drive from the center in the county of Kent. Enough time to get in the mood.
Arrived at the appointed time, I don't like to be late. The stone fortress that appeared before my eyes and surrounded by many giant living labyrinths reminded me of the ball where Elizabeth and I met. My wife was magnificent. It was impossible not to pay attention to her.
Bright, emotional, slightly crazy and insanely beautiful. She was not distinguished by modesty. Our acquaintance was her initiative. Elizabeth made Ethan introduce us. And she gave me the first dance. So decided the girl, not me. The connection between us was felt immediately. From the first seconds.
Her laughter dissolved in me, becoming a part of me. Many suitors were circling around the red-haired beauty. She was bathed in the admiring glances of the opposite sex. It flattered her, and the devil openly responded to the signs of attention.
She played until she got tired of it. The only one with whom she forgot herself was me. Feeling that we were a true couple, I was happy with such a gift of fate, like a boy. When we were twirling in a dance, touches gave so many emotions at once. It was difficult to calm the heart and hold on confidently. She was quiet and absorbed in me, striking. We did not immediately understand the reason for our attraction.
After that day, I looked for meetings. She was only nineteen, just like Gillian, but since there were not a couple of centuries behind her, I felt young, free and in love. But with a new acquaintance, everything is different. Between us, like a cliff. I see a girl in her, despite the fact that the girl is feminine beyond her years.
The curves of a beautiful body do not block an innocent face. The lustful glances that the men present at the name day threw are understandable. Gillian then obviously dressed up in a revealing dress to annoy her father. Modesty was visible in her eyes and behavior. Nothing can be hidden from me.
Inside the castle is full of people. It seems that the guests arrived even earlier than expected. The music, although not in keeping with the nineteenth century, suits the atmosphere.
The hosts of the celebration greeted me and immediately switched to other guests. Just to my advantage. Now they know that I was present, I will wait an hour and return home. I thought I would feel better in my native element, but it turned out the opposite. Everything reminds me of Elizabeth. Dresses, lighting, cheerful laughter. It stirs wounds that are already bleeding.
But then time stopped, people became blurry spots, meaningless, I felt like I was in a dream, reality floated away. The music faded away and only she remained - a guest who arrived late. Gillian in a ball gown looks amazing. My heart instantly reached out to her. I moved towards her. We froze in the center of a huge hall.
I don't like social events, but every year I wait for the end of August to attend the ball that the Staffords throw to celebrate the new season.
This time, they have chosen a masquerade from the nineteenth century. All the female half will be in magnificent ball gowns and magnificent masks that will add mystery to the image. The gentlemen have a great responsibility to find their partner among the crowd of people.
Everything inside is trembling with excitement and anticipation. I am looking forward to the evening with impatience.
***
Gillian Pov
My dress for the summer celebration was made to order to create realism and not to miss even the smallest detail of that time. France remained the trendsetter of fashion at that time.
The fabrics used were mainly expensive, which gave the outfit luxury and splendor. Tailors used silk, velvet or satin fabrics. The most popular colors were red, blue and white. And since I have light hair, the tailor recommended dark blue satin.
A deep neckline, trimmed with beautiful white lace, gave an alluring look to my figure. The skillful cut of the outfit emphasized the waist. The graceful swirls of the skirts, when I am in motion, attract the eye. In order to fully match, I wove a silver and amethyst decoration into my hair.
This made the hairstyle incomparable. But as for makeup, I used practically nothing, except for a light foundation to smooth out my tanned skin, which was not welcomed and condemned at that time. I completed the preparation with long gloves to match the lace. I put the mask in my handbag for now.