He bent to whisper in her ear. “Come with me, they play a
waltz.”
She shuddered. “I cannot. You know it is impossible for me
to be held in your arms.”
“Come we will rendezvous in the orangery they will never see
us leave.”
Turning her head she found him staring into her eyes
silently pleading for this moment, this memory. Hesitantly she slipped her hand
into his feeling the warmth of his un-gloved palm radiate through the sheer lace
that covered her small hand. They were hands of a gentleman. A gentleman shunned
by his peers while adored and sought after by ladies who found tales of his
daring lifestyle to be fascinating and seductive.
The two silently slipped through the large glass door
leading them into a botanical haven that glowed in the light of the moon.
Gathering her in his arms, ignoring all society strictures,
he pulled her close, allowed her to feel his strength cocooned her in his
warmth.
She shivered not from the cool air but the intensity of the
moment for it was pregnant with an intangible substance.
Moving together as one, clinging to each other knowing this
would be the last time the two of them would be a mournful silence surrounded
them. Tomorrow he would flee to what everyone would believe was his country
estate, while family and friends awaiting the grand wedding that was to take
place in less than a fortnight would consume her.
He heard as the last string of the waltz filled the air, all
too soon the magic of the moment was gone. They stood holding each other each
with bated breath, each wishing the waltz had stretched a life time.
It was he who slowly pulled away looking down at her head
which she could not lift, it was as though the weight of her silent tears
burdened her so much she lacked the strength to move let alone look him in the
eyes.
“My Love.” He whispered. “Please look at me, just one last
time let me see the love in your eyes.”
Drawing every ounce of strength she had within her she drew
her head up and looked within his grey eyes.
“I cannot do this, I cannot say goodbye.” As she uttered the
words she felt as if her heart was being ripped from her body.
“You must. We must.” Closing the distance between them he
tilted her chin and place one last kiss upon her lips.
Later as she entered her private quarters she found the
small box under her pillow. Inside the box a necklace that would forever serve
as a memento of their undying love. A note attached read;
Forever I will
love you.
Forever Yours.