A picture of total calm, she sat there,
watching the people enter the ballroom.
She had the advantage of facing the
entrance. Demure in her new white
dress, her black hair swept back from
with several curls framing her face,
she received admiring glances from
the gentlemen but she was oblivious.
Her eyes intermittingly taking pause
to regard the beautiful dresses, would turn
irresistibly toward the entrance, looking for
the appearance of a particular gentleman.
Philip Moore was one of the most eligible
bachelors in London. She and he first met
at a dinner party. He sat beside her which
made her very nervous. He did most of the
talking because she was so shy and in-
accustomed to socializing with such an
arresting gentleman.
After the dinner the men remained in the dining-
room where they were served coffee while the
ladies went to the drawing-room. She saw him
when he came to bid the ladies goodnight.
His eyes seem to linger on her face as he bowed
“Good night, Miss Parker.”
“Good night, Mr. Moore.”
That night she lay awake for a long while, thinking
about him. They saw each other at several other
functions and he would speak to her, getting her
to open up, overcome her shyness.
Tonight she was going to see him. She appeared
composed on the outside but there were butterflies in
her stomach. Her heart lurched when he suddenly materialized.
Eagerly, she sat forward in her seat, watching as he exchanged
civilities with the host and hostess. But, then the smile on her face
faded when she saw that he was not alone.
Her gaze shifted to the young lady standing beside him. She was
tall and slender. Her auburn hair was pulled in a bow and cascaded
in curls at her nape.
Amy watched her, wondering who she was when
she saw she look in her direction. With a start,
she realized that they were heading her way. Heart
thudding, nerves rattled, she didn’t know what to
do. She wanted to get up and run out of there but
her legs seemed to freeze up on her.
“Miss Parker,” Philip greeted her, his eyes riveted on
her face. “As soon as I saw you, I had to bring Georgiana
over to meet you.”
Georgiana smiled at her. “Hello Miss Parker,” She said,
extending a gloved hand to Amy. “It’s nice to meet you.
My brother has told me so much about you.”
Amy looked at her. “Your brother?”
“Yes, Philip is my older and dear brother.”
Feeling tremendously relieved, Amy stood up and
took the extended hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet
you, Miss Moore.”
“You must come and have tea with me one
afternoon,” Georgiana said. “Philip, I will leave
you with Miss Parker while I go and say hello
to a dear friend. Excuse me.”
Once they were alone, Philip turned to Amy.
“You look very beautiful tonight, Miss Parker,” he
said, his gaze steady and holding hers, making her
blush.
“Thank you.”
“Shall I have the pleasure of dancing with you this evening?”
“Yes.” If I had my way, I would reserve every dance for you.
“Come, let us join the festivities.” He held out his arm and
smiling happily, she took it and allowed him to escort her
to the ballroom.
Sources: Angelpig; Geri Walton; British Baby Names; Victoriana Magazine
