Summer Chapter 2

My hand frivolously grasped the hand rail of our winding stair case as I started to ascend. Each step was graceful as I maneuvered under this intriguing dress. I put on a playfully flirtatious smile as I allowed my eyes to settle on the gentle man awaiting my company under the threshold that enters the dining room. I knew that his eyes would look me over and he would see my beautiful smile and drawing eyes. He wasn’t unhandsome himself. His shady blonde hair kept falling into his eyes. It was natural I could tell from that detail, which struck me as odd for normally a man of his stature would wear a wig. He had nice subtle blue eyes, unlike the piercing brightness of my icy blue eyes that always remained calm. His height would most definitely be a problem for he was about a half foot taller than I, but his build was exquisite.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, my hand gently fell into place on his. He gave it a light warm kiss as he bowed; a gesture of his approval. I curtseyed in return. In the dining room my Papa and Nana had their place at the head and foot of the table awaiting us. There was a spark of happiness in my Nana’s eyes for she could tell how well this had all started out. My Papa was a little alarmed at the sudden fondness we had for each other and quickly started to question the young man. I soon learned that the gentlemen’s name was Markus. He was the sole heir to the Chapman’s fortune and estate. Although he would soon inherit the good graces of his uncle’s fortune, he had to be wed to conceive it. And strongly against an arranged marriage he reluctantly agreed to visit our house hold under the advice of his Uncle.

After we had finished eating the eggs, meats, and fruit that lined the table my Nana and I retreated to the parlor to pick up on our stitching. The men, my Papa and Markus left to go to my Papa’s study. Surly they would be in a cloud of cigar smoke or drinking a morning brandy. My Nana asked, as soon as she was sure of our secrecy, "What do you think of Markus Chapman? I think your Papa will agree for his courting." I replied steady, "He seems as though he comes from a fine family." I was trying to hide the excitement in my voice. This would be the first time I have encountered a male suitor and I was dreadfully nervous. Although he is about five years older then I, I agreed with my Nana in the fact that Papa would gratefully agree.

Later that night as I dressed for dinner, Marie told me she over heard my Papa talking to Markus. She told me that, as we had predicted, my Papa would let Markus court me. As I traveled down the stair well in my lavender dress, daisies in my hair, I noticed the familiar face of Markus standing where he stood earlier. I was shocked to see that courting would start so soon. Papa rarely invited people to stay for dinner, and I had been with held from the secret request. If I would have known I would have chosen my pale green dress, or worn my hair differently. Already spotted, I was unable to withdraw back up the stair well, so I over thought all of the petty thinking and I put on a smile.

Like before I was greeted with a slight bow and a kiss on the hand. But this time he held out a single red rose in a symbol of his courtship. I tried to hold back the blushing in my cheeks but it was inevitable. I could feel my face burn with the tingly sensations the rosiness produced. As we patiently walked to our seats at the table, I couldn’t help to smell the appealing scent of his aftershave. He gently set me at my seat, pivoted and swiftly moved to his own, across from mine. Geoffrey, our butler served us our dinner. That night we dined on a great feast of turkey, potatoes, rice, and salad. To my surprise, red wine was served as a token to my first courting with the exceptional and refined Markus Chapman.