The Ball

[danieltam]

Daniel let Bella lead him away, not taking his eye off Alec for a second. He was strangely satisfied with what he had do to him, expecially so when he saw the blood pour out of his nose. This must be how Mal & Jayne feel when they hurt someone. When Bella stopped, he turned towards her, but then turned away again. He couldn't look at her for a number of reasons, having her see him like that, Alec's rude comments about them..........together. "I-I'm sorry for putting everything at risk. But he got what he deserved. I couldn't let him get away with what he said. I......just.......couldn't"

[Arabella Hart]

Bella looked at him. Shaking her head, she brought her hand to his face, caressing it with her thumb. “No baby it’s fine.” Smiling broadly she chuckled. “It was about time he got what was coming to him.” Bella wasn’t that violent of a person so her and Alec only drew swords with words. Kissing his lips softly, the moment was lost when their names were called. Now ladies and gentlemen, for the one you came for. The lady of the evening, Arabella Lynn Hart Donovan and her husband Alexander James Donovan.”

Slipping her arm through his, she took a deep breath in. Stepping forward, her dress moved with her. She saw the shocked look upon people’s faces and was glad to draw the reaction that she wanted. Waiting for Daniel’s even steps, she made her way down the one step to step within the center of the room.

[takeyouaway]

Laline stopped her conversation as the last name was called. “Excuse me.” She smiled sweetly as her nerves went on overdrive. She hoped Bella showed up. Standing on the edge of the circle, no one knew her granddaughter had ran away. She had simply said she sent her to a finishing school for older girls. Someplace for her to be prepared for marriage.

Waiting, her heart thumped. As Jacob spoke, she nearly choked. Donovan? Where had that come from? Watching with bug eyes, she saw her granddaughter come down with a man on her arm. Her granddaughter and run off and gotten married. Probably had a kid too. Trying to act cool, she moved next to the couple as they became still. Kissing Bella’s cheek, she hugged the man warmly, trying to act as if she knew him.

The laughter was sending a stab at her heart. Motioning with her hands, the room became silent again. “The past year I have lied to each of you.” A murmur of protest broke out form the bachelors she had spoken to earlier. “I didn’t want to change anyone’s schedule. So instead of a coming out ball, this is Bella’s wedding ball. We had a small ceremony at the request of his family and now this is our large gathering.” Laline could pull any lie out of her hat. This was nothing for her. Sending darts her daughter’s way, she wasn’t pleased.

Betty was laughing gin her corner. To see Laline’s eyes pop out was priceless. It was extremely amusing actually. But Betty tried to keep her laughter low. She would enjoy this for years to come.

Moving, she decided it was time to go upstairs. Winking at her daughter, she headed to gather up everything to be sent on the ship.

[out-Bella’s room]

[danieltam]

Daniel kissed her back and whispered "I love you Bella," just be fore walking out through the curtains. So many people watching them. This was more nerve-racking than he thought it would. He saw an elderly woman come up and hug him. He graciously hugged her back with his free hand, not wanting to release himself from Bella for a minute. "Laline, so good to see you again," he said in the more upper class tone he had been practicing.

[Arabella Hart]

Bella was grinning from ear to ear. Two reasons. One was that she had someone she loved by her side for this ball. Two was that she was sending her grandmother out of control. “Pardon his parents. They had some business to take care of before joining us. They will be along shortly to meet each and every one of you.” Curtseying before the crowd, that signified the dancing could begin. Motioning with her head, she moved to the refreshment table, grabbing two glasses of champagne. Handing one to Daniel, she clinked glasses.

“To love and chaos.” Sipping her drink, a group of people she recognized came up. Leaning out, she kissed each cheek of the couple. They said congrats before moving on. “Just another hour…”

[takeyouaway]

Laline clasped her hands as she smiled the fakest and sweetest smile she could muster. Watching the couple, she was already plotting how to tear them apart. She had a much more suitable man for her then this guy. As people began a waltz around her, she moved between them. Some expressed their shocked and elation, and all she could do was fake everything.

Grabbing Bella’s arm, she nearly spilled champagne everywhere. “How dare you?” She hissed it through her teeth silently. Letting her hand fall, she crossed her arms and stared at her granddaughter. “This is beyond anything you’ve ever done.” Turning, she pointed to Daniel. “And who are you? Some farm boy?”

[danieltam]

Daniel bowed in time with Bella's curtsey. He went with her to the table and clinked his glass with hers. "That certainly sums up the evening perfectly, don......doesn't it," he said before sipping his drink. He made sure to correct his speach so that he didn't say anything these people would question. He turned towards Laline when she spoke to him, it was his turn to have fun now. "How dare you talk to me like that. You should be grateful that I played along with your little game. I could have easily told everyone the truth. What would that do to your reputation I wonder?"

[Arabella Hart]

Bella refrained from laughing up her drink. This was all too amusing for her return. But it was also ticking her off. “I dare because I love. Something you could never show me in you little matchmaking games.” Finishing off her drink, she set it down with the other glasses on the table. She was ready to get drunk and make her grandmother upset. But Daniel was handling it all smoothly.

[takeyouaway]

Laline stared down at this Alexander kid. She wouldn’t let him intimidate her. “And it would have been burned immediately and the marriage null and void.” She leered at him. “if you loved each other so, you would never want that to happen.”

Snapping her fingers, she pointed at Bella. “no more drinks for you.” Seeing the girl become upset, she was satisfied. Pulling in closer, she’d have another word about this matter. “I’ll talk to you however I wish. I rule this place with an iron fist.” Pulling back, she put on a sugary sweet appearance. “now, where are your parents?”