Leave the party early (RARE PATH)

The ballroom was already filling by the time you entered.

Music echoed beneath the high ceilings as guests laughed over glasses of wine and servants weaved effortlessly between them.

Rather than staying close to Edward you decided to go have some time for yourself.

You stayed for a while, exchanged a few polite words, and finished your first glass of wine.

The room was warm, crowded and loud.

You slipped out onto the terrace, deciding that a little fresh air would do you more good than another conversation with a stranger.

The evening had grown pleasantly cool.

Lanterns illuminated the paths around the gardens, their reflections dancing across the lake beyond.

You had barely reached the water when you noticed someone already sitting on a bench overlooking the shore.

Lady Eleanor Pembroke.

She looked over her shoulder as you approached.

"I was beginning to think I was the only person escaping the festivities. How can anyone stand that ballroom an entire evening?"

"I thought the same."

She smiled and gestured towards the path.

"Walk with me?"

You nodded.

"I'd like that."

The two of you set off around the lake at an unhurried pace.

The distant sound of the orchestra drifted across the water.

"It is beautiful from here," you said.

Eleanor smiled tiredly.

"The house feels better once you can no longer hear every exhausting conversation."

"You don't enjoy the ball?"

"I enjoy parts of it."

She looked ahead.

"I just grow tired of explaining why I spend so much time alone."

"You don't owe anyone an explanation."

"I know."

She laughed quietly.

"That has never stopped them asking."

After another few steps she spoke again.

"I was twenty-three when my husband died."

You looked towards her.

"It happened very suddenly."

"There was nothing anyone could do."

"I'm sorry."

"So was I."

Her voice was calm.

"It has been five years now."

"People assume that should be long enough."

"Long enough for what?"

"To move on."

She shrugged.

"To remarry."

"To stop being 'poor Lady Pembroke.'"

She gave a small smile.

"I never much cared for being told how long grief ought to last."

"You still miss him."

"I do."

She looked out across the lake.

"But missing someone doesn't mean your life ends with theirs."

You walked a little further before answering.

"I'm glad it didn't."

She glanced at you, surprised.

"Why?"

"Because otherwise we wouldn't be walking together tonight."

For a brief moment she said nothing.

Then she laughed.

"I've decided I like your way of looking at things."

The path eventually brought you back towards the small bench overlooking the lake.

Without saying anything, Eleanor sat down.

You joined her.

For a while you simply watched the reflections ripple across the water.

"I haven't talked this honestly with someone in quite some time," she admitted.

"I'll consider that a compliment."

"You should."

She turned slightly towards you.

"I've spent the last few years surrounded by people trying to impress me. You don’t seem to try as much."

"I wasn't aware I was supposed to."

"I think that's exactly why I enjoy your company."

A comfortable silence settled between you.

She was sitting closer now than she had been before. Not enough to feel improper.

Enough that your shoulders brushed lightly as you both shifted on the bench.

Neither of you moved away.

"You know," she said, "I almost stayed in the ballroom."

"I'm glad you didn't."

"So am I."

She looked at your hand resting on the bench between you.

For just a moment, her fingers came to rest lightly against yours.

It was the smallest touch. Gentle.

When she realised what she had done, she smiled to herself but didn't immediately pull away.

"I've had just enough wine to blame that on poor judgement."

"I was about to blame mine for hoping you wouldn't."

She laughed, shaking her head.

"Dangerous words."

"Were they?"

"They might encourage me."

For a fleeting moment, it felt as though the rest of the evening had disappeared.

Even Kingsmere Hall itself.

Only the two of you and the quiet lake remained. You glanced sideways and looked at Eleanor Pembroke. Her breasts rising and falling with her breath at a slightly hurried pace. Was she as affected by this as you? The dress was tight and you could make out the contour of her nipples.

Then the distant clock struck midnight.

Eleanor let out a soft sigh and slowly withdrew her hand.

"I suppose we should return."

"I suppose we should."

The two of you walked back towards the house together.

At the entrance she stopped.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For reminding me that not every pleasant evening has to end with regret."

She offered you a warm smile before disappearing back inside.

You remained outside for another minute, looking across the lake where the lanterns shimmered on the water.

Eventually you made your way upstairs.

Edward had already retired for the night.

You changed, lay down on the bed, and found your thoughts returning to the quiet walk by the lake.

The memory of Eleanor's smile and her graceful body stayed with you long after you closed your eyes.