by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2024
(Dec. 6, 2024) — Carol stood against the flower-papered wall, twisting the fan in her hands as she watched the dancers at the winter ball. One by one the ladies on either side of her had been invited to dance till she was left alone. She pulled her gloves up on her plump arms. “It’s because I’m not pretty enough,” she thought, “My curls have too much frizz and my cheeks have too much pink.” Her parents had not told her otherwise, but had only replied to her concerns about her appearance to say that none of it mattered, as they had already arranged an ideal marriage for her (to whom she knew not). Carol’s eyes filled with tears. She always knew thus would be the way, but, oh, how she had longed to find true love!
Suddenly, she noticed three young men smiling at her as they spoke amongst themselves. Finally, the handsomest one approached. At first she felt flattered, until the way he moved his eyes and reached his fingers for her hair made her feel uncomfortable. She started to back away, but soon found the man’s friends blocking any escape. Just when she feared she might faint due to fear and the close quarters, a strong hand caught her elbow, and a fourth fellow stepped into the circle, in between Carol and the others. “I say, the lady looks like she can do with some fresh air. I’m sure that’s just what you were about to suggest. Mightn’t I have the honor?”
The other men sneered, “The ‘honor’ is all yours.”
Carol and Edgar (as he had introduced himself) stepped out onto the terrace. The ease with which they fell into conversation made each other forget the cold till a gentle snowfall bade them to go in. Upon re-entering the house, Carol’s heart fell at the sight of her approaching parents. She had almost forgotten her destined fate; but, then something most unexpected, her father smiled. “Ah, I see you have already met your betrothed, a fine young man with a promising future, Mr. Fezziwig!”
Carol and Edgar turned to each other in surprise. She mused aloud as she studied his kind, round face, “Mrs. Fezziwig.”
With a twinkle in his eye, Edgar replied, “It suits you.”
Carol smiled, “Yes, I believe it does.”