The event hall at the Ritz was nothing short of breath taking. The decorations were flaxen and crimson, and the room seemed to glow in the light of the crystal chandeliers. A small space had been cleared for dancing, as well as a live band. After some tedious socializing, AJ gave herself a moment to relax against a wall, trying desperately to make herself invisible.
AJ closed her eyes and swayed to the beat of a well loved song as the band’s tempo slowed.
Earth angel, Earth angel, will you be mine? My darling dear, love you all the time.
She jolted when she felt a hand squeeze her shoulder and soft fingers swipe across her cheek. She hadn’t even realized she’d been crying.
AJ was relieved to see that it was Elizabeth, her aunt, who had approached her. “Aunt Lizzy, it’s so lovely to see you! How have you been?” she said while giving her a tight embrace.
Elizabeth was the only person who had regularly written to her at boarding school. They had grown close during those years, and they still regularly corresponded with each other. Elizabeth lived outside of London, so it was always a rare treat to see her in person.
“I’m just tip-top, Love,” she said with a wave of her hand. “You know me, just out living my wild lifestyle.” She winked. Elizabeth had inherited a large portion of her grandparents fortune when they passed, but she had turned down a stake in their multimillion dollar company. Soon after, she had rejected the proposal of an extremely wealthy suitor. She had explained to AJ a long time ago that she had enough money to last her to her grave, she may as well be happy until then.
“How has Edgar, that neighbor of yours, been? Still letting his cats warble throughout the night?”
“Only when he’s not loudly playing his trumpet,” Elizabeth laughed.
AJ joined in with her giggling. “You complain about that man every time I see you! I don’t understand why you haven’t bought the building and kicked him out.” She also didn’t understand why Elizabeth chose to spend most of her time in an apartment when she had homes all over the country.
“Oh, what would be the fun in that?” she smiled.
AJ tried very hard to listen to her sweet aunt as she kept talking, but the gentle music kept pulling at her attention away.
I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you.
Elizabeth could see her niece's eyes become glassy, and she bent down to look at her. “Let's not talk about me for a bit. AJ, love, how are you doing?”
“Oh you know…, “ AJ started, but she couldn’t finish the sentence. Elizabeth handed her a handkerchief and she dabbed at her eyes.
“I’ve always worried about you, dear. You’re so different from the others.”
“Please don’t remind me,” AJ gave a small, sad chuckle.
Elizabeth squeezed her shoulder again. “It’s a good thing. You’ve always had a gentle spirit. You handle people with so much care, but it seems that most don’t return the favor.”
“I don’t know, Elizabeth. I’m afraid I've been quite carless lately.”
Love you forever, and ever more.
“You seemed so happy in your last few letters. I’ll take it that it wasn’t your engagement to Arthur?”
AJ shook her head.
I fell for you, and I knew the vision of your love's loveliness.
“No,” Elizabeth agreed. “I didn’t think so. I know you’re different from them in a lot of ways,” she stopped to give AJ a knowing look, “but there’s nothing wrong with that. I hope you know that you have my support. I don’t have any children of my own, and I hope you’re aware that you have a special place in my heart.”
“Thank you, Auntie. You have no idea how much that means to me.”
I hope and I pray that someday I'll be the vision of your happiness.
AJ pulled her aunt in another bone crushing hug and deeply inhaled the strong scent of lavender. “You’re stronger than you know,” Elizabeth whispered. “Storms make trees with deeper roots. Believe in yourself a little more.”
AJ looked up at her aunt with shining eyes, when she felt a harsh tap on her shoulder. She turned to see a severe looking woman with perfectly coiffed hair. It was Arthur’s sister, Priscilla. Priscilla had never liked her growing up. AJ wouldn’t say she was a bully, but their relationship had been icy, until recently. Arthur and his family were set to benefit greatly from his marriage with AJ.
“Angela, darling.” Priscilla leaned forward and gave her a peck on each cheek. “It’s so wonderful to see you again. Have you seen Arthur yet?”
“Always a pleasure, Priscilla. My mother said he’d be arriving later this evening. He had some matters to finish up at the office.”
“Yes, of course. Arthur has always been industrious. We were so thrilled to hear of your engagement,” she said, gesturing between her and her husband. “We can’t wait to welcome you into the Haven family.”
AJ gave a stiff nod as Priscilla continued. “Yes, it will be absolutely wonderful. We’re actually having a family reunion at our manor in Kensington next month. You should join. We sing and play croquet, it’s the definition of joy. Can’t you just picture yourself just loving it?”
“No, I can’t,” AJ responded flatly.
Priscilla laughed awkwardly at her response. “Such a kidder, you. Not a croquet fan?”
“I am not,” AJ replied dully.
“Well, what do you picture yourself doing for fun then? Maybe we could add in some extra activities,” Priscilla’s husband cut in, trying to relieve some of the palpable tension.
AJ looked over at Elizabeth, who was smiling at her. She paused and gave a thoughtful look before answering. “Honestly? I picture myself in Dover, living in a small cottage with a large garden and well stocked kitchen.”
“Ah,” Priscilla hummed uneasily. “I didn’t realize that you wanted such a quaint life with Arthur.”
“I don’t. You asked what I picture myself doing for fun. I picture myself making love to an absolutely stunning, tattooed, red-headed woman in said cottage- not Arthur.”
Priscilla dropped her glass, and all eyes turned to the breaking noise. She clutched a hand over her pearl necklace. “Dear lord, what has gotten into you!”
“A beautiful redheaded woman, obviously,” AJ replied, without missing a beat.
AJ’s mother was on her in a moment, yanking her away from a horrified looking Priscilla.
“She’s just joking!” AJ’s mother responded loudly. She turned to face her daughter. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she hissed. “Is this your idea of a sick joke? I thought that going to college would make you smart, but you’re making a fool of yourself and all of us!”
“Yes, I’m lucky enough to be a fool in love.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she spat.
“It means I’m going to go see the woman I love. Excuse me.” AJ began pushing her way through a crowd of onlookers, but her mother only tightened her grip on her daughter's wrist. “Angela Vantackle, don’t you dare walk out that door without telling these people you were kidding. If you leave now, you won’t have a home to return to.”
“I’m sorry mother, but I can’t be bothered to care. I’ll pack up my things tomorrow and be out of your hair.” AJ couldn’t remember the last time she had felt such a lightness in her chest. She turned to face her mother one last time before leaving. “Lovely party, honestly.”
AJ left the event room, but could hear the sound of clicking heels trailing after her. Elizabeth was panting as she caught up to her. “AJ, did you say Dover?
Comments (8)
See all