He bent to whisper in her ear. “Come with me, they play a waltz.”
She shuddered. “I cannot. You know it is impossible for me to be held in your arms.”
“Come we will rendezvous in the orangery they will never see us leave.”
Turning her head she found him staring into her eyes silently pleading for this moment, this memory. Hesitantly she slipped her hand into his feeling the warmth of his un-gloved palm radiate through the sheer lace that covered her small hand. They were hands of a gentleman. A gentleman shunned by his peers while adored and sought after by ladies who found tales of his daring lifestyle to be fascinating and seductive.
The two silently slipped through the large glass door leading them into a botanical haven that glowed in the light of the moon.
Gathering her in his arms, ignoring all society strictures, he pulled her close, allowed her to feel his strength cocooned her in his warmth.
She shivered not from the cool air but the intensity of the moment for it was pregnant with an intangible substance.
Moving together as one, clinging to each other knowing this would be the last time the two of them would be a mournful silence surrounded them. Tomorrow he would flee to what everyone would believe was his country estate, while family and friends awaiting the grand wedding that was to take place in less than a fortnight would consume her.
He heard as the last string of the waltz filled the air, all too soon the magic of the moment was gone. They stood holding each other each with bated breath, each wishing the waltz had stretched a life time.
It was he who slowly pulled away looking down at her head which she could not lift, it was as though the weight of her silent tears burdened her so much she lacked the strength to move let alone look him in the eyes.
“My Love.” He whispered. “Please look at me, just one last time let me see the love in your eyes.”
Drawing every ounce of strength she had within her she drew her head up and looked within his grey eyes.
“I cannot do this, I cannot say goodbye.” As she uttered the words she felt as if her heart was being ripped from her body.
“You must. We must.” Closing the distance between them he tilted her chin and place one last kiss upon her lips.
Later as she entered her private quarters she found the small box under her pillow. Inside the box a necklace that would forever serve as a memento of their undying love. A note attached read;
Forever I will love you.
Forever Yours.
