“What did HE have to say?” asked Jim in a concerned and serious tone. He stood tall beside me as we watched the ball from the sidelines. Henry had gone off somewhere after our dance, I didn’t know or care where he was. I recalled our conversation and tried to think of how to put it.

“Alice?” I suddenly snapped out of my empty stare and looked back at Jim. His hands were shaking, he knew that Henry could hurt any chance of a future together.

“ He is intending to propose… tonight” my stomach churned at the thought. I tried to ease his mind, “ but I warned him against it, seeing that I would refuse.”

“ But you’re parents love him, they won’t let you have a say in the arrangement”

“ I always have a choice”

An uncomfortable pause in the conversation stopped any attempts of continuing it. The silence filled the room although there was music and laughing in the same hall. The music stopped and the ladies applauded the music vivaciously. Moments later a slow orchestral song began and ladies scrambled to secure a partner.

A hand reached out, I looked up to see Jim with a glimmer of hope in his ocean blue eyes. I readily accepted and we walked into the room together. From the side, I saw a row of father figures, to both me and Jim, Uncle Trelawney, Dr. Phelps, and Captain Beckett gleaming with pride from the sideline. They knew that this was long overdue. Besides the trouble with Henry, this was the first opportunity we’ve had to be together without mortal danger being hung over our heads.

It felt safe to dance with him, something natural. We danced for three songs. We would have danced longer if the musicians hadn’t taken a break. When the music went off, we both shyly smiled. He bowed, I curtsied and we walked off in opposite directions.

Although I tried not to reveal the amount of happiness I felt, I could not shake the grin that spread across my face. As I walked into a side room, I found my parents having expressions filled with anxiety, staring straight at me. The grin went away. “My dear,” said my mother trying to soften her tone. “I hope you’re enjoying the music, but I do wonder why you spent three whole dances with that sailor you travelled to France with. I understand given the circumstances, that you owed the gentleman one dance, but I thought it improper to focus your attentions on him. Especially since dear Henry was able to come, you only danced with him once.”

“Especially seeing that Mr. Alcott will be proposing tonight.” Added my father. This statement rattled me.

“You knew he was intending to propose, but you didn’t think to tell me?” I said in a low growl.

“Of course, you know this has been planned ever since the two of you were little.”

“But I have expressed my disinterest in Mr. Alcott before.”

“Yes and you remember our arrangement. The time is up and I do not believe you have-“

“-I have.”

My mother then recollected the dancing, “What, that sailor? Honey, I do not believe he has the respectable position or income that you are looking for in a husband.”

“He has enough money, he went on that expedition with Uncle Trelawney and has a very becoming amount, he simply enjoys being at sea.” I pointed out.

“We simply cannot approve such an endeavor, especially when someone like Mr. Alcott has expressed interest. If he asks tonight, despite your actions today, I strongly advise you say yes.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I left and went onto a balcony outside of the main hall.

“Alice?”, Jim’s voice startled me. I explained to him what my parents said, he listened attentively. “You know I lost my parents at a very young age,” He couldn’t hide the shaking in his voice. “Who knows what your parents would do if you went against their will. I can’t be the reason your relationship with them is ruined.”

“Please,”

“You know I will always care for you but… it might be for the best that we remain-“

“-friends? You’re kidding, I’m not marrying Henry either way, we can simply take it slower than-“

“I would wait forever if it meant I could be with you, but I don’t see how they would change their minds.“ He held my hand one last time, “Goodbye Alice”.