Read Avalon Revamped for Free Online Page B

FOUR
     
    ARTHUR
    Lord Pearson’s home had been transformed into a magical Yuletide wonderland. He outdid himself every year. Of course, his wife, Lady Eliza Pearson had something to do with that. She would rather be publicly humiliated beyond repair than to be topped by anyone in society for parties, which would mean the same thing. This Yule Ball was just the start. The Pearsons had commissioned a dirigible for a Christmas cruise to Paris and back, inviting all their friends, and enemies, in the ton, including anyone of some repute whatsoever. It would no doubt surpass the singular evening airship gala held this past summer, the place I had met Avalon for the first time. She captivated me then as she did now.
    Perhaps I had been cruel of late. She was a remarkable woman, after all.
    “Lady Pearson must’ve been planning this for six months,” I whispered to Avalon as we entered the great hall, holding her close to me.
    “Indeed.”
    Still cross with me. Absurd. First she complained that we hadn’t been sexual enough, and then when I let her have it, she was upset about that, too. I just couldn’t win.
    Visions and sounds of holiday merriment unfolded before us. Delight and laughter filled the air, mixing with the smooth notes of the string quartet. Down each side of the ballroom, giant Christmas trees lined the dark walnut walls. Reaching toward the ceiling, these glorious trees had been freshly cut and transported to London just for this gala. Draped with gold and maroon ribbon and adorned with fresh apples hanging from their branches, they were as fine as I’d ever seen in my long life. The top of each tree held a large star, glowing with gaslight. That couldn’t have been easy, nor was it terribly safe.
    “Look at all the splendor, sweetheart. Even with the gaslights flickering all about us, it is you who light up this room. You look magnificent, tonight, my love. Even more so than usual. Positively stunning,” I said, kissing her hand. I had been so busy trying to cover up my dalliances while Avalon prepared for the ball that I hadn’t noticed her before now. She wore a strapless gown of scarlet velvet, trimmed with candlelight white lace across the bodice and draped across her hips, gathering in the back to make the most delicious bustle. The matching satin skirt gathered over each thigh revealed a candlelight white skirt beneath. To finish off this breathtaking ensemble, a matching flower brocade decorated the bodice and a scarlet velvet choker adorned her slender neck. The dark, blood-red gown made her cold flesh appear as fine porcelain. “Come. We must show you off properly. You are a vision.”
    That got me a smile. Finally.
    “Your new haircut becomes you, Arthur, especially in that suit. You, too, look quite impressive this evening.”
    Truth, that. Majestic, more like. Paramount to my Tudor heritage, no doubt. I had my waistcoat made especially for this night, a deep red brocade to match Avalon’s gown, decorated with black velvet designs. Then, I always looked smashing in black tie.
    Extending her out to her scarlet-covered arms-length, for the gloves nearly reached her shoulder, I turned her around the center of the dance floor. All eyes landed on the beauty before me. Plain, indeed, as her aunt Emily Bainbridge would have all believe. No one would ever think of my Avalon as ordinary again. The couples waltzing around us stopped for a moment to watch Avalon spin under my arm and curtsy. Her sable curls fell softly about her face. Then we joined with the rest to the music of the string quartet.
    “I hope it’s all right I got a little rough before, my sweet. You just make me so hungry, and it had been too long. We simply must do that more often.”
    “It was rather rough.” She said no more, tensing up in my arms.
    “Yes, well. Bygones, and all that. I think your idea is a splendid one, by the by. A new mystery to solve will bridge the gap that has been growing between us. We shall visit