(live session of the ball, posted with the permission of all) 

As the crowd held their breath watching Elaina, Peter checked more thoroughly to see if his father was present. Intense gaze of burnt sienna slicing through the crowd and all the areas off to the sides he could not see from the hall. Disappointment did register in a slight frown as he knew for certain that James Henry O'Neill was not around. He let it pass for he would just seek him out later or tomorrow morning, turning his attention back on Elaina instead. It was then the grand doors were opened by the attendant and James was wheeled in. Two guards and three physicians with him. For that moment it drew everyone's attention no matter how curious they were on Elaina's mystery gift. James had waited due to his health to come so that he would be here to watch the dancing rather than the gift opening. He wished to see what suitable suitor there could be for Elaina. There was the immediate bowing and curtseying of the genteel. James waved them off so that his daughter might continue and he soon in place where he could watch, especially the dance floor. The gathered immediately turned their attention back on Elaina, except for Peter, whose attention lingered just long enough on his Father before it would be discovered and finally turned back upon his sister.

There was only one wish that she would make every year...year after year. It appeared that she would once more be disappointed. The tissue wraps and bows were tossed aside with enthusiasm as gift after gift was opened. Ooohs and aaahs aplenty from the four who often pressed close to Elaina. No sooner would she open a gift, then the hands of friends would whisk it away to be adored by the masses. Elaina would offer the friendly smile of thanks, her words of gratitude sincere, and go on to the next. What she wished for, did not come in boxes - would not come wrapped neatly and tied in a bow. What she wished for...would not be hers again this year. As her father presented to steal the attention from her, she took that moment to lean lightly against her dearest friend, Norma, grateful for the chance to breathe and feel the weight of all the gazes move from her. Elaina loved attention. There was no denying that. But disappointment was difficult to explain. Especially when such pains had been taken for the likes of this ball. She blew a kiss her father's way for appearance's sake, then lowered her gaze back to the last gift which was presented to her only after all the others had been cleared away. The glory of the silk arrangement could put to shame even the blooms of the garden. Georgette actually bent to sniff them, much to all the friends' delight and amusement. The action did the trick. Elaina's smile was once more in evidence and she fumbled around, making quite the show of opening that last gift.

Excitement was like a tremulous flame ready to erupt within his gut. He was more than a little pleased at how well he managed to hide it behind a cavalier smile. Jerry - that is, Master Jerome as far as tonight's function was concerned - had glimpsed albeit briefly the sly meanderings of his older brother amid the throng. As Elaina swept through her gifts with decorum and pleasure, her brother was not unaware of the deflating feelings she hid so well. Hadn't he, too, wished for the same thing himself? And here the night was, sparkling and bright, and Elaina had to take her time as she unwrapped each gift. Part of him wanted to do the unthinkable and tear through the wrappings to get her moving along! Restraint was a companion he knew well, however, and he did manage to let it rule...at least for now. When their father entered amid a flock of coos and inclinations in the crowd, Jerome performed a smart but short bow in his honor. Knowing his father knew quite well where to position himself - and would be sure to instruct his caretakers not to stand in his way - his son remained where he stood, off to Elaina's side, his hands held in check behind his back. He managed casual nobility as he awaited with ever heightening anticipation until she'd get down to it and open the attached letter. Oh, the surprise would be extravagant!

Connor, too, felt that excitement, well hidden beneath his relaxed demeanor and appealing smile. Eyes of gray-green appeared silvery in the light of the ballroom, glinting with merriment. He stood off to one side of Elaina and her ladies, flashing the occasional magnetic smile when they looked his way. Though he remained still and appeared quite interested in the exchange of gifts, his gaze wandered occasionally, searching the room for one particular countenance. Only as Elaina began to open this last gift did his interest become genuine, one corner of his mouth tugged upward as he watched...and waited.

There was the slightest dip of his head as he caught Connor looking his way. A shift of that sienna gaze did have it come to rest on Jerome too. They were doing well in not giving away his presence. It was entirely possible even if his father or Elaina were to note him there eventually, they would not recognize him. A good many years from barely twenty-five and now thirty-five did fill a man out even if a youthful look was his for his age. His concentration did return upon Elaina, he was pleased his father showed for it meant he was able at least to get out of bed. He had good reason to believe his health was worse than stated for he knew Jerome would not try to overly worry him before he got here. In spite of the falling out between him and his father, blood did run thick.

The twittering which had begun near her would have, on any other occasion, had her seeking out the ones that her friends found of such interest to whisper about. The likes of "Who is that?" "Georgie, do you know him?" "El, good heavens." Just a jumbling of hissed questions and admirations as she read, yet again, the note which accompanied that gift. Then another time the words were scanned. Three times and she still could not believe what she saw, the penmanship of the author, the signature at the bottom. Absently, she handed the note off to Norma. Was the room devoid of all sound except her labored breath? Could she even breathe? She found Jerome with her gaze...then Connor...then, with the slowness of disbelief, she lowered her gaze once more to the gift. The small box rested in her palm and her other hand lifted free the length of delicate gold chain, the pendant swinging side to side. The box was placed on the table before her as the words of her friends only now began to sink in. Elaina had never been swept up in the frenzy of her friends when a dashing gent happened by. For her friends, though, she looked out to the crowd, reaching her arms in order to clasp the necklace from her brother around her neck to have him close to her heart physically as well as emotionally. "Norma. See this closed, would you?" The crowd boasted the colors of wealth and privilege...but the man, standing proudly displaying the gold and purple caught her gaze immediately. Once Norma stroked a hand along the back of her neck to let her know she was finished, Elaina stood...slowly...very slowly...to look to that one man. Her friends all followed her actions with enthusiasm.

His eyes left Elaina as Norma saw to fastening that necklace. Normally he wouldn't hesitate to catch a glimpse of the back of a lovely lady's slender neck but this was Elaina... he thought of and cared for her as a sister and little more. Smoke colored eyes were looking Peter's way now and that wide, errant smile of his could not be kept at bay any longer. Arms folded across his chest as he watched the two of them.

He noted the positions of both Jerome and Connor once more before that burnt sienna gaze rested solely on his sister. There was a flash of a handsome smile as he stepped forward into a bow, one that held all the aplomb of courtly splendor to it before he straightened. His hand falling to rest near the hilt of his sword as all the lessons of Mercedes jumped to the foreground in his mind. This was his moment and he would make them all proud. His walk held a leisurely gait, one assured of themselves as he made his approach. The crowd did part giving him way to approach the guest of honor. James sat up more in his chair to try and check out this man approaching his daughter, sizing him up. He leaned to speak to one of his close guards whom nodded and moved him closer for a better view. Peter didn't look his father's way, not yet, as he finally halted his steps within proper distance of Elaina and her four ladies. Another dip of his head as his free hand swept across in front of him then to rest at his side casually. He wondered if she would recognize him as the intensity of his gaze was upon her still. "My wishes for a very happy birthday, Princess." Would she recognize that term of endearment he always used, spoken just a little different in the fluctuation of tone than just being her title?

Elaina's hand dropped to brace herself against the table. The action brought a worried touch from Norma. The others still chirped beside and behind her. "He comes this way, Elaina!" "Who is he? Does anyone know?" "He is a fine specimen of man, is he not?" "His Grace, Lord Kavanaugh, there is a fine specimen." "So you say, Georgette!" While her friends chattered away, Elaina had followed the stranger through the crowd until he came to stand before them. She had given up the support of the table to rest, just her fingertips, to the emerald of that pendant. Emotions tugged at a fifteen year old memory, it was there in his eyes....and then he spoke. The oddly familiar sound of that deep voice almost sapped the strength from Elaina's legs. "My prince." Her hand still rested to the necklace, but her other lowered to the skirt of her gown to execute a modified curtsy. Such close confines of her friends so near prevented much else. It would be his reaction to her reply...the reply she always gave to him, her brother..to Peter...when he commented as he had.

Elaina's reply to Peter made him feel certain she had recognized her brother. It was to the King, now, that Connor looked. Would the aging man realize his eldest son stood there before Elaina? Though the passage of years had softened James's heart regarding Peter he couldn't help but tense somewhat as he awaited his King's reaction.

James did recognize whom it was and he was giving commands to his guards to help him stand. Each to one side he was helped up and supported. Peter did catch the movement out of the corner of his eyes and knew what propriety dictated now. Still, he did not look his father's way as it was also proper to do justice to the guest of honor, especially when she was the King's daughter. He tipped his head a fraction as that smile came in a dashing way. "You do remember your older brother my dear princess." He held up a hand in a motion for a minute at that point. Turning on the sole of his boot, he cut the short distance between in a clip approach of his father. A hand to guide his sword aside as he proceeded to go to bended knee, his head bowed before his father. A gesture to seek his blessing as a son would want to do under the circumstances and passage of time. This would be the public acceptance of his son, or rejection. If the latter, he would have to vacate the premises immediately as law dictated. James was besides himself, his breathing did become a little more labored but he was a stubborn old man. The guards did help his steps forward as he laid his hand upon the crown of his son's head in acceptance. The man was without words at first as emotions did choke them. He finally gained his voice but it came not as the rich baritone it had been but one aged and of ill health. As he retracted his hand he did so speak. "Welcome home my son, Peter".

There was a great relief within Peter that matched what was within his father. He stood at that point as a fisted hand came in three strikes against his chest in honor as being his son again. James did note the colors he wore, closer now on inspection. "We will talk later, in my chambers." His breathing was labored enough that Jerome had come fast to his side as did the physicians start fussing anxiously near him. Words whispered in their own command that he needed to rest before his heart would fail him again if he did not. James was still waving them off for another moment. Jerome was becoming anxious as was Peter. James looked to his younger son and back, knowing he could gain information from him upstairs. "I need to leave or my physicians will be having their own heart attacks. You stay here with Elaina and come up to see me when your are done. Jerome will see to me." The coughing did start as he was eased back down to his chair and he was wheeled towards Elaina so she could give him her usual kiss. Peter moved alongside them with a questioning glance to Jerome. This was worse than he thought but Jerome moved close with a quick response of "later we will talk more, do as father wishes". Peter gave a slight nod before returning to stand where he had been and awaited for Elaina to see to her father before he continued.

Surreal. That was it. She was dreaming of the upcoming event and none of this was happening. If her friends had been whispering in awe before, they were surely murmuring with enthusiasm now. She couldn't speak, just watched in the silence of a dreamstate as Peter presented himself to their father. Her fingertips pressed to her lips to keep the whimper of relief from slipping free and she swallowed with difficulty, lifting her chin to fight back the tears. And still...chitter-chatter with no exact words filled her head, but now, the softly spoken words came from everywhere, not just those closest to her. Her friends parted to allow her to step to her father when Jerome and Peter ... Peter! ... escorted him over. The customary curtsy, full and graceful for all the years of practice, then she wrapped her arms around his neck, a kiss of great joy pressed to his cheek. "We are all together, Father." No finer gift could have ever been presented to her. She took a step back, looking from her father to her brothers. A celebration it would be...

Jerome, in this instant of Peter's homecoming, suddenly felt all blubbery. That would hardly do! He grinned, nearly from ear to ear. Only the state of their father's health had worry niggling at his eyes. He would see to the man's comfort and condition (once he had jostled one of those 'pesky' physicians into a confined room), and return as speedily as he could. Tonight would be more than a celebration of Elaina's birth. It would be a grand night to welcome their brother back to the fold. The island would be whispering about it for months! When Elaina had her kiss planted firmly, Jerry leaned down and said, "Come, Father. I shall drive your steed onward." And then, as he stepped near Peter, he whispered, "We'll discuss later. After Father's been placated." A brotherly and conspiratory wink was sent along. No need to worry anyone needlessly, right? And then, flanked by physicians, he wheeled his father from the press of the guests.

He felt a swelling of pride in both men, father and son. The past was now completely in the past. This night would see the birth of a new time for the O'Neills. As it should be. Had he been aware of the way his emotions could be so clearly seen in his expression, he would have been quick to return to his usual, controlled demeanor. As it was, the usually hard features had softened considerably and his gray eyes had taken on a pearly sheen. When Jerome whispered to Peter he became aware of the others in the room, the ladies in particular, and straightened, returning to the present to bow his head to the King as he was wheeled off. His brief display of emotion gone.

Peter drew in a breath to help dispel his worry on his father and instead, do as he wished. He managed a winsome, encouraging smile upon Elaina as a hand flowed outwards, presented palm up to her. "May I have this first dance, Princess?" He did briefly note the ladies with her upon closer inspection, such was only a moment in a flicker of that sienna gaze as their chatter did draw his attention, even if such could not be made out. He probably didn't wish to know! He was well aware of his father's departure with Jerome and of Connor there.

The music, which had halted with the prince's presentation to the king, began again with zeal. Elated, Elaina looked back to Peter, placing her hand lightly in his and stepping around Norma who always seemed to be attached to her side...even more now that she attempted to get the best view of the returning O'Neill. Elaina looked him over with the eyes of a woman, rather than a bedazzled young lass. "My prince, none others would I wish to do so with." She bumped Norma aside with the graceful sweep of a hip, allowing Peter to escort her to the dance floor.

He remained standing to one side of the ladies, watching the Princess with her brother, that same pride still shining in his eyes. It was good to have Peter home. After so many years, the land felt complete once more.

The music was a sweet blend of slow notes as the violins played. All the lessons taken with Mercedes were remembered, encouraging him onward. Her smaller hand folded completely within his own as he drew her onward to the middle of the dance floor. All the guests moved in a sweep backwards forming almost a complete circle around them to watch. Peter guided her hand he held to his chest, resting it there beneath his own as the other fell to a light touch upon the side of her waist. A moment's pause as the music was allowed for them both to tune into before they began in step. Step he did, first in a fluid one back and around, he did have dancing feet and such came in handy right now. Not once did he step on the hem of her gown but always managed just that step ahead as her gown did flow around his leg at times.

All eyes were upon them, but that fact did not hinder Elaina from passing her hand over the colors he sported before resting it properly upon the outside of his shoulder. She said not a word, just looked up to him with the question there in her eyes. There was a time and place for everything. This was not the time and, more importantly, not the place. He did know, though, that the proud display of purple and gold did have her wondering. "It is good to have you home, Peter." Were the chosen words instead. Sincere and so deeply heartfelt. When she woke the next morning, all would be as it was...Peter would still be gone. She made the most of it now while in this delightful dream. This was not the first she had dreamt he had returned to them. Though, he was far more handsome and dashing in this dream than any of the others in the past. Her gaze swept to her friends. "I believe all feel the same as I do." Her laughter was light as she made casual conversation with this man she danced with...who she so desired to grill for the tales of these past years. The spare prince had never been wanting for female admiration. Elaina had many friends, but the closest four knew well the attributes of the younger O'Neill. The Kavanaugh Lord also had been granted, by those four (and doubtless others) the rightful and well deserved title of most sought after bachelors of Innis Daingneach. 

Jerome was both happy and disturbed that a few of his most devoted admirers lingered about the door for his return. He only smiled politely to their simpering as he passed, now that Father had been set to resting properly, with a handful of physicians at his bedside. The ladies giggled as he passed, making his brows quirk downward for just a moment. It only proved they were not up to intelligent or social par that they were not out ogling the sight of the wayward heir. Still (and this part he cursed), there was a faint stir of prideful vanity inside that they would remain avid in their admirations. Women! But a smile was soon set to replacing the fading scowl as he saw the graceful sweep of his brother and sister as they moved about the ballroom floor. It warmed his heart to see it again, even if Peter was wearing colors outside of their own. Then again, as well as those same colors set off his features, Jerry couldn't help but wonder what they might look like on his own shoulders.

Ladies were forever giggling or so it seemed to him. He had, on occasion, made an effort to know a few of them better but always found himself disappointed. He kept a careful distance from most of them, careful not to utter any words that could be seen as encouragement, ever polite and gentlemanly. His eyes remained on the dancing pair. The next dance would go to Jerome and his sister.

On one of his sweeps, that guided them around the dance floor, drew them ever nearer their brother Jerome. Peter did lean in as she was drawn close to guide their steps, voice taking on those lowered tones. "Colors of the lands of Heathfield where I earned Champion of a Queen. I will tell you all the details tomorrow." Knowing Elaina would not sleep unless some of her curiosity was sated. He did know the rules of propriety as the dance was half way through and so now step to her side in another step back to present her hand to Jerome, as it was proper for him to dance next with his sister. This would also indicate to the others whom wished to dance that they too could join in on the dance floor. "Jerome, I do believe it is your turn to dance with the loveliest lady here." Connor would be next and then whomever else she wished as the night proceeded on.

Her hand in Jerome's, she leaned toward Peter and kissed him quick, no matter how it may look to those matronly sorts who buckled under to propriety and fashionable display. "Please, everyone....this is a grand evening, let us all dance." She smiled to Jerome, placing her hand upon his shoulder now. "You knew, didn't you..." Her grip squeezed in a pinch of sorts to reprimand him, then she looked to Peter before Jerome could sweep her away. "Lord Prince... I'm sure Lady Norma would very much enjoy a swirl about the floor. Your Grace..." Connor had her attention next..."Lady Georgette appears to be most eager to dance." Who would know she was laughing on the inside. For all three of these handsome men had that air about them...that just begged for her to hoist her friends upon them. Her chin was lifted, her gracious smile in place...but she dared not look back to her eldest brother and his friend. Only Jerome had her attention (by all appearances), and she would be enjoying this dance (sincerely).

Jerome had to stifle a wince beneath her bony squeeze. The smile, however, was not to be undone. He grinned at her and remained ambiguously silent. He waited patiently as she went through the motions of being both hostess and meddlesome, matchmaking sister. Bah! At least she couldn't match him up with anyone
else; she HAD to dance with him. The thought turned his grin a little smug, even though he knew as soon as she was out of his hands she would be jumping at the chance. So, he simply enjoyed the small amount of time when he could whirl her around without care of making chit-chat with a brainless noble's daughter. Whirl he did, soon as she was ready, his hand closed properly over her own and his hand light against her side. With a slight pressure, he guided her expertly over the polished floor and around the other dancers who slowly filtered in around them. "It's good to see that light back in your eyes, Little Princess." How he had missed it! It made his heart swell to see it again. It had been far too long absent; just like their brother.

Only the lift of a dark brow betrayed his amusement at Elaina's remark then exchanged a look with Peter that said "see what a handful she's become?" before presenting Georgette (probably the only Lady of Elaina's he could stand) with a bow and taking her hand to lead her onto the dance floor.

His sister had not changed as she still retained her matchmaking ways. It did have a chuckle to erupt with a dip of his head to her request before he turned to the one that was 'Lady Norma'. His hand once more out, palm up, as he spoke. "May I have this dance, Lady Norma." Even the hint of that charmed smile of his was sported for the occasion as she placed her hand in his in acceptance. He held that loose hold, enough to guide her steps but not get 'too' close. His features remained pleasant but there was that squaring of his jaw in retaliation of the idea of matchmaking. He listened to her nervous chatter and did respond at points appropriately, and when allowed, as she was a talkative one. She was fetching as were the other three with Elaina and he guided her steps in the dance in the same fluid way he had with his sister. This time to guide around others moving in that circular flow around the dance floor. Once done he did lead her to the refreshment table for something to drink, as well as something for himself. He would have to dance with the other three soon, this he knew.

The Lady Norma, was Elaina's shadow! This friend had become quite the talkative sort to fill in for the often pensive silence of the O'Neill princess. "Amazing, is it not, handsome prince? It is mirrored in yours as well." The smile which followed dared him to deny it. "Oh, but that may be because you are anticipating your dance with Cara...next. How foolish of me to assume otherwise." Though she loved her friends dearly, that bond between the five of them so tightly knit that few were the hours that they ever spent apart, she did know how they adored the opposite sex. Especially, the two who they had grown up with...and now...there were three! Oh joy! Elaina would never hear the end of their near-swooning admiration.

And nor, Jerome was thinking, would the three bachelors be rid of their near-swooning antics. The smile that started to form at Elaina's reply vanished almost immediately to be replaced by a somber expression that bespoke duty and honor, and conveniently left out any grudging and possibly spiteful comments. "Cara
is a lovely girl," he said. Quickly, so as not to let her assume something unfounded, he added, "As are the rest of your friends. Innis Daingneach is blessed to have so many beauties hail from its shores." Now, if only they could also breed intellect in, not even as much to rival the quick mind of his sister, just a little...and maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to suffer through these social...things. His grin soon overcame the mask, as it was never long absent. "I am sure, once your turn about the floor with Lord Kavanaugh is finished, that you will be absolutely adoring to indulge Lord Taylor in a dance." He could see the young, eager man bouncing around trying to gain Elaina's attention on the outskirts of the dance floor. A wry twinkle lit Jerry's eyes.

Georgette was, thankfully, the quieter of Elaina's four friends so they were able to dance in relative silence, broken only by necessary small talk. Since that was about all Georgette was capable of, it worked out rather well. Elaina easily outshone every Lady here in both beauty and intellect. When the dance
ended he released Georgette and bowed then saw to a drink for her.

If Norma had been swooning or blushing in his presence, it went missed by him for he never looked at her directly. This one talked way too much and there would not be even the slightest encouragement. Once seeing to her drink, he did excuse himself before her tirade started up again while she took a sip of her drink. He had it timed before anything else could be said without her sputtering out her drink. He made his way to the one unattended, this one seemed shyer so put him more at ease. Still, the thoughts on his father did weigh on him even for the pleasant and appropriate demeanor he took on for now. He learned her name was Lady Nycole, barely spoken in return to his query. He wondered if he scared this one into silence as he led her out onto the dance floor in the same manner as the others before. This one didn't speak a word during the whole dance! There was a relief in that after Norma.

Trangressions of the Past (Page 4)   *   BACK to MAIN