Chapter 6 - Whispers on the Dance Floor.

Posted on: 25/06/2024

"Hello," Victoria says, her voice gentle and genuine, her eyes locking onto mine.
"I just wanted to personally thank you. Not only for helping my mother today but for what you did at the tea garden as well. Your kindness seems to know no bounds."
A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I respond, "It was my pleasure. Your mother is an extraordinary woman, and it was the least I could do."
Victoria's eyes soften, and a warmth spreads between us as we stand there, the buzz of the reception now a distant murmur. In this shared moment of connection, the intertwining threads of our past and present weave tighter, drawing us closer together.
The serendipitous encounters in Lewes, on Brighton seafront, and here, now, converge. It feels as if fate has conspired to bring us together.
As the music plays softly in the background, we stand there, surrounded by the warmth and celebration of the wedding. My heart now brimming with the promise of uncharted possibilities and perhaps, just perhaps, a shared tomorrow with Victoria.
As the emotional strains of "In the Arms of an Angel" continue to fill the hall, I gather the courage to ask the question.
"Victoria," I begin, my voice steady but tender, "would you like to dance? That is, if the man you're with approves." I gesture subtly towards the man who had called out to her earlier, the one who now stands nearby, watching the scene with interest.
Victoria’s face lights up with a gentle smile, a twinkle of humour and warmth in her eyes. "I'm sure my brother won’t mind," she says with a soft laugh, her tone lightly teasing but filled with sincerity.
Relief and joy flood through me as I extend my hand towards her.
“In that case,” I say, my voice filled with anticipation and hope, “may I have this dance?”
Victoria places her hand in mine, her touch sending a comforting warmth through me. Together, we move towards the dance floor where the bride and groom are gracefully swaying to the melody. As we join the other couples, the world seems to narrow down to just the two of us.
The music wraps around us, creating a cocoon of intimacy. I gently pull Victoria closer, our steps naturally finding rhythm with each other and the song.
As we dance, I lean in slightly, my voice soft but clear.
“I’m grateful for the chance to get to know you, Victoria.”
"It's not every day I have the opportunity to dance with the man who saved my mother," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion.
As the music swirls around us, Victoria's eyes meet mine with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration.
I feel a warmth spreading through my chest at her words.
"It was instinct, really. I'm just glad she's okay."
I feel Victoria's right hand tighten slightly on mine; her gaze is unwavering.
"Still, it means a lot to me. To all of us. Thank you."
For a moment, the world around us seems to blur, the others on the dance floor fading into the background.
"I'm just glad I got to meet you through all this," I reply with a smile.
"And I’m even more glad to share this dance with you," Victoria whispers, then requests, "So tell me something about you that no one else here knows.”
"Well," I begin, "there's a place I go to whenever I need to think – an old bench by the lake, not far from here. It's my secret spot. I tend to write more fiction when I’m there.” My confession slips from my lips like a secret unveiled in the intimacy of the dance.
Victoria's smile widens. "I'd love to see it someday."
As the final notes of the music hang in the air, a figure emerges from the edge of the dance floor, his presence commanding attention and respect. His gaze, sharp and discerning, fixes upon Victoria with an air of authority that speak of tradition and expectation.
"Miss Victoria Berkeley," he begins, his voice carrying a weight that settles upon the room like a mantle of formality. "Might I have the honour of the next dance?"
The room seems to hold its breath, the hushed whispers of the guests mingling with a palpable tension which hits me like a sonic pressure wave. The man’s request is veiled in politeness but carries undertones of obligation.
Victoria's smile wavers slightly, a hint of unease flickers in her eyes and I sense a shift in her demeanour. 
Without a word, Victoria excuses herself from my embrace, a flicker of regret dancing in her eyes.
As she takes the newcomer's hand, the unspoken language of duty and respect passed between them, casting a shadow over the delicate thread of connection that has blossomed between us.

Next Chapter to be Published 27/06/2024 - Set the Date.