Chapter 7 - Victoria's Portrait.

Posted on: 27/06/2024

A heavy sense of missed opportunity clings to me, as I leave the dance floor and make my way back to my table. The echoes of music and laughter create a distant hum in the background, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.
Seated around the elegantly set table, the guests chat amiably. I sink into my seat, my thoughts still lingering on Victoria and the fleeting moments we have just shared.
The distinguished gentleman sitting to my right leans in slightly, his eyes twinkling with a mix of curiosity and knowing.
"You know," he begins in a low voice, "the man Miss Victoria Berkeley is dancing with – he's quite the eligible bachelor. He's been a candidate for her hand for quite some time now," the gentleman continues, oblivious to the knot tightening in my chest. "A perfect match, some would say, suited not just in character but in social standing.”
My gaze shifts back to the dance floor where Victoria glides seamlessly with her partner, their movements a graceful ballet of tradition and expectation. The eligible bachelor, whose presence commands respect, now seems to represent all the obstacles that stand between what my heart desires and what is socially deemed appropriate.
As the conversation with the other guest unfolds, a surprising invitation materialises from another gentleman across the table, who, sensing the undercurrents of my interest in Victoria, offers a gesture of goodwill and curiosity.
"If you have any appreciation for art and history," he says with a knowing smile, "you really ought to visit the Manor House. The portrait of Victoria and her mother in the Reception Hall is quite the masterpiece. It captures the essence of the Berkeley legacy perfectly."
"I would love to see it up close," I respond, my interest piqued. "Thank you for the invitation."
The gentleman nods, clearly pleased with my response.
"I'll arrange for you to visit tomorrow. It would be a pity for you to leave the estate without experiencing the charms of the Manor House."
As the night progresses, the thought of visiting the Manor House takes root in my mind, intertwined with thoughts of Victoria and the unspoken promises that hung in the air when we danced. The prospect of seeing the portrait up close, in the very setting where it was created, a new avenue for understanding the depths of her world.
The evening winds down, the festivities gradually giving way to quieter moments of reflection. As I prepare to leave, my thoughts are filled with a mixture of anticipation and resolve - anticipation for tomorrow’s visit to the Manor House, and resolve to grasp every opportunity to meet, just once more, with Victoria.

As I stand in the Reception Hall of the Manor House, surrounded by the echoes of history and grandeur, the gentleman who had extended the invitation joins me once more. We both take in the magnificent portrait of Victoria and Lady Margaret Berkeley, their gazes timeless and serene.
"You seemed to be taken aback by the interruption by the fellow, whilst you were dancing with Victoria yesterday," he comments, his tone thoughtful and observant. His perception catches me off guard, yet it seems to open a door to a conversation I hadn’t expected.
I glance at him, the honesty of his observation settling within me. "Yes, I was," I admit, my voice quiet amidst the grand hall. "It was as if all of a sudden, everything changed."
The gentleman nods, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. "That's because it did," he says. "Did you know that he believes that Victoria is his chosen one?"
My heart tightens at his words. The eligible bachelor, with his imposing presence and the unspoken approval of society, now seems like an even greater obstacle. The term "chosen one" echoes with finality, suggesting an arrangement that might extend beyond mere social expectation into the realm of preordained destiny.
"He has been favoured by many within the Berkeley circle," the gentleman continues, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken traditions. "A match like that would solidify connections between his family’s and the Berkeley Estate."
I turn back to the portrait, the serene visages of Victoria and her mother now imbued with the gravity of unspoken duties and the heritage they bore. The sense of missed opportunity intensifies, but so does my resolve. I cannot let the weight of tradition dictate the future without at least trying to shape it with my own hands.
"Thank you for sharing that with me," I say after a moment, meeting the gentleman's gaze. "I was thinking, just this morning, that Victoria’s standing in society changes everything, yet it changes nothing. She is still the woman I danced with yesterday, and the woman I would like to know more.”
He smiles, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "The Berkeley legacy is indeed heavy, but so too is the need for personal happiness and fulfilment. Sometimes, the most courageous acts are those that challenge expectations."
Returning my gaze to the portrait, a voice gently breaks my reverie.
"Hello again."
I turn to find Victoria herself standing there, her presence unexpectedly close. Her eyes meet mine briefly before darting to the gentleman who had extended the invitation to the Manor House.
"Rupert here, let me know earlier that you would be here, and I wanted to apologise for leaving you on the dance floor so abruptly yesterday," she continued, her voice tinged with genuine sincerity.
The emotions that had been swirling within me since the previous evening found a sudden focus. The air between us seemed to hum with unresolved tension and unspoken words.
"Victoria," I began, my voice steady yet soft, "there's no need to apologise. I'm just grateful for the time we did share."
Her eyes soften, a flicker of relief and gratitude crossing her features. "Thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me."
Rupert, sensing the personal nature of our exchange, discreetly steps away, providing us with a moment of privacy in the expansive hall. The portrait of Victoria and Lady Margaret seems to watch over us, a silent witness to the unfolding conversation.
"I must admit," I continued, "that learning who you truly are, has given me a new perspective, but it doesn’t change how I feel about the woman who I danced with yesterday."
A slight blush colours Victoria's cheeks, her gaze holding mine with an intensity that speaks of unspoken thoughts and shared moments.
"I see you, Victoria," I say with earnest. "Beyond the titles, beyond the legacy. I suspect that you enjoy quiet places by the lake, and who values genuine connections."
Her smile, genuine and warm, lights up her face. "Your suspicions are correct," she responds softly.
"Now, about that secret place you mentioned. Mum tells me that you write. Do you write there?
I nod. “Indeed, I do.”
“I would love to see it,” replies Victoria, “with you, if that’s possible."
A surge of excitement and disbelief courses through me. Here is the opportunity I thought I had missed, presented anew, wrapped in a quiet promise of shared solitude.
"Really?" I manage to say, my voice betraying my surprise.
Victoria's smile grows, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation lighting up her eyes.
"Yes, really. Your description of your secret space, that you gave yesterday sounds so serene and special. I'd love to experience it for myself, and even more so with you as my guide."
The intimate nature of the invitation resonates deeply within me. It’s not just about visiting a physical place; it is about sharing a part of myself with Victoria, opening in a way that signals trust and hopefully, a deeper connection.
"I can take you there now," I say, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "I think you'll love it."

Next Chapter to be published 30/06/2024 - Set the date.