16 years ago - 1861, July - Engagement Evening

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

This part include (tag) this characters:


15 years ago...

Louisiana, d'Orillon plantation.

Lof of important people was present in the d'Orillon house. This
evening, Albert will be officially engaged with Sebastien's sister. The liivng room was decorated for this special event. Preston was honored to be invited by his classmate to this evening - he was also hoping make few interesting meet.

"Preston, let me present you my wife to be, Annabelle Rose d'Orillon." Albert said proudly, while bring a blond young woman side of Preston.

Preston turned to see them and replied: "It is a pleasure to meet you Miss d'Orillon. Albert and Sebastien often vent your beauty," he
glanced in her eyes. "... and I can only approove them."

Preston can't lied on this fact - she was one of the more beautiful
young woman meet at this day.

While kissing Annabelle's hand, someone knocked Preston in his back and he lost his red win glass of his hand. Unfortunatly, some red wine fall on Annabelle dress.

"I'm really sorry, I-I..." Preston said, ambarassing by the event.

"Well, you always had the touch with the women Preston!" laught Albert.

Annabelle didn't laught - not because the red wine, but because Albert attitude. "I will change my clothe." she said. 'Escusez-moi." she said with her accent while walking back.

* * *

The minutes passed and Annabelle wasn't back. Albert was already
discuting with businessmen here and here and seem forget Annabelle.

Preston decided to explore more the old French style house, while
thinking to his excuses to Annabelle about the incident.

In the hallway, a young black woman asked him if she can help him.
Prestona sked for Ananbelle and the maiden brign hi to Annabelle room.

"Please, wait here. " she said in front of the door.

The black woman knocked to the door. "Miss d'Orillon. A gentleman
would like to talk you."

"Who?" asked Annabelle behind the door.

The black woman turned and asked the name to present.

"Preston A. Lodge III, Miss d'Orillon." said the maiden.

"Oh. One moment please. I come." Annabelle replied.

The waiting was around two or three minutes, but seem an eternity for Preston.

The door finally open and Annabelle appear in a navy blue dress.
"Thank you Molly. You can return to your work." she said while thanked to the young woman. "Mr. Lodge? Don't tell me that you are lost in our humble house." she asked, while remember the huge houses in city, the manor seem so little.

"No, that is fine. I just wanted to telling you how sorry I am for the
incident, I didn't wanted to put you in an embarassing situation in
front all this important people and..." Preston was interrupted by the woman.

"Please, don't be sorry. I own you one for tell you the true!" She
glanced to the dress on the chair in her room.

She made a sign to follow her in the room. "Between you an me, this dress is the ugliest I see in my life! If is wasn't a gift from
Albert's mother for this evening, I would never wore it. I hate pink
since always but just because this is my second name, it seem that the pink must follow me everywhere, like a curse!" Annabelle said, whitout take a breath, while arraning her hair in front a mirror.

Preston eyes turned to the pink roses on the table and Annabelle
noticed it.

"This flowers are from Albert." she sighed. "It seem more important to show that he have money to spend for this flowers than for bring
something with a personal touch."

Annabelle rose her shoulders. "That is probably like that when
everything is wrote, prepared and decided for you and that you can
only have follow it. Not need to courted or romantic attention." she
sighed while completing arranged her hair in fron the glass.

"Sebastien try often to tell him about my relation with the pink, but
it seem that Albert not worry a lot. After all, everything is
shceduled anyway. By talking of Sebastien, di you see it this
evening?" she asked while finally stop talking for the first time
since Preston arrival.

"No, Albert said that he had some books to take at the library and
will be back for the evening. He will probably arrive soon." Preston
answered, with a friendly smile. While she was talking, he remembered everything Sebastien always telling about his sister and that make Preston smiled.

"Yes, you have probably reason, he will be there soon" she said while smiling back for hide her worries. "Since the death of our parents, I do many concerns, often for nothing, but it's stronger than me, but Sebastien is the only person I have now."

Preston remember that Sebastien had telling him something very similar about his sister. The connexion between them seem stronght and Preston was a little jaleous to not have something like with his sibling.

"Oh, sorry Mr. Lodge." she said while see him lost in his mind few
seconds. "I should annoying you by telling you all my life like that.
Really sorry, you should think that Albert's fiancée is a poor insane
girl." she said while thinking it was made reproach to her of talking
too much, who wasn't appropriate in public. "I'm ready to go back, you want to bring me back to Albert?" sje asked, while tend her arm to Preston.

"That will be a pleasure Miss d'Orillon."

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

One hour passed, and Annabelle was danced with Albert.

The music stopped and Albert bring Annabelle near the large window. He asked her to wait for him few minutes. Albert left the living room after kissed her softly on her cheer.

Annabelle felt a little lost between all this important people that she not really knew - they were businessman and relative to Albert or her tutor. In despite of that, she try to smile warlmy to everyone who passed side of her. How she was impatient that her brother Sebastian back home!

** Tag Preston **

[Preston A. Lodge III]

(Preston had just taken a sip from a new glass of wine, when he noticed Annabelle all alone, by the window. Afraid of making the same mistake with his wine-glass, Preston quickly gave it to one of the servants who passed by him. He then moved towards Annabelle, who noticed him and smiled as he came closer)

Preston: Any reason why you are sitting here all by yourself, when it’s your party and indeed should be enjoying it?

(Annabelle feeling a little offended by his approach, tried to answer him as quickly as she could, but was interrupted by Preston, who relished Albert wasn’t present)

Preston: Where is Albert by the way?

(He looked around and tried to spot him, but without luck. He then turned to Annabelle for an answer)



** Tag Annabelle / Albert **

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

(Annabelle sighed.)

Annabelle: He probably saw someone important to talk. I must admit that I don't know half of the people there, major of them were invited by the Emerson. I can't wait that Sebastian back home. I can't wait to heard him talk about this famous hotel project. At least, it seem more interesting to heard than the rate change and other economic speak.

(She grinned.)


Annabelle: Between you and me Preston, does great evening are always so annoying in Boston? Eevryoen here seem more worried about the currant market than anything else. Where are the art, the literacy... or that is specificly to the Emerson circle?

(Annabelle noticed that Albert was back in the room, talking with his father.)

** Tag Preston **

[Preston A. Lodge III]

Preston: Actually the circumstances are similar, or at least in my circle in Boston. By being among business people, you either join them or try to fit in the best you can in their dominant society. We are who we are, and we must accept our environment and to be thankful for it.

(Preston noticed Annabelle wasn’t paying attention to him, and he looked in her direction)

Preston: There we have Albert! Let’s hear what he has in plans for the rest of this fine evening.

(Annabelle stood up and Preston took her by the arm as they walked towards Albert)

** Tag Albert / Annabelle **

[Albert Emerson]

"My dear!" exclaimed Albert while joining Annabelle and Preston.

(Albert seem annoyed while turning back to his father few second).

Albert: I'm sorry, but... I will have to go back to the hotel in town. Father forget the ring in his room a...


(Annabelle interrupted Albert - in despite she she knew that usually irritated her mother-in-law.)

Annabelle: And in great gentlement that you are, you accept to go pick-up it?

(Annabelle sighed to herself - sure that if Mr. and Mrs Emerson would accept to stay in the d'Orillon manor that would avoid this interruption - but for a reason that she didn't understood, Mr. Emerson seem not like the place too much - not enought Bostonian for him?)

Annabelle: Only if Michael come with you. It is late now...

Albert: If you wish, why not. I thought I could take a look at the library what keep Sebastian so much interest too.

(Albert smiled to Annabelle and kissed her forehead before glanced on Preston).

Albert: I count on you for take care of her during my absence.

(Albert listen to the new songs whi just started.)

Albert: And why not bring her for a dance?

(In despite it was asked like a suggestion, Albert moved Annabelle closer to Preston.)

Albert: Don't worry Anna, Preston was the best dancer at Havard, you will not see the time pass and I will be back in one hour with Sebastian.

(Albert knew how much Annabelle like music and dance and how much she seem annoyed by the conversations around. He hoped also confort her by promise her to bring back Sebastian for the night.)

** Tag Preston **

[Preston A. Lodge III]

(Preston smiled at Albert’s comment but felt unsure if he could manage to impress Annabelle with his so called dancing talent)

Preston: Why thank you Albert for that fine comment.
I’ll do my very best and don’t you worry, I’ll take good care of her till you return with Sebastian.



(Albert smiled to Preston, and Preston gave a friendly nod while holding Annabelle’s hand)

** Tag Albert / Annabelle **

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

(While follow Preston, Annabelle smiled few second in direction of Albert. She not really appreciated at first to be left here in the middle of all this people, but if he could bring back Sebastian at home, she would be much more comfort.)

(Her attention move on Preston, which she didn't wanted nopther him to much.)

Annabelle: I can't wait to share a dance with you Preston! Albert have you in great esteem, you know. You are a friend of him since many year now, no?



(She blushed when she noticed that they were now in the middle of the floor and stopped talking for not disturb the rythm.

She deposit her left hand on Preston shoulder and start the steps.

** Tag Preston **

[Preston A. Lodge III]

(Preston took Annabelle’s hand and began to dance, slow but steady in tact to the music. He smiled and answered Annabelle)

Preston: For a matter of fact, Albert and I have been close friends since childhood. I’ll like to think we’ll continue to be so in the future to come.

(Annabelle smiled. Suddenly Preston silently just looked into Annabelle’s eyes)

Preston: I can’t believe my best friend has found such a beautiful and charming lady. Albert is truly lucky to have you Annabelle.



(Preston kept looking at Annabelle and almost forgot to dance)

** Tag Annabelle / Albert **

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

(At first she reddish lightly to the attention - she knew that Albert love, or at least appreciated her a lot, but Albert wasn't really expert in courting or expressing his feeling, but Albert was Albert. Annabelle only hoped not ruining Preston evening, especially with Albert who not let him free a second! Annabelle finally smiled politely to Preston, as perfect gentleman he was.)

Annabelle: Thank you, I only hope Albert appreciate as you.

(A couple behind her try to avoid to knock on her. Annabelle didn't realised before that they not followed more the music rythm.).

Annabelle: Preston?

(The man seem not noticing the situation, like lost on a cloud.)

Annabelle: Preston? Mr. Lodge?

(She wans't sure what to said,she bit her lip while feeling a little trouble by the situation.)

Annabelle: Do... Do you want to go to the large window for take some fresh air? You don't have to dance tonight, Albert asked it but you are free to do what you want here, you are my guest after all.



***
During this time, outside...
(Outside, while the buggy left the manor entrance, Albert noticed an horse alone near the road.)

Albert: Stop Michael.

(The black man stopped the buggy and Albert down for walk toward the horse.)

Albert: It's look like Sebastian horse, no?

(Michael step down and took a look while walking near Albert before nodding. Albert looked around, not sure about what he was searching.)

Albert: Sebastian?

(The man walked near the small trees and glanced around for see why the horse was here. While moving some leafs, he noticed something look-a-like an hand on the grass. He quickly approchaed and removed the leafs around for found the young man lying on the grass with lot of blood ffalling from his belly.)



Albert: Michael!! Go search for doctor Davinson in the house, hurry!

Back to inside...

** Tag Preston **

[Preston A. Lodge III]

(Annabelle continued to get Preston’s attention and finally he snapped out of his hypnotic state, feeling completely embarrassed by the situation. He had never had this new feeling before and to think it was for Annabelle was outrageous and scandalous)

Preston: I, I....

(Preston was troubled trying to find proper words to explain his behavior. But Annabelle was right, fresh air was just what he needed now)

Preston: I do believe I could use some fresh air. Thank you.

(Suddenly the servant "Michael" entered the room, with a somewhat shocked expression in his face as he searched in panic trying to find a doctor)

Michael: Please! Is there a Dr. Davinson in the room!!

(Preston and Annabelle looked terrified up. Something bad had happened they could feel)



** Tag Albert / Annabelle **

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

(Davinson stopped to dance when he heard his name. He turned back for see who was calling for him.)

Michael: Doctor Davinson? We need your help. Mr. d'Orillion is injured. Please, come!

(When she heard the name, Annabelle heart feel so anxious - Sebastian was the last person of his familly alive! Lost in her worries, she grip Preston hand and squezzed it. Michael glanced to his young mistress few seconds and try to hide his worries before left with the doctor.)

Annabelle: Injured? Sebastian?


(She looked at Preston, trying to figure if she just imaginated the last scene - but obviously, the music wasn't more and no more people was amusing at the reception.)

Annabelle: I...

(She didn't completed her sentence and started to walk in the direction where Michael left the room.

[Preston A. Lodge III]

(Preston wasn’t sure how to react. Was this true? Was it really Sebastian that something had happened to? Preston couldn’t help but think the worst. People around him were talking in fear and when Preston noticed Annabelle had left his side and was on her way out of the building, he reacted quickly)

Preston: Annabelle!! Wait!



(He ran towards her and griped her arm)

Preston: I think it would be best if you stayed inside.

(Annabelle gave an annoyed and angry look. She wanted to know what had happened to her brother)

Preston: It would be safest and if…

(He struggled to find the right words)

Preston: I just don’t want you to see something discomforting, if indeed something serious has happened to your brother.



**Tag Annabelle / Albert**

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

She tried to hide her worries, but so emotional she always been, she wasn't able to hide it. Sebastian was the only person which Annabelle had in her life now, she wouldn't abandon him without do something.

Annabelle: I must go see him.

Her voice was more like an order for try to convince herself in the fact she was terrified to the idea that Sebastian could be injuries. She quickly turned back and continue her walk behind the doctor and Michael.

Near the entrance door, Michael stopped and pointed to the doctor where Albert was with Sebastian. When the young black turned and notice Annabelle, he wasn't sure about what to said. He wasn't placed for request something in front his mistress, but he didn't wanted that she saw the body.

Michael: Miss. Annabelle, you should return inside.

His voice was polite like always, but his eyes betrayed his mind.

Annabelle; Thank you Michael, but when I will need your advice, I will ask to you.

She continue her walk toward the buggy when Albert, always with Sebastian in his arm side of teh doctor, turned his head when he heard his fiancée voice.

Albert: Annabelle?

He didn't expected that she came outside and wished that she shouldn't have to see Sebastian bloody body.

Dr. Davinson: I'm sorry, but we can't do nothing more for this young man. Lord have his soul.

Annabelle: What?

She was now pale like a ghost and had dizzy.

Annabelle: No.... It can't be possible...

She whispered for herself, lost in the confusion.

Annabelle: Sebastian, I'm here. Sebastian, answer me.

She suddently moved quickly toward her brother and Albert for try take Sebastian in her arms.

[Preston A. Lodge III]

(Meanwhile inside, Preston was terrified. He despised waiting inside when his friends were outside dealing with what had occurred. While glancing around the confused and worried people, he couldn’t stand the fact of not knowing what had happened to Sebastian, but he figured it was best for him to stay inside)

(A middle-aged man stepped into the living room. He had missed the sudden event. He could see and hear that something was wrong and went directly to Preston, who was standing not far from him)

Mr. Carver: Young man, do you know what all the fuss is about? Why all this talking in fear?



Preston: Annabelle’s brother Sebastian has been injured. I do not know how serious the situation is.

Mr. Carver: Dreadful, just dreadful. Well, I’m afraid I do not know this man, or else I would be worried sick.

(The man left Preston and walked over to some other business men. Preston suddenly realized that this was Sebastian, his close friend from Harvard, who had been hurt. He couldn’t just be inside not doing anything, he had to go see what had happened to him and hopefully he could provide some help)

(By the time Preston had found his way out of the building, a terrifying site met his eyes. There was Annabelle and Albert down on the ground, in grief, surrounding what obviously was Sebastian. Preston just stood there, meters away from them, looking, not knowing what he should do - if it was right for him to interfere, but his deepest feelings let him convince himself that he had to be with his friends in this moment. He moved slowly, closer and could now see the gruesome site of Sebastian laying there with blood all around him)

Preston: Sebastian...



(The low saddened voice of Preston behind them, made Albert look up to his friend)

**Tag Albert / Annabelle**