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Dancing in the moonlight
It was half eight and as the maid walks into the bedroom she puts the tray on the table... She then pulls the curtains and as the sun shines into the room she greets Miss Emma with a warm welcome.” Good Morning Miss Emma it’s a beautiful day outside. Emma gets out of bed and walks over to the window. She opens the window and takes a deep breath. I have your clothes ready for today Thank you Sarah Miss Emma replied. . She then walks over to the table and takes one look at her breakfast and she refuses to eat it. So she got dressed and went downstairs.
As she was walking down the hall she noticed a new girl around the same age as she was polishing the floors. Miss Emma walks over to her and asks her name. The young girl replied by saying Victoria Miss but people just call me Vicky. You’re not from around this parts are you? Miss Emma asked No Miss I’m from Ireland. My father couldn’t find work so we came to England. Then Miss Emma then got curious and asked her what your father works as He’s a cobbler Vicky replied. Miss Emma then asked her do you have any Siblings Yes Miss there are eight of us. When suddenly the Governess came over to her and told Miss Emma that Lady Catherine wanted to have a word with her So Emma went to see her mother. I
As she arrived at the door she gently knocked. She then suddenly she heard a voice say you May come in. So Miss Emma walked into the room that was filled with cigarette smoke. There was silence when Emma first went in but Lady Catherine then spoke and said I suppose you are wondering why I’ve called you here? Lady Catherine asked Emma. But Miss Emma didn’t say a word... I just wanted to let you know that we are having party for Lord Everest and Lady Sarah tonight. I also want to let you know that Sir William is attending and I want you to look your best. Yes Mother Miss Emma replied. Lady Catherine then went on to say that we’re are having pre – dinner drinks in the lounge. That’s all for now you may go Lady Catherine told her. Thank you Mother. Emma then left the room
Later that day as Vicky was heading towards the kitchen and she heard some load yelling. . It was Miss Emma she was complaining about something but Vicky wasn’t sure about what and as Vicky entered the kitchen Miss Emma stormed out. She was upset about something and she didn’t know why. Vicky then heard the staff talk badly about Miss Emma and Vicky didn’t like it but Vicky knew that Miss Emma needed a friend so she went out after her. Vicky approached Miss Emma and asked her if everything was alright but Miss Emma never replied back. So Vicky then asked Miss Emma if she wanted to talk but Miss Emma told her that she was alright but she clearly wasn’t. And Miss Emma couldn’t understand the reason why Vicky was being so nice to her so she asked her and Vicky replied by saying I’m just a friendly person that’s all.
So they spent an hour walking the gardens when Vicky realized that she had to go back to work. She told Miss Emma that the Governess would be looking for her and that she would get into trouble so Miss Emma thanked her for listening and Vicky just smiled and said Anytime Miss. So Vicky heads back to the house and the Governess asked where she was. Vicky told her that she was on her break and she decided to go outside The Governess wasn’t too happy and told Vicky that when she is taking her breaks to let her know. So Vicky apologised and went back doing her chores.
As Vicky started working one of the other maids came over to her and said once you have finished polishing the hall you can start on the lounge. But Miss Emma over heard the conversation and went over to Vicky and asked her if she wanted to attend a dinner party tonight for Lord Everest and Lady Sarah But Vicky got hesitant and said I’m sorry but I can’t miss But Miss Emma wasn’t haven’t any of it and asked her why? I wouldn’t fit in with the crowd Vicky told her I wouldn’t know what to say or how to act .But Miss Emma wasn’t having any of her excuses so she then asked her if she had ever attended a dinner party before? No she replied except for my siblings. So you never attended any party before with any of your friends? I don’t have friends Miss she replied.
Half an hour later Miss Emma came back and told Vicky to get her coat but Vicky was curious to where they were going. So Vicky asked her. Shopping Miss Emma told her. But Vicky wasn’t sure if she should or not and told Miss Emma that she had to work and what would the Governess say. Miss Emma replied I told the Governess that you are working for me today and not to say another word about it. So they got their coats and headed to the car which was parked outside. They both got into the car and as they drove off there was silence. Then the chauffer then asked Miss Emma where to? Town please Henry. But Miss Emma was curious to know more about Vicky so she asked her if she could meet her family. Vicky smiled at her and said it would be a pleasure. So they got to the boutique and they went inside. There to greet them was Jeffery who said Good afternoon to you Miss Emma want can I do for you today? I’m looking for an elegant dinner dress for tonight. Miss Emma told him. I have just the one for you Jeffery told her so he went over and got the dress. When he came back Miss Emma told Vicky to try the dress on But It’s for you Vicky told her. Miss Emma just smiled and said it’s actually for the party tonight but I can’t go Miss because I’ll be needed to serve the guests. Don’t worry about it! Tonight is about you enjoying yourself my mother told me that I could invite one person Emma told her and she was hesitant about Vicky going so Miss Emma told her I really don’t think I would fit in you’ll be fine Miss Emma reassured her.
So they left the shop and got into the car and headed towards where Vicky lived. Before they arrived at the house Miss Emma asked Vicky. Are you sure it s alright for me to see where you live? But Vicky just smiled and said I don’t mind I would love you to meet my family. It would be an honour Miss Emma replied. Then Vicky Jokingly said to Emma I must warn you my family are completely mad but Emma just smiled and said I should fit in well then. They both laughed. As they arrived at the house Vicky’s family came out to greet them. They got out of the car and headed towards her family. Vicky then said Miss Emma this is my mother Jessica and this is my father jack. Emma then said it’s a pleasure in meeting you. Vicky’s mother then said Please come in. Thank you Emma replied. So they went in and as you walked in you could get the smell of fresh baking. Mrs Fitz then went into the kitchen and put on the kettle. She then came back into the sitting room and said to miss Emma there is nothing like a hot cuppa and a slice of apple pie Emma just smiled.
Vicky then told her mother would you believe I’m going to a dinner party tonight and Miss Emma bought me a dress for the occasion. But Mrs Stokes didn’t seem a bit happy about it. she then asks Miss Emma Are you sure it’s alright to bring Vicky to such an engagement like this Miss? It’s just that she has never been to one before and I would worry about her. But Miss Emma reassured her by saying that she will be fine that she’s a pure natural when it comes to people. Miss Emma then looked at the time and said to Vicky we better be getting back or they’ll be sending out a search party looking for us. Miss Emma then turned to Mrs Stokes and said Thank you for your kind hospitality and the apple pie was absolutely lovely. When is the dinner party on Mrs Stokes asked Miss Emma. Friday night she told her. So they said their goodbyes and sat into the car and drove off. As they were heading back Miss Emma said to Vicky you really do have a very nice family It must be the Irish charm.Vicky answered Yes it must be Miss Emma replied. Do you miss Ireland? Miss Emma asked Vicky. At first there was silence then Vicky spoke and said Yes Miss I do. What do you miss most about it? Miss Emma asked. I miss my friends but we had to move to England because there was no work for my father and he couldn’t support us all so I had to work so we can put food on the table. As they were heading back to Manor lodge Vicky got curious and asked Miss Emma. If you don’t mind me asking Miss where is your father? Miss Emma told her that he spends a lot of time away but does come home Occasionally.
So they arrived back to the house and; before they got out of the car Emma told Vicky not to say anything to anyone about today I won’t Miss don’t worry Vicky replied. So they went inside and just as they were literary walking in the door Mary went over to Vicky and said the Governess was looking for you you’re in trouble now she laughed. So she went to the cloak room to get her aprons and as she turned around Mary was behind her . Jesus Mary you scared the life out of me .
Had you a good afternoon Mary asked but Vicky didn’t answer. The Governess knew I was going out with Miss Emma so what’s the problem? The problem is Mary replied is that I had to do all your chores on top of mine. Do you really think I really care Vicky said in a sarcastic voice. Then suddenly they heard footsteps heading in their direction . It sounds like the Governess Mary told Vicky. And when the governess arrived she said to Vicky I was wondering where you were hiding. You should be doing chores instead of talking. Sorry Miss I will go back to doing them straight away. The governess then turned to Mary and asked what excuse have you? So they both headed off to do there chores.
So Vicky went about her chores and when she had finished she went to the kitchen. As she walked in there was silence she felt a cold presence as she walked in. She knew they were talking about her and this upset her. She then told them that if they have a problem with her to talk to Miss Emma. She then went about her chores and didn’t take any notice of them she didn’t know why they were treating her like this.
She never did any harm to anyone but she left the kitchen and went outside. As she was clearing her head she got upset and thought about her beloved Ireland and how she missed it. She then started to sing a song called My Beloved Donegal. As she sang her voice was as gentle as nightingale that could be heard in the distance. When suddenly Miss Emma sneaked up behind her. Jesus Miss Emma you scared the life out of me. What are you doing out in this drastically cold weather? Emma asked her. I just needed to clear my head You miss Ireland don’t you? Emma asked her. Vicky went silent and then spoke and said I do miss very much. Let’s go inside before we catch our deaths so they both went in.
When they went inside Emma told Vicky to go to her room and to get ready but Vicky knew she felt that she wouldn’t fit in with the rest of the guests. She also knew that other staff wouldn’t like it and she had enough grievance from them today and she didn’t want anymore. So she told Miss Emma that she thought she shouldn’t go but Emma asked her why? I’m sure you would fit in with the other guests. I have to work anyway Miss. Who told you that have to work Emma asked her. The Governess Sarah replied. Well you work for my parents and I’m telling you that you don’t have to work tonight so get up those stairs and get ready we are going to party But Vicky said to Miss Emma seriously Miss I rather not go tonight if you don’t mind. Well I can’t twist your arm and make you go but are you sure? Yes Miss but thank you
As Miss Emma was finished talking to Vicky the governess approached Miss Emma Sorry for the interruption Miss the Governess said to Miss Emma. No problem Emma told her what can I do for you? She told Vicky she can go back to her duties. Yes Miss Vicky replied. The guest will be arriving soon and I was wondering if we should take them to the lounge the governess asked her? Please do Emma replied to her and make sure everyone has a glass of champagne. Yes Miss the governess replied. She then went up to Vicky and told her as the guest arrive to take their coats and take them to the Lounge and to make sure everyone glass was full. Yes Miss Vicky replied
Then lord Everest and Lady Sarah arrived and behind them was Sir William a well-mannered and respected gentleman who had an interest in horses. Vicky went up to Lord Everest and Lady Sarah and offered them a pre-dinner drink. Then she approached Sir William and offered him one but Sir William was curious. He then said to Vicky your Irish aren’t you? Yes Vicky replied. What part? Sir William asked her. Donegal Sir she replied. He then said to her Please don’t call me Sir just call me William or Bobby he replied. They start to laugh. Then he asked her Why did you move to England? Because my father couldn’t find work she replied. Oh I see Lord William replied. My father tried sheep farming but he couldn’t provide for us all but my father now works in the mills. Then Sir William then said You must have a large family. There are ten of us Vicky answered. My God that is a large family he replied. I’m an only child he told her and everyone thinks that I get everything handed to me on a silver plate but believe me it doesn’t work way I still have to work just earn money.
Then suddenly Sir William asked Vicky if she wanted to dance with him but Vicky was embarrassed to dance in front of al these people. So she told Sir William that she can’t dance, But Sir William wasn’t taking No for an answer and told her to meet him outside in ten minutes. It was a beautiful night and the moon was as bright as day light. Sir William came out and saw that she was shaking so he took off his coat and put around the shoulders. He then took her to look up at the sky when suddenly they saw a shooting star. Make a wish he told hBer but Vicky said I don’t know what to wish for so he told her to wish for whatever she really want. So she made the wish and just as she was going to tell him what she wished for he told her not to tell anyone. Sir William then took off the coat from her shoulders and took her left arm and told her to follow his footsteps Vicky was a bit astonished and told Sir William that she had never danced before, Sir William just smiled and told her that she was doing great. She never imagined that she would be dancing but Sir William just smiled and said I told you it was easy.
After the song had finished Vicky told him that she had to go back in that they would be looking for her. So he gave her a kiss and he said thank you. For what? she asked him. For that wonderful dance so he gave her a kiss on the cheek and she sneaked back in but it will be a night she will never forget.
A lot has happened since the night of the party Vicky got married to a gentleman named Edward and Miss Emma immigrated to America and Sir William well no one has seen or heard from him since the night of the party. They say he joined the army and was killed in the line of duty. But that was just a hoax because one day he arrived back into town and heard that Vicky’s husband had a wicked temper. But he was curious and decided to pay her a visit. When he arrived he knocked at the door but there was no answer. So he knocked again but still there was no answer so he went to the back and looked in the kitchen window. He saw Vicky lying on the ground so he broke the back door and went inside. He was shocked to see Vicky face all bruised and asked what monster has done this to you? He said in a tearful voice. When suddenly Edward walked in and told Sir William to get out of his house. You can do whatever you like to me he replied but I’m not going anywhere without Vicky But Vicky then spoke and told Sir William that she told him that she loved him. But Sir William told her that he wasn’t leaving without her. Then suddenly Edward without out of the room and came back in with a shoot Gun and said to Sir William that if he didn’t leave he would have the right to shoot him as an intruder. But Sir William wasn’t leaving and when Edward went to shoot him Sir William Struggled with him when suddenly Vicky heard a loud bang. The gun accidently went off and shot Edward. Both Vicky and Sir William didn’t know what to do. They called an ambulance and as they were waiting Edward told Vicky he wanted to tell her something so she went down and Edward apologized for hurting her and that he loved her. But before the ambulance arrived Edward passed away.
Sir Edward then went over to Vicky and put his arm around her. They then left and Sir William took Vicky to her parent’s house.; As they were driving Vicky told Sir William that she thought she would never see him again and she thought he was dead but Sir William replied by saying I’m here now. She knew she didn’t have to live in fear anymore and he would never hurt her again. He then walked her to the door and kissed her forehead . Sir William then asked her if she wanted to come with him to Italy but she told him that her family needed her and she had to stay here. As the weeks and months past she never followed him to Italy. She occasionally got a letter but that stopped and she never heard from him again. But she will never forget the night she danced with him in the moonlight
Written By Denis Michael O Sullivan
© October 2018
