Stefan’s Diaries: Origins Chapter 22

The week of the Founders B every resist(predicate) came with a cold spell that settled into hole-and-corner(a) Falls and refused to leave. Ladies walked well-nigh townsfolk in midafternoon in wool coats and shawls, and the eveings were dingy and starless. Out in the field, workers fretted al close an early frost. Still, that didnt stop nation from as far away as battle of Atlanta coming into town for the ball. The boarding-house was full, and the sinless town had a carnival- same(p) air in the days leading(a) up to the take downt.Damon was hindquarters at Veritas, his mysterious tenure with the brigade constantlyyplace. I hadnt told him that Katherine and I were att lasting the Founders Ball, and he hadnt asked. Instead, Id busied myself with work, feeling renewed vigor ab come forth taking over Veritas. I lossed to prove to Father that I was serious ab step to the fore the estate and about growing up and assume my place in the dry land. Hed been giving me more respon sibility, allowing me to look over the ledgers and even encouraging me to go to Richmond with Robert to attend a livestock auction. I could see my life, ten years from now. Id run Veritas, and Katherine would run the inside of the home, hosting parties and contend the occasional card game at night with Father.The night of the ball, Alfred knocked on my door. Sir? Do you require any assistance? he asked as I swung the door open.I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I was togged up in a black long-tailed coat and tie, with my bull slicked backward. I looked older, more confident.Alfred followed my gaze. Looking smart, sir, he allowed.Thank you. Im ready, I said, my heart to-do in excitement. last-place night, Katherine had teased me mercilessly, not giving me any clues as to what she was going to wear. I couldnt wait to see her. I knew shed be the most(prenominal) beautiful girl at the ball. More important, she was mine.I headed down the stairs, relieve that Damon was nowh ere to be found. I wondered whether he was attending the Founders Ball with around of his army friends or perhaps one of the towns girls. Hed been distant lately, impossible to hear in the morning and at the tavern at night.Outside, the horses were pawing at the drive. I entered the waiting coach, which clip-clopped its way to the tractor trailer house.I glanced out the window, and noticed Katherine and Emily stand at the await door. Emily wore a simple black silk go under, solely Katherine I had to press my back into the carriage seat to keep from jumping out of the moving coach. Her dress was emerald green, nipping in at the waist dress was emerald green, nipping in at the waist before flowing over her hips. The bodice was low and tight and showed off her creamy white skin, and her blur was pulled back on the top of her head, exposing her graceful, swan-like neck.The bite Alfred pulled back on the horses reins, I undetermined the door of the coach and hopped out, smiling broadly as Katherines look caught mine.Stefan Katherine breathed, lifting her skirts more or less as she glided down the stairs.Katherine. I gently kissed her cheek before I offered my arm to her. Together, we turned and walked toward the carriage, where Alfred stood with the door open.The road to Mystic Falls was modify with unfamiliar coaches of all shapes and sizes, leading to the Lockwood mansion on the far end of town. I entangle a thrill of anticipation. This was the first clock time Id ever escorted a girl to the Founders Ball. In all previous years, Id spent most of the evenings playing poker with my friends. Invariably some sort of disaster happened. Last year, Matthew Hartnett had gotten drunk on whiskey and had accidentally unhitched the horses from his parents coach, and two years ago, Nathan layman had gotten into a fistfight with Grant Vanderbilt, and both ended up with depleted noses.We slowly made our way up to the mansion, finally rea ching the front walk. Al fred stopped the horses and let us out. I laced my fingers with Katherines, and together we walked done the open doors of the mansion and headed toward the dining room.The high-ceilinged room had been cleared of all furniture, and the candlelight lent a warm, mysterious glow to the walls. A batch in the corner played Irish reels, and fits were already beginning to dance, even though the night was young. I squeezed Katherines strive, and she smiled up at me.Stefan I whirled around and saw Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright. I vagabondped Katherines hand immediately.Mrs. Cartwrights eyes were red, and she was positively gaunt compared to the last time I saw her. Meanwhile, Mr. Cartwright seemed to urinate aged ten years. His hair was snow-white, and he was walking with the aid of a cane. Both wore purple sprigs of verbenaa tuft stuck out of Mr. Cartwrights breast pocket, and the flowers were woven into Mrs. Cartwrights hat only when other than that, they were clad entirely in black, for mo urning.Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I said, my stomach clenching with guilt. In truth, Id nearly forgotten that Rosalyn and I had been engaged. Its good to see you.Y could have seen us sooner if youd comeou to call on us, Mr. Cartwright said. He could save hide the contempt in his voice when his gaze landed on Katherine. but I understand you must have been in full-bodied grief as well.I will come now that I know youre taking visitors, I said lamely, tugging at my collar, which suddenly felt quite tight around my neck.No need, Mrs. Cartwright said icily as she reached into her sleeve to pull out a handkerchief.Katherine clasped Mrs. Cartwrights hand. Mrs. Cartwright looked down, an expression of shock on her face. A wave of apprehension ran through me, and I fought the urge to measuring rod between them and shield Katherine from their anger. scarce wherefore Katherine smiled, and amazingly, both Cartwrights smiled back. Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I am so sorry for your loss, she said warmly, holding their gazes. I lost my parents during the Atlanta siege, and I know how hard it is. I didnt know Rosalyn well, but I do know she will never be forgotten.Mrs. Cartwright blew her nose noisily, her eyes watering. Thank you, dear, she said reverentially.Mr. Cartwright patted his wife on the back. Y thank you. He turned to me, compassiones, replacing the scorn that had occupied his eyes on the dot moments earlier. And please take care of Stefan. I know hes suffering.Katherine smiled as the couple rejoined the crowd. I gaped in amazement. Did you compel them? I asked, the word tasting erosive in my mouth.No Katherine placed her hand over her heart. That was good, old-fashioned kindness. Now, lets dance, she said, tugging me toward the too large ballroom. Luckily, the dance shock was a crush of bodies and the lighting was low, so it was to the highest degree impossible to make out specific people. Flower garlands hung from the ceiling, and the marble floor was waxed to a sheen. The air was hot and cloying, with the scent of hundreds of competing perfumes.I dumbfound my hand on Katherines shoulders and tried to relax into the waltz. But I unagitated felt jumpy. The conversation with the Cartwrights had stirred my conscience, making me feel vaguely un-American to Rosalyns memory, and to Damon. Had I betrayed him somehow by not telling him that Katherine and I were at the ball together? Was it wrong that Id been grateful for his prolonged absences?The band stopped, and as women adjusted their dresses and grasped their partners hands again, I headed toward the refreshment table in the corner. ar you all right, Stefan? Katherine asked, gliding up beside me, worry lines creasing her lovely forehead.I nodded, but I didnt break my stride. Just thirsty, I lied.Me too. Katherine stood expectantly as I ladled the dark-red punch into a crystal flourisher. I passed the glass to her and watched as she drank complexly, wonder if that was what she looke d like when she drank blood. When she placed the glass on the table, she had the slightest trace of red silver-tongued around her mouth. I couldnt help it. With my index finger I wiped the drop off the side of her bow-shaped mouth. Then I put my finger in my own mouth. It tasted sweet and tangy.Are you sure youre all right? Katherine asked.Im discerning about Damon, I confessed as I poured myself a glass of punch.But why? Katherine asked, genuine confusion registering on her face.Because of you, I said simply.Katherine took the tumbler from me and led me away from the refreshment table. Hes like a brother to me, she said, touch my brow with her icy fingers. Im like his little sister. Y knowou this.But all those times when I was sick? When you and he were together? It seemed like It seemed like I needed a friend, Katherine said firmly. Damons a flirt. He doesnt want to be fasten down, nor would I want to be tied to him. Y ou are my love, and Damon is my brother.All around us, cou ples swirled in the semi- darkness, dipping in time to the music and laughing gaily at private jokes, seemingly without a care in the world. They, too, had to worry about attacks and the war and heartbreak, but they sleek over laughed and danced. Why couldnt I as well? Why did I eternally have to doubt myself? I glanced at Katherine. A dark curl had come loose from her updo. I tucked it behind her ear, relishing the dodgy feel of the strands between my fingers. Longing coursed through me, and as I stared into her deep brown eyes, all feelings of guilt and unease vanished.Shall we dance? asked Katherine, taking my hand and pressing it to her cheek.Through the crowded dance floor, I spotted Father, Mr. Cartwright, and the stop of the Founders whispering furiously in a far corner.No, I talk huskily. Lets go home.I grabbed Katherines shoulder, and we whirled around the dance floor until we reached the kitchen, where servants were busily preparing refreshments. go in hand, we tore through the kitchenmuch to the confusion of the servants and exited at the back of the house.We sprinted into the night, oblivious to the cold air, the shrieks of laughter from the mansion, and the fact that wed just run out on the social event of the season.The coach was tied near the Lockwoods stable. Alfred was no doubt playing craps with the other servants. After you, my lady, I said, lifting Katherine by the waist and placing her in the passenger seat. I hoisted myself up to the drivers seat and daft the whip, which immediately caused the horses to start clip-clopping in the direction of home.I grinned at Katherine. We had an entire evening of freedom in front of us, and it was intoxicating. No having to sneak into the carriage house. No skirting the servants. Just hours of uninterrupted bliss.I love you I yelled, but the wind stole the words as soon as they left my mouth. I imagined them traveling with the breeze, floating through the entire world until every person in every town knew of my love.Katherine stood up in the coach, her curls whipping wildly around her face. I love you, too she shouted, and then collapsed into giggles on the seat.By the time we got back to the carriage house, we were both sweaty and red-cheeked. The second we reached Katherines chambers, I pulled the dress off her slim frame and, seized by my passion, gently ran my teeth against her neck.What are you doing? She stepped back and stared at me sharply.Im just What was I doing? act? Trying to seem as if Katherine and I were the same? I take a chance I wanted to know how you feel when you Katherine bit her lip. Maybe someday youll find out, my innocent, sweet Stefan. She lay back on the bed, arranging her hair on the snow-white goose-down pillow. But right now, all I want is you. I lay down next to her, tracing the curve of her chin with my index finger as I put my lips to hers. The kiss was so soft and tender that I felt her essence and mine combine, creating a force that was larger than ourselves. We explored each others bodies as if for the first time. In the dumb light of her chambers, I was never sure where reality ended and my dreams began. on that point was no shame, no expectation, just passion and desire, and a sense of riskiness that was mysterious and beautiful and consuming.That night, I would have allowed Katherine to consume me entirely and telephone call me for her own. I would have gladly offered up my neck if it meant that we could have stayed locked in that embrace for all of eternity.