Twirling the two strands of hair at the front and letting them bounce just past her nose, she smiled to herself as everything seemed to be coming together. The dress fitted wonderfully and was enhanced so well after she had slipped the small diamond necklace around her neck. Her hair was pinned up at the back, taught and high with brown curls like swirls of chocolate decorating a cake while the light make up applied to her face, brought out the natural beauty that was hidden by the icing. She looked sweet, yet elegant and as she stood up and slipped on her shoes, the final glance in the mirror told her she was ready.

"Christie, what do you think?" Louise asked, standing away from the dressing table and looking amiable.

"Oh Lou. You look… you look great." Christie beamed. "Anton will be amazed."

"And Mark? Do you think Mark will like?"

"Of course Mark will like! If anything, he’ll love! You’re gonna blow him away Lou… Oh I’m so jealous!" She giggled. "Come on, give me a hug before you go."

Pulling into a hug, Louise smiled before stepping away and looked back at Christie who still continued to grin.

"I wish I didn’t have to wear this black and white traditional maid thing! I like live in it all the time." Christie laughed.

"I’m sorry." Louise apologised. "But I promise, one time soon we’ll go out somewhere, shopping, anywhere and I’ll buy you something, no matter what Anton says."

"You’re sweet Lou." Christie smiled. "I know that Anton doesn’t appreciate you for that, and if Mark doesn’t, then you might as well become a nun!" She laughed. "But Mark will. He likes you."

"You really think he does?"

"Yeah, definitely! Now come on, lets go. I’m sure we’ll find him around, and you can get the first dance off him!" Christie proclaimed.

"I like the sound of that." Louise giggled, heading to the door. "Ready?"

Nodding her head, Louise drew in a deep breath and headed out the hall and towards the stairs. Music could already be heard coming from the ballroom, where it then dawned on her, making her freeze instantly.

"What?" Christie asked, concerned.

"Oh my god! I’ve got to perform! On the piano! What if Mark doesn’t come and I screw up? I’ll ruin it! I’ll ruin it for everyone! Anton, Abigail…"

"Lou, don’t stress!" Christie told. "Mark’s gonna show up and you’re gonna be fine behind that piano because Mark’s taught you and Mark said you would be. Mark’s always right, you know that, and I know that, now stop worrying."

"God I hope so." Louise prayed.

Taking her first step down the marble staircase, she lifted the dress a little off the floor, so not to let it drag carelessly behind. Floating down her legs as it swayed with the gentle air, Louise smiled as she reached the bottom, greeting the guests that had just arrived. Turning to Christie before she would have to leave her for the evening, she smiled pleasantly, hoping to show how relaxed she was, while inside pipes screeched, let out steam and began growing increasingly hot.

"Right, will you be ok from here because I better go. If Anton sees me not doing my job then it’ll only cause more hassle for you." She smiled kindly.

"Thanks Christie. I’ll see you in there, yeah?"

"Sure." Christie smiled. "If Mark’s already here I’ll sneak back out and get you ok."

"Ok." Louise grinned.

Watching her head off into the ballroom, Louise sighed contentedly, knowing that Mark would be here anytime soon. With Anton around, things would be a little difficult for Louise to act her normal self that she always had done when around Mark. What if he believed the falseness she could create and didn’t like? But what if he saw the falseness and wanted to help?

Thinking about tonight’s events, Anton and Mark, the cold air that swooped in as more guests arrived soon turned incredibly warm as Louise looked directly to the figure and couldn’t believe her eyes. Tall, dark and handsome were the three words Louise would use, yet as he motioned closer, the smile that sprung onto his face made him seem nothing but friendly, warm and special.

"Mark…" Louise said, a little breath taken. "You look… you look…great."

Snatched words just added to the effect of those pipes inside, as they seemed to burn up even more with his presence. Letting off steam was producing a cloud in her mind, a bubble she wished to live and as his image filled her senses, she knew how close she was to actually grabbing it.

"Thanks." Mark smiled. "And you… you look… remarkable." He complimented, washing away all those worries he had earlier. Now he knew why he had really wanted to come.

"Mr Read? My gosh! That is really you." Anton called, walking over. "Well I never would have recognised you." He beamed. "You look like one of us."

"Thanks." Mark answered politely.

"And Louise, you certainly will make an impression upon my associates in there." He grinned.

"Have they all arrived yet?" Louise asked a little nervously.

"No, no not yet. But they should do anytime soon." Anton informed. "Take Mr Read through will you? I just have something quick to attend to."

"Ok." Louise smiled as Anton headed up the stairs. "So then, Mr Read. May I escort you through?"

"Only if I get first dance." Mark added cheekily.

"Granted." Louise replied, linking her arm through his before walking into the ballroom.

"Ahh, so this is what a ball looks like." Mark whispered.

Soft lighting created the mood of the place as candlesticks glow danced along with the music. Men dressed in black tux’s decorated the room like a spurt of order and control, yet the flair came from the women and their gowns, their smiles and table cloths of enchantment.

"Yes, and this is what the first dance is like." Louise said quietly, taking his hand and leading him into the centre.

"I think it might be a good idea to tell you that I’m not a very good dancer." Mark revealed sheepishly.

"Well then, Mr Read, it may be best if I taught you." Louise retorted, placing his hand on her waist.

Pulling her slightly closer as they moved slowly to the music, the room around them began to fade as they stepped into their own portal running high on emotions. Taking her other hand and holding it softly in his own, he smiled shyly as she looked down bashfully at their feet. Stepping side to side and gently moving round, Mark followed a little warily, as he became lost in the world they created.

"You’re not too bad." Louise said faintly. "My toes are still ok." She smiled.

"Well, you must be quite the teacher." Mark answered, holding her tightly.

"Nah, I’d say you’ve done this before…" Louise grinned.

"No, I’ve just pictured it with you."

Looking directly into her eyes, Louise felt that burning hot passion return, and pulsate around her body. So many times she wished she could feel this free, this great, and the only time she did was when he was around. This was the feeling she was after, and this was the feeling she never wanted to leave.

"Mind if I cut in." Anton beamed, slipping in between the pair.

Keeping her eyes locked on his, she suddenly felt like she was moving further and further away from him; the world she had been in being taken away and the feelings she had experienced, dying in front of her. Trapped in a room so big just endorsed that feeling, and as Anton hauled her closer, she looked behind to see Mark wander off to the side, watching the two incredulously.

"Oh Louise, you have definitely proved yourself here tonight and already it is just the beginning of the evening." Anton grinned. "I just cannot wait until you play your piece. I just know you are going to astound them even more."

"I hope so," Louise smiled as she continued to dance.

"Having you so involved with my work and the ball means so much to me. I cannot wait until we marry. At least I know I have picked the right girl." He explained, holding her tighter.

"I… it is nice that you er, think that." Louise said, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

"Are you ok Louise? You seem… tense?" He inquired, concerned. "This piano piece of yours shall be fine, if it is that which is worrying you. Even if you do play a little error, no one will think less of you because you look beautiful. It is about presentation, that is all."

"But what if…" Louise began, as Anton twisted her round, where she saw Mark embellish the background

"There is no ‘what if’ about anything. You will do fine and that is all there is to know. As long as you are with me, then there is nothing to worry about. I am your reason therefore I am your life."