Work Text:
January 1, 1897
It is late, very late, or should I say very early, and I may have a few more drinks in me than I usually do when recording my musings, however I feel the need to talk and in the absence of another soul, my phonograph will have to do.
I have never been too fond of large events, too many people to make small talk with, their means and motives unknown. At least the insane are transparent with their madness, the rest of us hide it behind forced smiles and pleasant enough conversation about the weather. But alas I had no valid excuse to not attend Arthur's soirée to see in the new year.
The party was in full swing by the time I got there around 10 in the evening and I attached myself to the people I was already familiar with in order to avoid introducing myself to anyone new. Quincy was making his rounds through the girls, charming them with tales of his mostly exaggerated exploits. By half an hour has past I was already eyeing up the door to leave.
Arthur took me by surprise, coming up behind me.
“Jack! Glad you could make it, couldn't weasel your way out of this one eh?” He clasped my shoulder and handed me a glass of good wine. “Oh I have someone I think you'll get on with swimmingly.” Before I could raise an objection, he waved to a gaggle and a woman walked over.
She beamed up at me with bright blue eyes and hair that glowed like spun copper in the lamplight.
“Miss Westenra here was just saying that she has been suffering from restless legs and I thought, I know a man who may have a remedy for that.”
She playfully hit Arthur on the arm and giggled. “I told you that in confidence.” then turned to me to say. “There must be a sive between your ears and your mouth, as everything you are told must be immediately told to someone else.”
I laughed, and it felt like the first laugh in a long time, or maybe a new kind of laugh.
“So, you're a doctor?” She asked.
“Of the mind, yes. I head an asylum for the medically insane.” This is where I expected her to politely excuse herself to find someone else to talk to, but she stayed, and I didn't even notice Arthur leave.
“That is very meaningful work, they say my grandfather's sister was mad, I do hope it's not passed down or you may have me in your care soon.”
“Not at all Miss Westenra, you appear to have a completely sound mind.”
“You never know.” She looked up at me through long eyelashes. “I may surprise you.”
I tried to keep my face composed, but a smile broke from me.
We continued to talk, never a lull or forced moment the entire time I was in her presence, she glowed like an angel while talking of her friends, family and travels. She also managed to squeeze information from myself, which is not an easy feat, I do not tell everyone my favourite flavour of jelly.
The band struck up a merry jig and this distracted Miss Westenra.
“I love this tune!” She clasped my hand tightly. “We must dance!”
The warming effects of the alcohol left me instantly and my body ran cold. I froze, with her soft hand tugging me to where others were coupled up.
“Do you…not want to dance with me Dr Seward?” There was a tinge of sadness in her voice and it made my heart ache to be the cause.
“I do!” I answered maybe a little too insistently and followed her, Miss Westenra held my hand up in position and placed a hand on my shoulder. I followed her suit, glancing around at others to see what they were doing. As she began to move, it was clear through my clumsy movements that I did not have the faintest idea what I was doing, and it wasn't just the alcohol muddling my movements.
Suddenly, she yelped, I had trodden on her foot.
“My god, I am so sorry.” I apologised repeatedly and sat Miss Westenra down on a pouf. In her good grace, she laughed it off.
“Don't think of it. Do you not know how to waltz?” She asked with no malice or mocking in her voice.
“Ah, no. I bunked off when we were supposed to learn it at school and never really had the inclination to learn elsewhere.”
Miss Westenra smiled sympathetically. “What do you do when a lady asks to dance?”
“They don't really…” I could not meet her gaze. “But I think I should like to learn now, since you asked.”
She smiled, that big beautiful smile that warmed my heart. Taking my hand, she led me to a quieter area of the hall. “Well then Dr Seward, now it is my turn to teach you something.”
For the next half hour she so patiently and charmingly taught me the basic steps. “Don't look down at your feet, look your partner in the face.” Her eyes sought mine, but I had to stare at her small perfectly formed nose as I feared if I looked into her eyes I may get lost in them. She laughed. “That'll do, I suppose.”
Quincy Morris, in all his swaggering glory, strutted up to me then was instantly distracted by the sight of Miss Westenra. “Well hello there, little lady, can I interest you in a dancing partner that you don't have to coach?”
She looked up at me, almost looking for permission, and I let her go. “Thank you Dr Seward, you have been the perfect student.” I tipped my head down at her and watched Quincy lead her away.
After she left, I felt so dreadfully empty.
I did not speak to anyone else nor even cheer with the crowd as the clock ticked down to midnight. There is no cause for a new year's celebration, for this year will be the same as the last, the same as they all are.
I called for an attendant to fetch my hat and coat, intending to leave but Arthur cornered me before I reached the door.
“Leaving so soon old chap?” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, preventing me from leaving.
“Yes, work does not stop for celebrations unfortunately, I have…things to attend to.” My dear friend clearly read my discomfort and walked me to the waiting carriage but before I stepped in he handed me a slip of paper.
“I've been told to give you this, goodnight Jack, I won't let you escape next time.”
I unfolded the bit of paper and was surprised to see it contained an address followed by:
A dancing lesson at your leisure.
Lucy Westenra.
I am holding the paper now, for I cannot afford to lose it, whether I take her up on her generous offer is another thing altogether.
I must go now as sleep is taking over me, maybe this coming year will bring with it something new, one can hope.