Chapter 4
As soon as the Perrys got to the Meeks’ party, Ginny rushed over to Crhis, who was playing the piano, and sat down next to her, listening. Mrs. Meeks came over with her son and hugged Mrs. Perry, then thanked them for coming.
“I’m so glad you could come tonight,” She chirped. “It had been so boring in the house since Mr. Meeks had to leave. I hope we will be graced with your presence on more occasions”
“Oh, the pleasure is all ours my dear,” Mrs. Perry kissed her friend on the cheek, then they both went off in search of a drink. Neil and Knox followed them, overhearing their conversation as they went.
“I see Mr. Dalton is here tonight,” Mrs. Perry observed him standing near the piano with Mr. Anderson.
“Oh, yes. He seemed very happy to accept the invitation, especially when he found out your family would be here,” Mrs. Meeks replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Oh yes,” Mrs. Perry agreed, “He seems quite taken with Knox, don’t you think? It would be a very agreeable match indeed, for he is such a nice young boy, and with 5,000 a year!”
Neil put his hand over his mouth to cover his smile, and elbowed Knox, who looked quite red, in the ribs. They got their drinks, and Neil and Knox went over to the couch, listening to the music and people watching. Neil then looked up, and saw Mr. Anderson looking at him, with an expression he couldn’t place. Ginny came over skipping, and took Neils hand.
“Neil, please, please, please will you dance with me? I really do want to, and I need a partner,” she pleaded. Neil laughed, and Ginny made her eyes bigger, like she would when she was younger, to try and convince him.
“If Knox will find a partner, then I shall dance with you Ginny,” He said.
Charlie must have overheard them, because he came up to them at that moment.
“Dancing seems like a wonderful idea. Would you do me the honour of joining me Mr. Overstreet?” Charlie asked. Knox turned to Neil, then back to Charlie.
“Alright,” He said quietly. Ginny squealed and thanked Charlie, then rushed over to Chris and asked her to play some dancing music. The pairs then lined up, and were joined by a few more, then the music started. While Neil and Ginny were dancing together, they started watching Knox and Charlie, who were laughing together. Knox then looked down, and Neil saw Charlie watch him fondly.
“Well, look at that,” Ginny drawled, looking away from the pair, “Mr. Dalton looks like he’s ready to propose to Knox right here,” She and Neil giggled at this, and Neil spun her around.
“You’re right. If they are not engaged by the end of this year I will eat my hat,” Neil declared.
“Oh please. By the way Mr. Dalton acts, they could very well be engaged by the end of this week,” Ginny said. They both started laughing, mostly because Ginny was right.
“Maybe we should find out what Daltons intentions are with our cousin,” Ginny said. Neil grinned slyly.
“I think that is a wonderful idea my dear sister,” He replied.
When the dance ended, Neil joined Meeks by the drinks table, and took a glass of punch.
“I see that Mr. Dalton continues his attentions on Knox,” Meeks observed. Neil smiled.
“I’m very happy for him, Meeks,”
“Yes, he seems very well pleased with him,” He said, and they both watched as the two men made their way over to Chris, who started playing another dance.
“I believe if Charlie continues so, Knox will soon fall in love with him,” Neil whispered. Meeks smiled in delight.
“And Mr. Dalton? Do you think he is in love?” He asked. They both looked back over to the ‘couple’.
“It is clear that he likes him very much,” Neil responded.
“Well then, he should leave him in no doubt of his heart. Knox should show more affection towards him, even if it is more than what he feels,” Meeks said
“Meeks, that’s absurd,” Neil laughed.
“But it is true! What if he believes Knox doesn't share his affections?”
“I doubt he will completely know whether he wants to marry Charlie before he is sure of his character. I doubt Knox completely knows how he feels for him now anyhow,” Neil stated.
“I understand that Neil, but shouldn’t Knox at least try, in case he is left in the future?” Meeks said
Neil sighed
“I suppose so, but you cannot tell me that you would ever act like that yourself,”
“Well we know that Knox will not, so we must hope that Mr. Dalton will,” Meeks said wisely
“Or his friend,” Neil smirked and nodded in the direction of Mr. Anderson, who looked over at them, then looked away. Meeks looked between the two, then raised an eyebrow, leaning over to Neil and saying
“Mr. Anderson looks at you quite a bit,”
Neil looked at Meeks in surprise, not noticing Mr. Andersons stares.
“I can’t think why! Unless he means to frighten me with scorn,” Neil scoffed “I wish he would not come into society. He only makes people uneasy,” They both laughed.
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Mrs. Meeks walked up to Todd.
“What a charming party for young people this is, Mr. Anderson. Nothing like dancing, is there?” She said.
Todd only nodded his head, looking uncomfortable, but Mrs. Meeks did not seem to notice.
“A mark of every polished society,” she continued.
“And unpolished,” He muttered into his drink.
“What was that, sir?” Mrs. Meeks said, looking affronted.
“It’s just that anyone can dance ma’am,” He said, trying not to make eye contact with the woman.
“Ah, I suppose so,” She agreed quietly. Mr. Perry chose then to walk past the pair, when Mrs. Meeks pulled him away.
“Ah, Mr. Neil! Why are you not dancing?” She asked “Mr. Anderson, allow me to present this young man to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I’m sure, when someone as handsome as Neil is before you,” Mrs. Meeks urged, her red hair bouncing as she said this. Mr. Perry tried to take his arm out of her grip.
“Indeed, ma’am. I have no intention of dancing right now. I did not come this way in order to beg for a partner, only to talk to my sister,” He responded, politely.
“I would be very happy if you would dance with me, Mr. Perry,” Todd quickly said, internally cringing at how he sounded. Mr. Perry looked surprised.
“Thank you,” He said “But excuse me, for I am not very keen on dancing right now,”
“Come Neil, why not, when you see Mr. Anderson has no objection,” Mrs. Meeks badgered. Mr. Perry smiled at her.
“It is alright, ma’am. I am sure that Mr. Anderson could find a more handsome partner. Certainly one more tolerable,” and with that, he bowed and walked away. Mrs. Meeks went after him, and left Todd standing by himself, feeling like he was going to throw up.
“Shit,” He thought, “Mr. Perry heard me,”