-“Bonjour grand-mere, you look as lovely as ever.” Andrew said as he leaned down to bestow a soft kiss on each cheek.
-“You shameless flatterer, I’ve missed you so.” Maude smiled as her eyes dispersed true love. –“When did you arrive? Oh, I want to introduce to you my assistant Jenny.” Maude said as she waved excitedly to Jenny to come nearer.
-“Pleased to meet you Jenny. My name is Andrew Hays.” He said as he extended his hand in a warm salute.
As Jenny shyly reciprocated the greeting, she thought that he was almost as handsome as Robert. His eyes looked a lot like Robert’s, although his features slightly differed, and his complexion was fair.
-“Oh Dear, I am so glad that you are here! I am going insane with so many preparations prior to your sister’s wedding.
I want you to do a big favor for me, please say that you will!” Maude prettily begged, knowing beforehand that he would concede to any of her requests.
–“I want you to teach Jenny the basic steps of a waltz, and the fox trot, and what not. I want her to feel at ease, and have a wonderful time at the wedding celebration.”
-“Anything for you mon coeur.” Andrew said as he gallantly kissed Maude’s hand. –“Jenny, it will be my pleasure to teach you the basics of dance.” Andrew said this as he took hold of Jenny’s hand and led her to the middle of the living room.
Maude enjoyed herself tremendously as she monitored the dance lesson. They had selected music of her era, which took her way back into the vaults of her memory, as those played on her heartstrings as well.
If only she could be able go back in time she mused, even if only for one moment, how much would she cherish every treasured second allotted to see her true love again. That moment, would be more precious to her and air itself. It’s funny how one seemed to live for those monumental moments etched on the very heart.
Maude thought that she would gladly forfeit the rest of her allotted time on this earth, for just that chance to spend one full day again with her long-departed love.
Andrew and Jenny also enjoyed the dance lesson. It was a new and heady experience to be held and swirled around by a very handsome and engaging young man.
-“Please seat down on the settee with care Jenny; I don’t want you to wrinkle the dress. You should always carry yourself with dignity and grace, even when you seat, or exit a vehicle.
Now, I will insert these silver combs just so.” Looking at the finished product while standing in front of the vanity mirror, Maude smiled with pride as Jenny looked at her reflection in wonder.
-“You should feel at ease in any social situation, and with practice and your studies that should come naturally. And if you do not feel at ease – fake it!
Most people love to hear talk about themselves, so always steer the conversation towards them, and that should get the conversations flowing.
I am very happy that you are quickly gaining ground in your studies. That is important to find a quality mate in life Jenny.” Maude counseled.
-“But Maude, what is the point of going to school, solely to find a husband and to stay at home, and be to settled with kids?” Jenny asked a bit perplexed.
-“Dear, you go to school to develop yourself! Also to meet like-minded friends, and to be able to stand on your own two feet when the necessity arises.
Women generally outlive men, so you should not fool yourself into thinking that you will coast through life based on your looks alone. Those are ephemeral, which means that nothing is eternal. That is why you should always cherish the people you love."
Upon listening to this Jenny's face is crestfallen. What Maude had said, touched a nerve as Jenny realized that she had never been the recipient of true love. Otherwise, how would her own mother have sold her to Myrna when she was just nine years old?
-"I suppose I don't know what love is Maude, but if it anything close to gratitude, I guess then that I love you, and also Robert, Marta, Leticia, and... my angel."
-"Poor darling, look at you! Don't you realize that you have your whole life ahead of you?
This used to be my room when I was a girl, and now that I am standing in front of the same vanity mirror I sat on when I was your age, I will tell you what I have learned since then.
Jenny, live every day as if it could be the last, because there are no guarantees' or expiration dates. Live it well, and if you really want something, then go for it! Without apologizes to anyone else.
You will encounter setbacks, and that's okay. If you believe without a doubt that you will eventually come up on top, then there is no other way! Expect the best, and don't permit the negatives to overpower you - do not allow it Jenny!
Anyway, let’s not get too serious on this special day. I want you to have a lot of fun!” Maude urged as they left for the ceremony.
Overwhelmed by the festive crowd, Jenny stepped to the second floor balcony for some fresh air and tranquility. When she decided to rejoin the party, she consciously practiced what Maude had instructed as she glided with elegance down the staircase.
Several pairs of eyes turned to witness Jenny's descent. Andrew disengaged from a conversation with a friend, to walk up to Jenny as she neared the main floor. He had not perceived until now just how lovely Jenny is, as the beautiful dress, tasteful make-up, and hairstyle enhanced Jenny's natural beauty.
-"Would you care to for a dance Mademoiselle?" Andrew asked as he extended his hand to help her down from the staircase.
-"Oh, sure." Jenny said as she walked with care so as not to fall flat on her face.
They danced nonstop for quite a bit. In fact they had so much fun, while Jenny internally counted the intricate dance steps, that she did not perceive when a silver comb encrusted with pearls fell down to the dance floor.
Only someone closely observing her moves, would be aware that the silver comb was coming loose, and be there in time to retrieve it before it was stomped.
Not wanting to interrupt their dance, Robert put the comb inside his breast pocket, and removed himself from view.
By chance Robert met Jenny in the hall as they were exiting the perspective restrooms.
-"Hello Jenny, you look very nice tonight. I think you dropped something." Robert said as he retrieved the silver comb from his breast pocket.
-"Oh, wow! I am so glad that you found it. I felt terrible that I had lost it. It belongs to Maude." Jenny said with heartfelt gratitude.
-"You're welcome."
-"Would you like to dance? I noticed that you came alone to the party." Jenny asked.
-"Yes, I did not have a date. Sure, I'd like that very much." Robert said.
Lost in the music and the crowd while sheltered by the dim lights of the dance floor, this showered with spectacles of lights from a sphere above, Robert took Jenny's hand and led her in a slow dance.
The warmth of his hand enveloped hers. The skin contact was soothing, and also quite electrifying, as the energy surging between them was almost palpable.
It was quite different from the fun-filled energy that she had felt with Andrew while dancing, as she danced now without counting the intricate steps in her mind. Dancing with Robert felt so natural, as she intuitively trusted that he would lead the way.
Jenny deeply inhaled Robert's cologne, and smiled into his eyes. She was careful not to look down at his soft lips. It felt so nice to be embraced close to his form, that Jenny wished the moment would not end too soon.
To be continued...
