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The music was way too loud for Avice, but she looked over to see Ann smiling. Avice’s father had invited Ann as a welcome to the household, and to help Avice with anything she needed. Ann had changed into a simple, pale blue dress. Her eyes, which Avice had noted were a brilliant pale green, were filled with wonder. Had she ever been to a party before? Avice found them distasteful, but only because they were too loud and filled with judgmental people and way too many suitors.
Ann’s hand brushed Avice’s arm, “Oh, isn't this wonderful? I’ve never been able to go somewhere like this.” Avice was struck by the sheer joy of Ann’s smile.
She found herself smiling, “It is wonderful.” Avice couldn’t figure out why her heart rate was so high.
~
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As the night dragged on, Avice found her gaze routinely drawn back to Ann. As both of them danced with men, men that Avice cared nothing about, as they ate small pastries, as they talked about Ann’s life in Ireland.
Avice smiled, she found her jaw aching from smiling so broadly all night, “So your mother paints?” Now tell me about you, please.
Ann nodded, taking a bite from her cherry pastry, “She loves painting landscapes.”
“What about you?”
Ann glanced away, suddenly shy, “I paint too, but portraits.” She glanced up at Avice, “Mostly women.” Avice’s breath caught in her throat.
Oblivious, Ann’s gaze drifted to the French doors behind Avice, “Do you ever stargaze?”
Avice blinked, “What? Oh, no. Not really.” She finished off her pastry and grabbed Avice’s hand, forgetting their places for a moment. Ann led Avice outside.
Ann sat down on the grass, out of sight of the doors. She patted the ground next to her, “Come on, sit down.”
Avice’s brow furrowed, “On the ground?”
Ann chuckled, a light, happy sound that ran along Avice’s nerves in a pleasant way, “...okay.” She sat down, spreading her skirts around her carefully.
Ann pointed at the sky, “See that? That’s Orion.”
Avice squinted, “Who?”
Ann laughed again, and Avice didn’t care if she had sounded dumb or not, “Orion. It’s a constellation.”
Avice shrugged, looking back up at the stars again, “They just look like stars to me.”
“They did to me too, once,” Ann smiled at Avice, studying her as Avice studied the stars. Ann tilted her head curiously, “You’re… very beautiful, m’lady.”
Avice’s gaze snapped back to Ann, “Oh… thank you. You are too, Ann.” Avice found herself blushing, something she never did. She glanced away. Ann took Avice’s hand without looking at her.
Avice’s heartbeat was in her ears. Ann’s hands were amazingly soft, except from the calluses on her fingers, probably from sewing. Ann’s thumb brushed the top of Avice’s hand. Avice’s breath caught in her throat. She was scared to even glance at Ann. Scared to shatter the moment.
Ann whispered softly, “Avice….” Avice glanced at her. Ann slowly brought her other hand to cup Avice’s face. Avice’s gaze dropped to Ann’s lips. Cautiously, Ann closed the gap between them.
Ann’s lips were slightly chapped, but her kiss was gentle. Soft. Avice returned the kiss, leaning into Ann’s embrace. Ann smiled, her lips parting against Avice’s.
When they finally parted, Avice’s lips were half-lidded as she stared at Ann in near-amazement. She whispered, her voice low and filled with wonder, “Do that again.”
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