Blissful Ignorance

Let's see. The only thing I can really note is that the Waltz did exist during this time period. As I looked up in the encyclopedia, the waltz was introduced around 1800, so this is correct. Enjoy!

Waltz of Wings
Chapter Seven
By Sailor Celaeno

Relena was quite relieved that they had arrived at Treize's home. It was decorated in the most exquisite manner for the celebration. Relena was also relieved that the fireplaces were burning warmly. "I'm quite happy to be out of the cold." She dressed far more appropriately for the weather than Dorothy, but the wind was strong and chilled her. She had a great deal on her mind. The wedding ceremony by itself was nothing extraordinary. What peeked her interested was everything that occurred while Treize and his bride were pledging fidelity to each other.
As Relena, Mr. Dorlian, Dorothy, and Catherine arrived at Treize's stately manor she saw that many guests from the church were arriving as well. Many wealthy acquaintances were able to arrive from their own stately manors with little difficulty, and with grumblings of the cold weather. The notables were dressed in the most regal, glamorous, and outrageously fine clothing. It seemed to Relena, that Dorothy wasn't the only one dressing to impress others.
Dorothy was began addressing a Lady Covington and her husband, leaving Catherine standing alone with nothing else to do except silently watch. Relena felt rather sorry for her, and was interested in having a friendly conversation. Relena wished to mention her own thoughts to someone with an appreciation for such observations. "Miss Bloom?"
"Yes Miss Dorlian?" Catherine replied when she heard the voice. She had a jovial smile. She had the appearance of relief that someone would stand near her in earnest civility.
"Come. Let us walk closer to the fireplace. You look quite cold."
Catherine began her assurances that she was not cold.
"No Miss Bloom." Relena insisted with gentle kindness. "I insist that you should stand with me there. It is quite pleasant. And I assure you," she began to speak more confidentially, "that we can observe everyone else with greater advantage if we are at that position in the room."
Catherine smiled knowingly at Relena's implied meaning.

Mrs. Noin, Lucrezia, and Hilde arrived not long after the Dorlian party. Duo, Heero, and Trowa escorted the ladies into the house. "I must say. The Duke of Dermail has a grand home indeed. I haven't seen a house quite this lovely since..." Mrs. Noin stopped short of mentioning her former home. Her nephew had her arm in his and was leading her into the house.
He looked sadly for a moment, but regained his composure. He thought that he would continue the original subject. "I've been told by a reliable source that the Duke has spent a great deal of money for this occasion. This is a wedding, and surely he would have no objection to celebrating his son's day of felicity."
"That is true my dear nephew." She gently patted his hand and smiled. "I too would be more than content for my dear girls to be as happy as I am sure Lord Treize is. There is nothing truly joyous to any mother, or any woman, than a wedding. Although I suppose one could argue that the birth of a child is just as joyous, if not more so."
Hilde and Lucrezia reddened at her reply. Hilde was embarrassed at the notion because of her cousin Duo Maxwell. Mrs. Noin had commented in private that Hilde should be more civil towards their Cousin Maxwell. Especially in response to his kindness and particular regard towards her. Hilde had no such intention to encourage his partiality nor did she want to give Duo the impression that she had any symptoms of love towards him. She already suspected his feelings, but was quite uncertain what to do. Lucrezia was rather embarrassed at the idea of being married to anyone at all.
Heero and Trowa were silent and respectful, and spoke only when addressed. Heero did on occasion encourage conversation in order to be sociable. Heero casually glanced around the room just as everyone else did. However, he was hiding the fact that he was curious of certain individuals. He was searching for Miss Dorlian, and also the strange and mysterious man from the wedding. Certainly he would be here and he could observe Miss Dorlian's behavior around him. There was something about the gentleman that left him uneasy. And from the look on Mr. Dorlian's face, something disturbed the elder gentleman as well.
Trowa was something of a different matter. No one could tell what he was about. He seemed to do nothing but stand there, and silently wait and follow his friends. He hardly spoke and was not inclined to speak more than was necessary or relevant to the conversation. There was much whispering in regards to who he was, but no one knew him as anyone other than Duo's trusted steward and a trusted confidante along side Heero Yuy. It was quite shocking to some, but nothing else surprised anyone that Duo Maxwell would do something as unheard of as allowing a servant such as Trowa Barton to travel with his master. Trowa, in his silent contemplation, was more than pleased that no one knew anything more about him than his relationship with Duo Maxwell.

Wufei and Sally arrived a moment later after the Noins and company began to mingle with the other guests. Wufei silently watched his companion. He tried see if he could find the familiar Chinese physical characteristics. They were very subtle, but they slowly emerged. The shape of her eyes weren't as obvious as his, but they were subtle and he was quite certain, she must be part Chinese just as Lord Treize had implied. He held her arm as was the custom.
Sally was rather nervous. He said little to her except the normal casual and common courtesies, but the way he watched her left her rather frightened. "Does he know? Could he tell the truth?" She only hoped that he didn't notice and acted at civilly as possible. "Where is Captain Merquise? I recall seeing him at the church," she said.
"He should be here. I believe he and Lord Treize are old friends, and he wouldn't miss the reception."
Sally nodded silently.

Quatre quietly arrived. Though he was the clergyman's son, his father was well-respected in Buxted and his family was treated as such. Mr. Winner was not able to join in the celebration due to his health. As he aged, he was less inclined to go out of doors in the cold winter weather, especially on a wet and cloudy day as it was. He did however encourage his son to go. "Lord Treize, and the Duke are good patrons of our parish. It would be rude to not attend. And it would make me very proud of you, if you should make yourself known to gentleman of such society."
"But I thought you would want me here father," he said with concern.
"I know Quatre. But a shepherd has a duty to be among his flock. You, Quatre, will be the new shepherd one day."
Quatre didn't like to think that way about his father. "Not for a long time, if I have anything to say about it," he replied hopefully.
So Quatre was here. He was at a party in spite of his father's health. Despite the duty and social obligations, Quatre didn't desire to be at reception. He glanced around the room, and soon found Miss Dorlian and Miss Bloom chatting casually and happily by the fireplace. He walked over and made a proper bow to the ladies. The ladies curtseyed in response and politely asked about his father.
"Father's health has made it quite difficult to leave the parsonage during the winter months. He sent me in his place."
Relena smiled pleasantly, "I assure you Quatre, that having you here is a great pleasure for everyone that is acquainted with you."
"I thank you for your complement Miss Dorlian. I pray that I have not interrupted you and Miss Bloom. It appears that you were having a rather lively conversation," replied Quatre.
"You are no terrible interruption. I rather think that you are a pleasant sort of interruption," Relena said with a slight tease.
Quatre reddened slightly and soon laughed as well. "May I enquire what has entertained you ladies so greatly?"
"Of course Mr. Winner." Relena nodded at Catherine.
"Well Miss Dorlian and I..." she glanced over at Relena with another nod of approval. "We were simply talking about who the people at this reception are. I wasn't thoroughly acquainted with everyone here. Miss Dorlian has been explaining to me all the nobles here."
"I will apologize if I am confused, but I don't see what is so very amusing about such a topic of conversation."
"I was casually making comments about the people. It's rather scandalous I suppose, but I couldn't help myself Quatre." Relena had a slight smile. "It amazes me that so many people with their names and reputations do so very little to make good use of their names. It rather shocks me that no one else will take as much pain or interest in doing something meaningful with their positions in society, rather than merely looking down upon people."
Quatre was uncertain of what to say. "Indeed Miss Dorlian? Are you so very displeased with society?"
"Perhaps not so strongly. I am quite disappointed that so little care is given to others. Everyone merely pitied the Noins when Mr. Noin passed on a few months ago. I suppose Mr. Maxwell was trying to be kind by providing his cousins a home in his summer cottage. I will give him credit for being so very attentive. I have my suspicions that he has found Miss Hilde a dear girl, as she really is."
Quatre glanced at Relena. "They are attached?"
Relena smiled. "Not in so many words, but the expressions on his face when he refers to her are quite entertaining."
"Entertaining?" Quatre was confused and a little shocked by her reply.
"I will apologize to you for giving you such a start. It's just that, I am not one who is a strong believer in marriage of convenience. I feel that a lady of my position would have no reason to marry."
"Miss Dorlian!" Catherine replied surprisingly.
Relena paused for a moment. "A marriage of convenience would be that either I or my proposed husband would be marrying the other for the convenience of a generous income. I would never subject myself to such a proposition as that."
"Proposition? You speak as though marriage is business," said Quatre.
Relena had a slight smile on her face. "As I understand on good authority, that many people in our society consider marriage a great business, and a potentially profitable venture at that. After all, I'm sure that you are aware that our own monarchs of the past and present have married for various conveniences."
Quatre nodded. "That is quite true. Which is a very sad state of things."
"I most certainly agree Quatre. Marriage should not be for convenience when it is at all avoidable. I grant that for some people, it may be a great imperative to do so. However, I feel that in either case, it is a preposterous way to marry. I would discourage marriage of convenience to everyone I know."
Quatre glanced over as he could see Hilde and Duo standing in a circle talking to Lucrezia and Mrs. Noin. "I see Miss Dorlian. Shall I dare ask if..."
Heero soon approached towards them. "Miss Dorlian..." he bowed and nodded to everyone. "Miss Bloom... Mr. Winner."
They returned the courtesy. "I fear I have interrupted you."
"Not at all. I believe that we had little more else to say on our last subject. I believe we were searching for a new topic of discussion. Do you have a suggestion?" Relena replied with a slight tone of amusement.
"I fear that I have nothing that may be of interest for your discussions. I do believe however that they will have a few dances at this reception."
"Indeed? I was told there would be no ball. Especially with this weather, some may wish to leave before the weather worsens."
"The weather is colder, but it is no longer storming. I believe that Duke Khushrenada has decided to have the orchestra play a few selections for dancing."
"I do believe then, that my cousin will be quite pleased at this news. I should wonder if she had spoken to her uncle the Duke on this topic."
"I do believe she is related to Duke Khushrenada. I recall she said her aunt, the Duchess Khushrenada, was her father's younger sister," added Quatre.
"Yes, quite correct Mr. Winner."
Quatre sensed that Heero had business to discuss with Relena. Business of a very certain nature that would be best done without the presence of other people. Quatre smiled and turned to Catherine. "Miss Bloom, would you like to join me and greet Mr. Maxwell and his party?"
"Oh of course. I don't believe I had seen them enter." Quatre and Catherine walked away leaving Relena alone with Heero.
"Miss Dorlian?"
Relena quickly turned back to him. She had watch Quatre and Catherine walk off in the direction of Duo and his cousins. "Yes Mr. Yuy?"
"I wished to ask for the pleasure of the first two dances with you. That is, if you are not engaged at present."
Relena was slightly surprised that he would be so very interested in dancing with her first. "Why... I am not engaged at the moment. I thank you sir."
Heero nodded, and stepped away as the first dance would still be several more minutes.

Lucrezia was walking to the punch bowl and was glancing at the table that was covered with hors d'oeuvres. She was about to reach for the punch bowl when a gloved hand gently touched hers by accident. She gasped and looked at the hand's owner. She was surprised to see it was the mysterious blond man that was in the church. "Oh I apologize."
The man smiled at her reassuringly. "No I apologize." He gallantly flourished with his hand. "Ladies first."
Lucrezia was a little embarrassed. "Why... thank you." She could hardly look at him as she took the ladle and was trying to pour the punch neatly into her cup.
"Allow me." He poured the punch into her cup.
"Thank you sir." She curtseyed.
"My pleasure Miss..."
"Miss Noin."
"Noin? I don't recall that name. I don't believe I'm acquainted with your family."
Lucrezia smiled. "I should think not sir. My family and I originally came from north of here and have only been living near Buxted Village for a few months."
"Of course. I myself have not been here for over a year."
"Indeed? You have been here before?"
The man paused as though he was uncertain of what to say. "I am an acquaintance of Lord Treize and hence I have been here before. However, I have only stayed for a few days at most, and I do not make my presence known to the village society very often."
"I see." Lucrezia was quite puzzled by this very handsome man. She was uncertain what to think of him. "I will apologize once again sir." She stopped for a moment. "I do not know your name sir. How shall I address you?"
"I am Captain Merquise." He bowed to her.
"A captain? Are you in the navy sir?"
"I am a merchant ship captain, Miss Noin."
"I'm sure you have traveled to many foreign places." She smiled. "I am sure that you must have great pleasure sailing on your ship."
"I didn't know a lady would have an interest in such things."
"I enjoy hearing about other people and what gives them joy."
Duo approached Lucrezia and Captain Merquise. "Miss Noin?"
"Yes Mr. Maxwell?"
"I wanted to ask if I may dance with you later this evening."
"Of course sir. I will oblige." Duo bowed and left her and Captain Merquise alone.
Merquise all the while watched the conversation curiously. "You are acquainted with Mr. Maxwell?"
"Yes. I am a relation of his. Are you acquainted with him?"
"I... have no such pleasure. However, I do know the name Maxwell. They are a well to do family in the North, and I believe they own a country house here."
Lucrezia replied quietly, "that is where my family and I are residing."
Captain Merquise replied apologetically. "I apologize if I have offended you Miss Noin."
"It's nothing at all. I assure you. My cousin has been most kind towards my mother and my sister by allowing us to live in his country house. We are quite pleased with the neighborhood and our neighbors have been most kind. Especially Miss Dorlian."
It was Zechs's turn to be quiet and a little surprised. "Dorlian you say?"
"Yes. Miss Dorlian is a good friend of my sister and I. She has been very kind towards my family when we need assistance. She's been the truest acquaintance that I have ever been with."
"Indeed." Zechs had a thoughtful look on his face. "Tell me more about her. I don't believe I have met her."
Lucrezia was quite puzzled. The music for the first dance was playing and she glance over towards the couples. She soon spotted Relena with Heero. "She is the young lady over there in the golden-colored dress."
Zechs glanced over and saw Relena, the young blond with the pale yellow dress. She seemed to be talking with her partner with a lively air. He seemed to study her with great detail.
Lucrezia was uncertain what to think. Especially with the stern, critical look he had on his face. He had a more intent look as he spied on her dance partner. "May I ask who her partner is? She seems rather taken in the conversation she is having with the gentleman."
Lucrezia glanced again. "I do believe that the gentleman is Mr. Yuy of Edenwood."
"Edenwood? Indeed." He looked more contemplative at the couple.
Lucrezia was growing more curious about the way Zechs was watching them. "If you wish, I may introduce you to her."
Zechs paused for a moment. He soon turned to Lucrezia with a smile. "I believe that I would like that."
"Of course sir."
"Are you engaged in the next dance?"
"I have no partner."
"Then if I may, I would like the pleasure of being your partner, Miss Noin."

Trowa had silently observed the festivities around him. He had noticed that Catherine was talking to Relena and Quatre. She was quite happily chatting with the two young people. "I'm glad that you are happy Catherine," he thought silently to himself. He hoped that no one noticed the short conversation that he had with Catherine earlier. It would be quite detrimental for the both to be seen together alone.
When Quatre and Catherine approached, he was glad that at least he was with others so it would not be strange that they would be conversing. "Ah Miss Bloom, Mr. Winner. It is a pleasure to see you again," smiled Duo.
"I saw you and your cousins standing here, and thought it best that I greet you," replied Quatre. "Miss Bloom had similar sentiments and joined me."
"Quite thoughtful of you my dear," added Mrs. Noin. "It is lovely to see so many young people enjoying themselves."
"It seems that my elder cousin is speaking to a gentleman near the punch bowl."
"Indeed?" Mrs. Noin turned to see that Lucrezia was speaking to Captain Merquise. "What a handsome young man indeed. Do you know who he is nephew?"
"I fear that I do not know the gentleman's name. Perhaps I should inquire?"
"Nay, cousin Duo. I wish to be the one to inquire his name. I believe that you have already spoken to them, and it would seem rather strange for you to approach them again," replied Hilde. "I believe that it would be appropriate that I meet the new acquaintances of my dear sister." Hilde had a slight glint in her eye.
Duo admitted to himself that he was quite interested in what Hilde was planning to do. He was never more charmed by any other lady, and he was more than happy to oblige her. "If it is what you wish, then by all means."
Mrs. Noin was also entertained by Hilde's lively spirit. She observed that her nephew appeared to have the same opinion on this matter.
Hilde approached Lucrezia and Zechs. "I apologize sister, if I interrupt your conversation. I saw that you were standing so long away from our circle. I wanted to inform you that Mr. Winner, and Miss Bloom have joined us."
"Indeed my dear? I should say hello to them as well." Lucrezia turned to Zechs. "Would you join my sister and I, captain Merquise?"
"Are you certain that I would not be intruding?"
"Of course not sir. It would be a pleasure to have more people join us. We have great enjoyment in conversing with other people," replied Hilde before Lucrezia had opened her mouth.
"If that is what you wish, Miss Hilde I believe is your name?"
Hilde turned to her sister with a playful scolding. "You have told a stranger my name, yet I do not know his. Shame on you sister!" Hilde laughed.
Zechs had a slight smile on his face, but was polite not to laugh at the lady receiving the gentle scolding.
"Shall we go?" Lucrezia changed the subject. Zechs took the arm of each sister with both his arms and led them to the family circle. Each had thoughts of their own. Hilde was gleefully imagining the questions that their mother would ask. Lucrezia was worried about the questions their mother would ask. Zechs was at leisure to the idea of meeting Mrs. Noin. Yet at the same token he was wondering if Miss Dorlian would end up seeing him with the Noins.

Sally was casually talking to Dorothy. She made herself acquainted with her benefactor's cousin and was not surprised that the lady was related to Treize. She could see certain characteristics that were not very different from that of the Dukeess Khushrenada, who was the lady's aunt. After a few moments of conversation, Dorothy excused herself as she saw a baron of some shire that Sally didn't realize existed.
It was at this moment that Wufei took the opportunity to ask her for a dance. She was not so much delighted, but content with the inquiry. She was still uncertain of him. "of course."
The music had stopped for a moment allowing those who wished to dance, to take their places on the dance floor. The musicians changed the pages of their music and began to play a waltz. Wufei had learned European custom and was familiar with the dances.
"Miss Powell, are you worried about something?"
Sally stared at him. "Why would you think that Mr. Chang?"
"You haven't looked at me with any ease all day. Is something the matter?"
"It is nothing I assure you," she replied.
"You are wondering if I know who you really are, I think," he had a slight smile that threatened her.
"I don't understand what you are speaking of, sir. It's rather shocking of you to speak to me in such a manner while we are dancing."
Wufei had a smirk and had his answer. "If you wish, I will not address this subject again Miss Powell. Although I don't quite understand why you would not be proud of your heritage. After all, I am quite proud of mine. I can make no attempt to deny where I come from, as it is hard for me to do so." Sally made no reply as she was having a mixture of shock and reserve in her countenance. "But I have been told and have seen for myself some that are more able to move in social positions that they would not be able to in other circumstances."
Sally had a slight look of horror at his comment. "He does know," she thought to herself.
"If you are worried, then I assure you that you will have no threat from me. After all, outside of business, I am in no position nor would I have any particular gains from revealing your secret." He detected a slight look of relief on her face. "However, I can not vouch for others that may also know about you. After all, I can only speak for myself, and no one else."
The dance stopped as the music ended. "If you will pardon me Mr. Chang. I'm not inclined to dance any further." She walked away from him.
"Of course not, Miss Powell." Wufei thought silently to himself.