Young Writers Society

William

I nod, "See you."

I pay for a decent-looking fish and carry it home, handing it over to Mother to deal with before helping Father in the fields.

Isabel

When I get home, mother forces me in a gown and gets her maid to tighten the straps on my waist, making them tighten it until I can barely breath. Sighing when done, they curl my hair and pick out my shoes.

William

Father sends me away to prepare for the celebration ball, finishing things up. I head into the house and allow my mother to mess with me until presentable, my black hair tied back with a thin string and my clothes new for the occasion.

Isabel

Mother puts her pearls around my neck before giving me a hat that tilts down over my green eyes.

William

Fixing the stringed-tie on my collar, Mother and Father prepare themselves as I wait for them on the front porch.

Isabel

I get Luke ready before father leads us out into the carriage as we ride there.

William

Once they're ready, we ride into town in our horse-drawn buggy.

Isabel

We get there and I step out, walking in with my family before sitting in the corner by one of the tables, and letting them mingle as I hum to the music.

William

Upon our arrival, I help Mother out of the carriage and follow her and Father into the building. They go off to speak with some political figure, and I catch sight of Isabel. Not sure what else to do, I walk over to her and ask to sit to her right.

Isabel

I smile at him and nod, "Of course."

William

I smile back and sit down, looking around at everything before glancing back at her, "Thank you."

Isabel

I bite my lip before taking a sip of my tea, taking off my winter gloves.

William

I settle for water instead, knowing about the cost of tea and everything going on in the harbors with it. British merch. Father won't have it.

Isabel

Everyone starts dancing and I tuck a curl behind my ear before watching my brother follow my mom like a lost puppy.

William

I watch everyone dance for a moment before standing and offering my hand, "May I have this dance?"