Aurelia Loch and the 3 Beaus

Aurelia Loch was perhaps the most beautiful girl in her community. With shining blonde tendrils, perfectly curled, and a petit nose that was always in style. Sparkling hazel eyes that lit as if from within. Her dresses were made from the best material of the most up-to-date season and every week she had some new bit or bauble to accessorize her lithe figure. She was truly striking. It was a pity that she knew it.

“I can’t believe you rejected another. At the rate, you’re going there won’t be any more rich available men in Cheshire.” Her mother said from across the carriage. Mrs. Loch had once been quite the beauty herself but a poorer circumstance and need had softened her vanity. She had settled on Mr. Loch, a sensible and proper choice, quickly and the pair were happy enough with each other. It was only when Aurelia had arrived that the pair became truly joyous. Every instance was spent making sure their little girl had everything she could possibly want. Mr. Loch had tried throughout Aurelia’s life to curtail her more extravagant manners. However, with one look in her doe eyes, the man was easily persuaded. He wondered if he had done his daughter some disservice as the couple watched Aurelia throw away chance after chance at happy and sensible.

“There are plenty of men, Mama.” Aurelia was busy admiring her reflection in the window. It was a ball night so the full moon was on display. The moon was her favorite light by which to admire herself. It perfectly reflected the pale color of her skin and created a sort of heavenly glow. “Besides Bernard was a terrible bore.” Bernard was the latest in a long line of hopefuls who wanted to secure the young Ms. Loch as their partner in life.

“We can’t keep indulging this, Aurelia.” Her father spoke in a low tone next to her mother. For Aurelia’s part, she paid little mind so he continued. “Your mother and I have come to an arrangement.” This caused her attention to at last be won. “If you do not decide on someone tonight, you will be wed to Mr. Turner.”

“Wally?! Wally is certainly not tall enough to be under consideration.” Aurelia turned away from her parents to admire the glint of the pearls in her hair. Wallace Turner had been their neighbor since both of them were children. He had recently taken over for his father on their estate which was moderately sized after being gone at school for many years. It probably wasn’t fair to judge his height based on his childhood size. He was nice enough but nowhere near the level of man that Aurelia planned on catching.

“Aurelia Loch.” Her mother’s voice brokered no arguments. “You have left us no choice. We would have you secure and we have certainly let you try to find it yourself.” Aurelia was, after all, slightly past the age that young women were supposed to be settled. “Almost everyone in Cheshire will be at Lord Lattermore’s ball tonight. You should have plenty of options to decide upon.”

“And Mr. Turner is a good deal better than most when it comes to suitors.” Her father said. He had always liked the Turner family as it meant that Aurelia wouldn’t be far.

Aurelia pouted. It wasn’t fair that her parents would have her married off to just anyone when it has been clear to Aurelia from a very young age that she deserved perfection. Someone who would live up to every preference and desire that Aurelia had in her head. Someone just right.

“I cannot be expected to pick someone with less than a quarter hours time to prepare.” Her parents exchanged a look. The kind of look that married couples refine after so many years. An agreement to use their last resort.

“We understand that darling and so your father and I have discussed a wedding present for you in whichever case.” Aurelia’s ears burned with the sound of a present.

“You shall have your Grandmother’s tiara.” It was the most valuable thing that the Loch family owned. Diamond studded with a large aquamarine stone in the center. The family fable was that Aurelia’s maternal great-grandmother had met a prince on a tour of Europe and the royal had fallen so in love with her that he gifted her a tiara as a token of his affection. Mrs. Loch had always huffed at the story but the piece had been handed down to her after her grandmother had passed. Aurelia was obsessed with it. The aquamarine highlighted the many blues in her eyes. She was scolded many times for sneaking it from its hidden place and wearing it for a night. It was something that was traditionally kept until death. But she could have it as soon as she was wed.

Aurelia supposed that if she couldn’t have the perfect man, she could settle for the perfect accessory.

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Lord Lattermore’s manor was a buzz with activity. This was a once-in-a-season event after all. As soon as the Loch carriage pulled up to the front, there were at least ten young men who seemed to appear from every corner of the drive to help the Lochs descend. Aurelia quickly picked the hand of young Lord Everton to alight upon as she exited the carriage. After considering all the opportunities that she had yet to turn down, Aurelia thought of both Lord Ralph Everton and Mr. Samuel Cane. She had been putting off both of their advances to explore some other options but since she was on such a small timeline, they were the standouts. Everton was a lord after all and Cane had just recently come into a large amount of wealth through his trade business. Cane was nowhere to be seen so far but Loch knew he would be there.

“How are you tonight, Miss Loch?” Everton’s voice was pleasing. A kind of deep baritone but clipped matching his sharp features.

“Very well, Lord Everton. I hope you are the same.” Everton kept his eyes straight ahead. His posture was as if someone was holding a ruler against his back. Aurelia felt the assured power of being on his arm.

“I would be better if you would promise the first dance to me.” The surrounding group of men who had tried to disperse without too much embarrassment at being turned down held a collective breath.

“You may.” A subtle groan from the surroundings as they reached the entrance.

“I look forward to conversing more with you, then.” With that Lord Everton bowed and disappeared into the crowd of people. Aurelia was pleased that as soon as he vacated the space, Samuel Cane appeared as if from nowhere to take it. His shock of red hair slicked back in a very elegant style. His waistcoat was bejeweled with exotic gems. He looked quite out of step with the rest of the attendees. Aurelia couldn’t help but notice how well they would look together.

“Miss Loch. You look like a Goddess of the moon this evening.” A melodious compliment punctuated by the deepest bow he could muster. Aurelia preened under the attention.

“Good evening, Mr. Cane. I’d heard you had returned from your travels.”

“I’m pleased that you’ve marked the travels of a humble merchant like me. I hurried back once I heard tell that the young Miss Loch had yet to find a partner.” Cane smiled widely at the insinuation as he looked just over her head. Aurelia looked back and found Bernard Falnett’s eyes on her. He flustered and pretended to be talking to someone nearby. Aurelia returned to Mr. Cane with a beauteous smile.

“It is unfortunate to not yet have met my equal.”

“Hopefully, you might find so tonight. Will you stand up on the first dance with me, Miss Loch?” Cane pretended to look bashful about his boldness. It was an almost convincing performance but the tone of the request seemed assured of agreement.

“I have already promised that one to Lord Everton, I’m afraid.” The twitch of annoyance was almost fully hidden behind his sorry smile. “However, the second is available if you will have it.”

“I will have it. The first dance is always practice after all.” He winked as if they were in confidence with each other. Aurelia giggled her approval before she was embraced by a friendly face.

“Aurelia! I’m so pleased to see you.” Louisa Turner’s cheeks were ruddy with health and good humor. Aurelia and Louisa were only a year apart in age which had kept them in a friendship. Aurelia was fond of the girl. If only because Louisa seemed to be fond of Aurelia.

“Louisa! I’m so glad of your company.” While the pair took each other arms, Cane seemed to sense his dismissal and left to talk to their host. As he left, Aurelia lowered her voice. “My parents have given me the most difficult task.” Louisa’s eyes widened. She was an incurable gossip. However, Aurelia didn’t get the chance to share as a tall shadow stepped next to Louisa.

“Oh yes! Aurelia, you remember Wally, of course.” Wallace Turner, the fate in question, smiled at his sister’s enthusiasm. He had grown much taller than Aurelia remembered. However, he still kept his dark hair and childhood dimples. Wallace Turner was annoyingly handsome actually.

“I’m sure she’s forgotten all about me, Lou. Wallace Turner, Miss Loch.” He bowed but kept the dimpled smile. Aurelia was slightly uneasy as she hadn’t been expecting to face the threatened fiance so soon. She pretended to see someone else behind him.

“Mr. Turner. I’m pleased to see you back home. I’m so sorry but I’ve just seen a dear friend that I am most urgent to speak with.” To his credit, Mr. Turner didn’t look put off or slighted. Instead, he moved quickly out of her way of the pretend dear friend.

“Certainly, Miss Loch. I wouldn’t want to take up too much of your time. Before you go though, could I put my name on your dance card tonight?” Aurelia didn’t see any harm in it so allowed him to place his name on a line before fleeing. His handwriting was lovely if nothing else. Strangely he had placed himself low on the list, right before supper. She was sorry to leave Louisa but better that than waste time on a doomed certainty than a charming possibility.

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Aurelia loved to dance. It was an activity that best showed her figure and charm to society. Aurelia had always been complimented on her fleetness of foot and elegance of movement. So it stood to reason that whoever she chose to marry would be equally skilled in the art.

On his part, Lord Everton wasn’t suited. He stepped on Aurelia’s feet more than once and missed multiple steps. His form was certainly pleasing but the movement was much too fluid for his rigid posture.

The next dance with Mr. Cane was better in function but worse in form. He knew the steps and moved well through each part but he often flourished in the dance. There were an embarrassing amount of extra movements that only served to draw attention to himself. Aurelia winced at a particularly large arm arc.

There were then a couple of forgettable dances followed by Wallace Turner who was irritatingly good. He executed each step with charming grace and allowed Aurelia to take center stage. She enjoyed the dance tremendously and was oddly sad when they took their final bows. Only to be reminded that Wallace Turner was her father’s choice, not her own. He was merely a neighbor. Nothing near enchanting enough for Aurelia Loch. She soured as everyone was called into supper. It was there it became clear why Turner had placed his name at the end as he offered his arm to be Aurelia’s escort. Annoyingly clever.

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At dinner, Aurelia was seated next to Mr. Turner and Lord Everton was next to Mr. Cane just across the way. Supper was an exercise in manners. Aurelia knew that whoever she would choose would have to have impeccable table conduct. It also wouldn’t hurt if they were able to carry on a conversation with the other guests.

Aurelia noted that although when the meat arrived Lord Everton served himself and then served everyone near his place at the table. He used the proper silverware in the proper order and dabbed after each bite. Yet Aurelia realized that he said not one word to those around him beyond asking whether they wanted a second helping. Not even when the good Mr. Filler tried to engage him in a small talk about the weather lately. A grunt of acknowledgment was all the older man received.

This was in stark contrast to Mr. Cane who seemed willing to chat at length with anyone nearby on any topic. He was so well-traveled that he had the latest news from any number of countries and even helped the hostess to discern the difference between Asian silk and Turkish. But his table manners left much to be desired. He only served himself and used a dessert fork for the whole meal.

Wallace Turner, on the other hand, performed both his table and social duties admirably. He was able to notice quickly when someone needed aid without their asking. He conversed with both Mrs. Bakewell about her run to the market last week and Mr. Bakewell about the state of economics. At one point, he even asked what Aurelia thought of the curtains. They were, after all, her favorite color if he remembered correctly. He had and Aurelia blushed at the knowing look on her mother’s face. She didn’t want Mr. Turner. She hoped that he might belch at an inappropriate time or reveal a secret affair to be done with him once and for all.

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It was Aurelia that suggested Whist. A card game for four in which she might once and for all decide who would win her hand. She might also have the opportunity to better hear the flow of their conversation. How they might talk to each other once they became united.

“I’ve seen you riding through the country quite often on a grey horse, Lord Everton. Do you have a particular favorite?” Aurelia asked hoping he might reveal a soft spot.

“No.” She waited for anything else. Something beyond a singular word but nothing was forthcoming. Instead, Mr. Cane continued as if the question had been directed at him.

“I’m certainly not one for horses. However, I did see something called a camel on my latest journey. The strangest animal. Like a horse with a large humpback. You can ride them. Mind you, I didn’t try. I told the man…” Aurelia tried to politely listen but Mr. Cane seemed to never take a breath. He just rambled on and on. Never pausing for a question or statement from anyone else. He finally paused to take a drink. Wally took his chance.

“I’m told that you have a particular favorite horse, Miss Loch. Is it the white one from many years ago?” Aurelia colored that once again he had marked something from so long ago.

“Unfortunately, Athena passed last year.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that.”

“Her foal Aphrodite is now one I’m not ashamed to say I dote on. She’s as beautiful as her mother.”

“I hope I might get to meet her someday. Do you enjoy riding?” It went on like that for a long time. Wallace Turner asked her questions that Aurelia realized no one had ever asked. Her opinions, her dreams, her thoughts. Aurelia was more surprised to find that she had them.

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The end of the night came as it always does to young and excited folks; too soon. She allowed Wallace Turner to escort her to her carriage as they had yet to finish their conversation. There were plenty of eyes watching but for once Aurelia didn’t see them. Noting only how Mr. Turner’s dimples deepened when he laughed. As her parents joined their retreat, Mr. Turner said a quick hello to the couple who were both barely contained in their pleasure. Her parents folded into the carriage but Aurelia stayed for just a moment longer. She stared at Wally for perhaps a second too long.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” His hand came up to brush the imagined something. Aurelia noticed they were large and calloused. A flaw that might have sent another suitor on his way.

“I want you to call tomorrow,” Aurelia said. Wally seemed surprised by such a straightforward request. He recovered though and his dimple softened.

“If you want me to, I will, Aurelia.” Her name felt nice. With that Aurelia curtsied and Wally bowed. He offered her his hand to help her into the carriage. Settled into the seat, Aurelia watched as his figure became smaller and smaller.

“I suppose you’ve made your choice, Aurelia.” This from her mother who was practically falling off her seat in anticipation.

“I have.” She noticed her reflection in the window. A bit duller then earlier. A pearl clip in her hair was slightly out of place. Aurelia rather than Miss Loch. “It’s just right.”