We laughed together, and I was utterly content.
The day of the ball arrived clear and crisp. Fires were lit in all the rooms, and the pleasant scents of pine and herbs permeated the house. A pig and a stag were roasting at the bottom of the lawn; I went into the sewing room after breakfast and looked out, and I could see Mr. Belden walking with the gentlemen guests and observing the preparations.
From the corner of my eye I saw a group of riders come galloping from around the west end of the house; Robbie rode at their front and my heart clenched inside me at the sight of him as he tossed back his head with laughter that I could not hear. I turned away from the window.
I was not yet permitted to help with any work. Mrs. Belden had said that I was to rest frequently and not exert myself. The house was relatively quiet as I went down into the drawing room. I sat at the pianoforte and played softly for myself, and sang "My love is like a red, red rose," and when I was finished felt happier. I rose from the stool and turned to go toward the stairs; then I stopped short. Robbie lounged in the drawing room doorway, Alexander and several other young men behind him. My heart leapt into my throat.
He began to clap, and the other boys did too. I felt my skin flame from bosom to forehead.
"Bravo! Bravo!" he exclaimed, and the others chimed in.
"Oh, stop, do," I said. "As if you all have never heard me sing before!"
"Oh, but Miss Jessie, we never grow tired of hearing you!" said Alexander. "Your singing is as sweet as a mockingbird's."
"Nay, 'Xander," drawled Robbie, "I compare her singing to that of a sparrow. The loudness of its song is quite astounding, when the size of the bird is considered!"
The boys all laughed. As usual, I could think of no clever retort. I walked out of the room toward the stairs; Robbie stepped back into the hallway, and the other boys stood aside also, bowing as I walked by. I held my chin up. I was seething with hurt and anger and as I reached the top of the stairs my tears were about to spill over. I went back to the sewing room window, and heard them go into the drawing room and begin a card game.
I heard Mrs. Randall's voice. "Jessie." I quickly dabbed at my eyes.