@lastsisters
he'd been AWAY. that much was clear by the distance the others kept at the gathering. it was a simple country dance with all the local names invited. the only admitance that permitted him through the main doors was his relation to the local minister. a cousin, distant as he was but still welcoming to the long awaited captain returning from his adventures on the high seas. usually, he'd have a better audience in town where officers were gladly greeted no matter what their acquaintence as long as they promised a steady fortune and good connections for eligable brides. here, he was met with greater suspicion as well as some intrigue. a new face in a small parrish was always something to be slightly wary of if not gossiped about. as edwin shadowed his cousin, his brown eyes surveyed the dancers. few were left seated as the majority of the guests were up by the command of the musicians playing in the corner. he suspected his ready hand was not needed much in the way of a dance partner. as the song ended, a BODY rose to approach the piano forte. the host seemed to guide the young lady there readily, happy to have new blood fill the air with music. solitary as she was, the crowd seemed ready for her song, and when she sang, all was silent. all leant an ear to her melodic cries. edwin himself gave pause, his cousin lost to the shadows of the party. he stood alone, framed in a doorway. he watched the pianist croon her ballad as though all else had faded away, and it was she and her song that remained.
