Love Is Never Ugly

Chapter 40

Vagatha stared at the garment she uncovered in the box completely beguiled. The design, the color, it was perfectly suited to her tastes and preferences. The style was understated. Slim with long sleeves and a simple collar, not bold and extravagant which she herself had never been especially fond of. Big and poofy dresses with feathers, furs, or ruffles might have suited most women but not her. The satin fabric was turquoise and the threading was violet, two of her favorite colors. But the piece to resistance was the intricate design of a butterfly on the chest of the dress made of violet beading and embroidery.

Anthony truly did put a lot of thought into making this for her. This wasn't just some attempt to earn her favor. He sincerely wanted to make a nice dress for her to wear. Charlotte was right, it would be cruel of her not to wear it tonight.

So she slipped on the dress, tied her white hair into a bun using a turquoise ribbon, and made her way to the ballroom where Anthony was waiting for her anxiously. He was just about to give up waiting and retire to his room in disappointment when he saw her walk in. A smile lit up his face.

"You look magnificent." He told her.

"Thanks." She said. "And thank you for the dress."

"Do you like it?" He asked eagerly. "I tried to make it exactly how you would want a dress to look."

"It's perfect." She smiled before turning to look at the dancers. "Things seem to be going well."

"Very well. Reminds me of the balls we used to have when Marie was here."

"Yes she loved to dance. Especially with her little boy." Vagatha said. "You know after she died I didn't think there would never be another ball in this castle."

"Miracles do happen." Anthony said. "Speaking of miracles, I think another one is about to take place tonight."

"What do you mean? What miracle?"

"You're going to dance tonight."

"Oh I am, am I? What makes you say that?"

"Come on Vagatha it's a ball. You have to dance."

"No I don't...I...I can't...I." She blushed. "I don't know how to dance."

"That's the problem? In that case I'll teach you."

"You can't just teach me in one night."

"Sure I can. You're a moth, you're naturally agile and balanced."

"I don't know."

"Can you at least try?"

She took a deep breath and she released it after thinking it over.

"I suppose one lesson couldn't hurt."

"Excellent. But we're not waltzing."

"We're not?"

"Nope. Waltzing is all they ever do. I think it's time we add a little variety."

"What kind of variety?"

"Well you once told me that you asked Marie to help you learn about other countries and their cultures. That you were really fascinated with the cultures of Spain, Africa, Mexico, and Argentine?"

"Yes."

"Are you familiar with the tango?"

Anthony then pulled Alastor aside to politely request for a change in music. He replied by snapping his fingers which caused the instruments to play a new and exotic tune. As the song began Anthony and Vagatha faced each other in the center of the room, his left hand joined with her right one, his right hand went to her back, and her left hand went to his shoulder. He quietly instructed her on what to do and she responded with almost instant accuracy.