Chapter 34: The end of the Gathering

For the rest of the Gathering I sat by Charles and listened to all his little party adventures. He was overjoyed talking about them and seeing his joy made me very much at ease. He always had a way of calming people, especially me. He is such a friendly person, so caring, and so him, an original.

I gazed into eyes as he continued to talk and it was honestly one of the highlights of my night. Until he stopped. Someone was clinging a glass, and that someone was Kyle. The Dinner Announcer and he yelled, "Dinner is now over please take what you have in a To-Go Bag and after please exit the building and pick up a gift basket! If you have any further questions please see my see my advisor for questions. Thank you and goodnight!"

He clasps his hands together and my Mother entered the center of the ball room, guests clearing the way as she did so. The Maids put a podium in front of her along with a microphone and sliver step-stool. She charmingly walked onto it and smiled at her motionless guests. "Thank you for attending the Gathering today and I cannot wait to see you at the next one. I believe it will be at the Bellum Estate?" The crowd lightly nodded and my mother smiled even wider from this.

She tiled her head continuing with saying, "Great, great that is wonderful. Again thank you all for coming and let everyone know your opinions online." Her voice dropped slightly and I could hear the threatening assurance in her voice now as she said, "I will see everyone so make sure to be smart about what you say." Her voice turned back to a honey-like tone, "That is all for the evening I will be taking my leave now." She stepped off the stool with the maids following her movements.

They put away her surroundings items and the crowd started to disperse after she left the floor. Finally after what seemed like forever this "Gathering" was officially over I was all done with-! Sir Bertram had caught my eye and when saw me, he immediately headed over.

I wanted to walk away, or even try to hide behind the crowd but what else could he possibly say? Plus Charles was here this time so if he was trying to insult him again, Charles would definitely here it.

When Sir.Bertram reached me, Charles noticed and he stayed close by but not too close. I guess he figured I was a bit uncomfortable. I took a deep breath with a stoic expression plastered on my face. It seems Sir.Bertram was trying to find something in me, but his emerald eyes darted away after a moment.

He tilted his head up and pulled something out of one of his back pockets. It was a dark green box with silver lining. He locked eyes with me and said, "I want you to have this. A gift, for this wonderful Gathering. Til we meet again Lady.Victoria. I will await that day." He lightly kissed the box and handed to me.

Hesitatingly I took the box, a tad bit confused but I returned a smile to him with a nod. He smiled as well fiddling with his fingers slightly. "Hopefully I wasn't too harsh on you, I don't want to scare you away from me." He darted his eyes to Charles and I could see he felt a little intimidated by it but he didn't show it as much.

I glared at him and turned Sir.Bertram's face to mine, "You we're saying?" I said with slight agitated tone. Sir.Bertram blushed a bit for this and fumbled with his words saying, "O.oh well I just don't want anyone else to take you. From what I seen you are a very capable young woman and I think that would be an excellent partnership for both our future companies." "Partnership?" He nodded, "Yeah I think-!" "Brother we're leaving! If you gave her the gift then come on!"

He seemed a bit startled from his sister's yelling but he after a bit he rolled his eyes and followed up with a wave, "Guess I will continue this conversation another time Lady.Victoria." He then left and everyone exited following that conversation.

At the end, when everyone was gone it was just: Me, Charles, and my Parents. It was time for the evaluation.