Excerpts

"Look back ................... look back at me."                                     

John heard his thoughts slip from his mouth, as he stood and watched the coach bearing Margaret away forever. Unknowingly, she carried his heart, his soul, and his future dreams.
Inside the carriage, Margaret dwelled deep within her own misery of lost family, drowning in the solitude she thought her life to be, too absorbed to give a backward glance.
On that snowy day, John's soul froze over; all of his passion fell dormant. With her coach out of sight, he felt nausea sweep over him. He was an empty shell. A large void replaced his heart. He wondered if he wanted to live in a world without her.

*     *     *

John could feel her eyes gazing at him even through her dark netted veil. Knowing she was now aware of his presence, his heart began to hammer against his ribs, reaffirming that he loved her more than life

Not taking his eyes from her, John removed his hat and started walking towards her. This was a special moment for him, but out of sympathy he withheld his smile. He was living one of his recurring dreams. He recognized it for what it was - Margaret walking towards him as he walked towards her. He had lived this moment in his mind many times.

*     *     *

John fell back on the carpet, reeling at her words, not so much about the conception, but that she desired him enough to let him love her.  Every day of heartbreak for the past four years dissolved in those words that she had just spoken.  He put his arm over his face and only pride kept his tears from falling.  It was the epitome of his hopes and dreams. 

*     *     *

He put out his left hand for her to take. She took his hand with her right.  John slid his right hand behind her to the small of her back, but this time allowed very little proper space between them.  She placed her other hand on his shoulder, reaching as far as she could.
The beautiful couple unfolded their mirrored dance of swirls of ribbon and tails moving about the room as one.  John had tremendous grace about him; he glided rather than stepped as he moved.His right hand splayed against the small of her back conducting her with such assured commands, into intricate little twirls and wider whirls.  The audience was transfixed by their stunning performance, also being amazed at how John never took his eyes from Margaret, sensing his position on the floor at all times.  The mill workers were astounded this man was their boss, displaying such elegant form.