*Edited*

Grace walked down the large halls towards the front door while continuing to fidget with her dress. The time for the party, that John's business partner was holding, was now upon them. Grace wore white heeled shoes with a soft green dress the had hints of yellow within it. Fabric flower shapes lined the bust of the dress as it hugged her thin form with a gentle puff out from her lower back. Her hands, up to her elbows, where covered with silk white gloves and her engagement ring over her left glove. Her beautiful red hair was pinned up in perfect balance with little curls hanging slightly from the pinned up style.

" Grace. Darling you look absolutely exquisite." John smiled gently to her as she wrapped a white shawl around her shoulder. He wore a white shirt with a white cravat tied around his neck. A silk black vest held his shirt in place with a black, fitted, fishtail waist coat; buttoned up with black buttons. The waist coat sleeves clung down his arms and down to the cuff where they then became a black silk with a dark purple tint. Stopping short, to allow some of the white shirt prod out a few centimeters. He wore long black loose trouser that reached just under his ankle were upon his feet he wore shining black shoes. A top hat sat comfortable upon his black curling locks that reached just past his ears, his stubble had been lightly trimmed back lining his strong jawline.

"You are not so bad as well." Grace smiled to him as he pulled on black leather gloves and slipped them onto his thick digits to up just past his wrists. Grace wrung her hands against her stomach as her nerves slowly began to take hold of her. John smiled when he saw this and took her hands into his own bringing them up to his lips. Even with the material covering them; the spark of heat could be felt.

" Calm down love. You are going to be just fine." John spoke softly as he moved one of his hands from her and to her cheek to pulled her face to his, giving her a soft reassuring peck. Grace nodded and smiled with a deep outlet of a shaking breath. John then pulled his right hand from her cheek before he lead her out of the door and towards the black carriage which was pulled by two white horses. The Butler opened up the door as John helped Grace up into the carriage before following her himself. They sat next to each other as Grace placed her head onto his shoulder.

" Drive on." John called and the carriage jolted forward.

" Remind me what this party is about?" Grace asked against his shoulder as John reach over and grabbed her gloved hand in his.

" He is hoping to impress a few of the other business that are joining him tonight; in order to secure a business deal." John explained as the carriage jumped gently over the road. Grace shifted closer to him with a sigh and slight nod.

" I see. I think I will just stick by your side for the night. I will not know anyone there." Grace whispered to him causing John to chuckle and rub his thumb over her gloved knuckles. He brought it up and kissed it before kissing the side of her ginger coloured hair.

" I would not ask for more, my love." He whispered making Grace smile to herself. They sat quietly for the rest of the journey towards a very large house, similar to John's maybe just slightly smaller. Carriages lined to front as everyone arrived at the party; John squeezed Grace's hand gently before the carriage pulled to a stop. John stepped out and turned to offer Grace his hand. Taking John's hand with her left; she lifted up the front of her dress with her right hand for an easier exit. Once her feet were on the ground she soothed out her dress and linked her arm into John's extended one.

" Ready." He asked as Grace nodded softly and walked, with John's lead, to the front door. The sun was slowly beginning to set allowing the candle lights to light up the area of the front house in a soft golden glow. They walked slowly up the stone steps to were the maids were taking the coats and hats. John took Grace's wrap and took off his own coat and hat, along with his gloves and handed them over to the maids before they walked through the large front room and into the party room. It was full with man in suits and very few woman; who were wives of the men. Many of them very of old age, maybe one or two younger. Music from a small orchestra played gently under the chatter of the men.

"John! Thank you for coming." A man called out as John turned and extended his arm to the man.

"Adam, it is a pleasure to be invited." John smiled to them man who had blond hair swept to the left of his head. His blue eyes looked from John to Grace with a gentle gaze and a soft, kind smile.

" Adam. I would like to introduce you to Grace. My newly betrothed." John spoke with so much pride as Grace extended her hand for Adam to take.

" Pleasure is mine, My Lady. Well, you chosen well John, she is a beauty indeed. If you had not grabbed her, then maybe I would have myself." Adam smiled to John, who in turn chuckled and turned to look at Grace as she watched the man play the violin elegantly.

" Please enjoy your night." Adam spoke while motioning for a waiter to come and hand them a glass of champagne; Adam bowed and left as Grace looked at the gold bubbling liquid in a tall thin flute shaped glass. She brought it to her lips and poured a small amount into her mouth; the sweet but bitter taste fizzed on her tongue as it fell down her throat.

" Do you like it?" John asked her quietly as he leaned down to her ear. She nodded softly before turning to him gently.

" I am used to water and milk. This is... Different but nice." Grace chuckled to him earning a chuckle back quickly. They walked through the hall and began talking to many men of all ages and status. John lead Grace over to a long table that was covered over with a cream cloth; on top there was many bowls of different cake, pastries and fruits. John picked up a large strawberry and bit into it as Grace reached for a grape. They smiled as they watched Adam step over and call for the attention of the room.

" I must thank you all for attending tonight. And now with out further a due! Lets dance." Adam called as the strings began to play dance music through the alcoholic smelling air. John extended a hand to Grace who looked at him nervously.

" I do not know how to dance." She whispered to him with a panicked look written on her face. John shook his head, leaning down to her ear.

" Just follow my lead and you will be fine." John whispered. Grace nodded as she place a hand into his, John led her onto the dance floor among the other dancing couples. Grace placed her left hand on too John's shoulder as he place his right on too her hip. They held each others free hands as John lead Grace in a soft waltz. Grace could hear the snuffled whispers echoed around her along with looks of both desire and disgust.

" Why do they whisper and stare?" Grace asked him as John spun them softly around the couples.

" Because you are beautiful. The men desire to have you on their arm and for that the woman are jealous." John explained as Grace blushed at his words. The music finished and so did the dancer before everyone clapped and bowed to their partners.

" She really is beautiful John. Where on earth did you find her?" A man smirked to Grace as he walked over to John and Grace. His eyes held something that instantly made Grace feel uncomfortable in his presence. John wrapped an arm around her waist, as if almost sensing her discomfort, as he looked to the man and nodded.

" Ah, James. That she is, we meet in the market one morning. In fact our first conversation was an argument." John laughed to him as James laughed back. His hard grey eyes never took themselves off of Grace as his black hair was pulled back sleekly. John seemed to notice his lust filled gaze and could feel Grace's fear as she gripped his arm tighter.

" Well I should be going. I have an announcement to make. We shall speak another time." John told him bowing slightly.

" Another time, indeed." James said smirking to Grace with greed and desire within them. John pulled Grace away from him and her stiff back loosened softly from the growing distance.

" Who was that?" Grace asked her voice slightly shaking from James's intense gaze.

" That was James Becket, he owns Becket mills about half an hour away. Very shady man, I want you too stay clear of him. Rumors are that if he wants something, he will not spare any expenses upon trying to get it. Or them." John told her with a stern sound in his voice.

" Do not worry, I was planning on keeping my distance." Grace whispered to him while holding closely and tightly to John, in hopes he could offer her safety. John then surprised Grace by taking her hand and walking up to the top of the room. He called for everyone's attention and smiled to Grace.

" I would like to take this opportunity in this moment for a wonderful announcement." John said as everyone's eyes looked to him. Grace shifted under the gaze of the many people.

" Grace and myself are engaged to marry." John smiled as he placed a hand on the small of her back as the room erupted in applause and congratulations. The music began again and for the rest of the night John and Grace were given many of people's best wishes and hope of invitation to their big day.