Cosimo and Samantha: A Dance of Wits and Charm

This is an excerpt from Cosimo’s story. This scene is from about one third of the way through Cosimo’s tale and shows Cosimo meeting Samantha for the second time. Enjoy.

“You look as bored as I feel,” a warm, soft voice said next to me. I glanced, appreciating her sharp profile in the dim light of the balcony, and smiled. 

“I’m just taking a break from being a social butterfly,” I said. “This is my sixth gala in ten days, and I feel like I’ve talked my throat raw.”

“But you’ve only shaken my hand and said what a pleasure it was to meet me,” she teased.

“That was eight days ago. I was trying to choose my follow-up line, but knew I’d be tongue-tied if I approached.”

She laughed. It was a throaty chuckle more than a solid guffaw, but it suited her. “You are charming despite being so shy,” she teased back. “Since I approached you, I guess you don’t have to be tongue-tied now.”

“Miss Dennison, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’d ask if you are enjoying yourself, but I suspect you are bored with the high season here tonight.”

“Why Cosimo, how could you even hint at such a thing? Beatrice’s mother simply cannot throw a boring gala. That is not allowed. As one of the leading families in the Empire, I’m certain it is the height of entertainment. It must be your simple mind that can’t fathom such lofty performances.” She motioned to the pantomime troupe monopolizing the dance floor below us. 

They looked like mimes playing charades with stiffly choreographed movements within their own group. I knew enough ‘modern’ performance art to know that it was the height of fashion, but I could not take the performance seriously. The individuals in the troupe were fit and fluid, moving easily within their play, but the whole lacked any emotional connection for me. I said as much.

“Gods, yes,” Samantha Dennison agreed. “I’d rather see the ballet or even a good cabaret scene than this excrement,” she opined. 

I nodded.

She gave me a sideways look. “That was a perfect opening for you to invite me to see one or the other next week,” she said.

I turned to face her. She was a small woman, but perfectly proportioned and attractive. Her head came to just above my shoulder, but her posture and carriage made her seem to be my match. Her self-confidence belied her size. She had dark hair with lighter highlights styled into a delightful cascade of loose curls gathered over one shoulder. Her high cheekbones and rounded nose were a perfect canvas for her full red lips and warm light eyes. She was very attractive, witty, and smart. Of course, she was an aristocrat and all that entailed, which would make my grandmother happy. Her family interests were mostly in the south of the continent, with vast agricultural holdings. Her eldest brother was being groomed to be a senator while her older sisters were being married to other aristocratic and high guilder lines. I wondered if she had chosen me or been launched my direction, given the nature of the social season here in Cardino. 

“If only the ballet was performing here next week, I’d be honored to ask to escort you. Alas,” I said dramatically, “there is no performance scheduled.”

Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “I’ve heard there is to be a dancing exhibition at the club next week. Perhaps that would suit us better than a long ballet.”

I laughed. “My apologies, madame, but I work at that club and can think of better places to spend my off time, no matter how nice the atmosphere or company might be.”

She frowned. I was sorry to hurt her feelings so rushed ahead. “However, I happen to know of a private performance that troupe will have before their scheduled show, if you would care to watch with myself and my grandmother.”

She smiled. “I think I would enjoy that,” she said. “When and where is this private performance?” 

“It’s in a private residence, near the club. We can have an early dinner or late lunch afterwards if that suits you.”

She nodded. “My aunt will be wanting to accompany me,” she said as she glanced down to the main floor and spotted her chaperone who had been escorting her to all the balls this season. “Will that be a problem?” 

I shook my head. “Not at all. I’ll send you a card to confirm the details.”

She smiled and raised her hand for me to hold and raise to my lips for the briefest of kisses. 

“I look forward to seeing you again, Cosimo.”

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