Treacherous by Taylor Swift
April 10, 1912
“Which one?”
Sarah points to the wardrobe containing my choices of evening gowns. I walk over in my corset and undergarments and examine the options. They’re all beautiful crystal-beaded creations in rich jewel tones. I close my eyes and move my hand back and forth on the rack. My indecision on what to wear extends even into the 20th century. Sarah notices my dilemma and quickly pulls one out, handing it to me with a smile.
“Don’t worry. I do the same thing, and it’s easier when someone just decides for me.”
I laugh and thank her as she helps me step into the dress. It is a deep purple gown with an elegant high-waisted columnar silhouette. The undergown is a dark purple silk fitted through the waist. The wrapped overdress is the same color, but is a crystal beaded silk chiffon that sweeps into a train in the back. It has a deep squared neckline, and the bodice has short crystal beaded sleeves. A silk band at my waistline in contrasting lilac cascades down into my train. I lower my head as Sarah tucks matching jeweled pins into my hair.
“There. Perfect.”
I smile at her. “I wish you could come with us. It doesn’t feel right leaving you guys behind like you’re lesser than us.”
“Don’t feel bad, please. There is not a single tiny part of me that wants to dine with all those people, to have everyone staring at me. I’m glad to dine with Eric in the saloon. I think if we can get the other maids and valets talking, we’ll learn just as much as you and Ben will.” She’s right, but I think it may take a night or two of rubbing elbows before anyone, first-class or the servants, will divulge anything remarkable.
“That’s true. The help hears everything, don’t they?”
“They sure do,” she laughs. “Well, you’re all set. Do you need anything else before I go?”
“No, thank you. I’m going to relax in the sitting room with my book while His Royal Highness finishes getting ready.” I playfully nod my head toward Ben’s room.
Sarah giggles as she walks toward the door. “Enjoy yourself tonight, Ali.”
I grab my book from the bedside table and head into the sitting room, stretching out on the sofa and opening up to where I left off. I read through hardly two lines before I look up at the electric fireplace. There’s nothing better than reading in front of a fireplace. The flickering, uneven light is just so comforting.
I place my book on the table and walk over to the mantle and begin looking for the switch to turn it on. My house is full of real fireplaces so I’m not used to electric. I wasn’t a Girl Scout, but I can build a fire easily. But right now, I’m clueless. I have a goddamn master’s degree and I can’t find the on switch.
I look around the room helplessly for a moment. I don’t want to ask Ben for help. That would only delay his getting ready. He’d also probably make fun of me, and rightfully so.
I pause for a moment and think of how to remedy this situation.
Oh, yes.Charlie.
Surely he would know how to turn it on. I walk over to the door and pop my head into the hallway. He is standing further down the hall, checking his watch.
“Excuse me, Charlie?” I suddenly feel nervous just saying his name.
He looks up, eyes brightened. “Miss Alice, is there something you need?” He strides toward me and faces me in the doorway. For a moment, I stutter and forget why I called for his help.
“Yes. I, uh… I need help with the fireplace.”
“The fireplace?” He looks at me and smirks before quickly pausing and collecting himself. “Uh… of course.” He sounds flustered. I step aside so he can enter the sitting room. He glances at the fireplace. “Is it not working?”
“I don’t know.” He looks at me puzzled, with one eyebrow arched. “I can’t figure out how to turn it on,” I say as I shrug my shoulders.
He lets out a small giggle and quickly runs his hand along the side of the fireplace, easily flicking on the switch I didn’t realize was there. He stands against the wall, legs crossed, with an elbow resting on the mantle. The fireplace illuminates, and he looks back over at me and smiles. “Voilà.”God, he’s gorgeous.The fireplace isn’t the only thing that just got turned on.Ali, what the fuck?I feel a flutter in my chest as my heart beats faster.
He looks down at the table and notices my book. He picks it up and hands it to me. “Always better to read in front of a fireplace, right?”
“Right,” I agree, barely above a whisper. We both freeze for a moment, holding onto opposite ends of the book. His body looms over mine. Standing this close together, I can hear his heartbeat echoing alongside my own. His brown eyes, dark like wood, but comforting and warm, gaze into mine. I stare at his hand gripped tightly on the edge of the book.I want him to grip me like that.He inhales sharply and lets go of the book, his hand flexes as he releases it. Why is something so subtle, so hot?What is going on with me?
“Have a good evening, Alice,” he says gently, like the dew on morning grass.
He stops in the doorway and looks back at me once more. His mouth splits into a grin. Forget the fireplace. His smile alone is like a beam of sunlight illuminating the room.
He leaves the cabin and I exhale deeply. I feel as though I was holding my breath the entire time he was here. It wasn’t even intentional. It wasn’t as though I forgot to breathe; it was as if I forgothowto.
