7 September 2012
Both women crossed the highly polished oak floor, a gentle tap of their heels as they went. Graciously, stopping to say good evening as they passed among the guests. A beautiful sonata was now being played from the grand piano that sat in all it's glory in the corner. The group that had surrounded him, had now thinned, albeit a small flame haired girl, dressed prettily in a pink fitted taffeta dress and Alfréd, the groups resident lothario. She had to admit, he had a certain charm, a seductive sparkle to his eye, despite his reputation and his failed attempts at wooing her.
"Good evening gentlemen. I hope you are enjoying your night so far? And this must be Gabriella, I have heard so much about?" Anna clearly knew who the flame haired girl was and gave her a warm welcome on both cheeks.
"Yes it is my dear Anna." Alfréd said. "She has been very excited about this evening, but a little nervous too, no?" he asked of her. Gabriella, who could be no more than twenty one, gave a nervous, but hidden confident smile.
" If I may, I would like to introduce you to Professor Mária Sándor, Lazlo."
Those jewel coloured eyes held her gaze intently as he bent to kiss her hand. Never waning. "The pleasure is all mine Professor Sándor. "
"Please, call me Mária." she said while taking a suspicious sip from her Bordeaux. For once at a loss for words she enquired "Anna tells me you are a friend of Forgach?"
Those eyes, still penetrating deep within. Intent on disarming her normal cool candour. "Yes, Maria. Our families go back many years. " Smirking, obviously pleased with his own thoughts " And tell me Mária, what doth you profess?"
Laughing, she replied " Theology and the classics, although I no longer lecture."
"Yes, Mária is a wasted talent Lazlo. The victim of her own success. Such a shame. " Anna interceded.
Not wanting to continue this line of intrigue, Mária turned her attention to the flame haired girl, Gabriella. She was Alfréd's neice, visiting from Bonn in Germany. Her father, Alfréd's brother, passed over, some years ago, from pneumonia. Her mother had single handedly supported her through her first years of university. Throughout the conversation, she was still aware of Füst and his self indulgent presence. The light in the room was dimmed slightly, Cecília , stopped playing the piano. "I think it's time. " Anna said.
~The Gathering #6~. ~Part 6~ • Opuss № I