THE BALL OF ERAS PAST

Tabitha Valenti had been pricing tickets to The Lords and Ladies Ball from the moment she heard about it. The company hosted socials befitting 17th-century English aristocracy. Everything was historically accurate to a tee and down to the tea, which was imported from Wales. They maintained a beautiful estate with the tools and methods of the era. There was no electricity, of course, but that only added to the charm in her mind.

After weeks of begging, Dave, her husband, finally relented and promised to take her for their next anniversary, which had been eight months away at the time. Those months had come and gone, and, much to Mr. Valenti’s chagrin, his wife hadn’t lost interest. They watched a lot of British television together, apparently too much. She went so far as to rent a period-appropriate suit and dress. It took forever to get ready.

Dave made up the time on the road, though not intentionally. The pavement turned to cobblestones as they turned onto the estate property. The mansion was straight out of one of their favorite shows with its steep roofs and towering stone façade.

They got out by the enormous front doors, and a valet took their car. As they ascended the steps, Dave was happy to see the wonder and glee on Tabitha’s face. Even he had to admit that there was something fantastical about walking into a place like this and being treated like an aristocrat. The interior was dim, naturally, illuminated by candles and oil lamps.

He didn’t feel so awkward when he noticed the other couples. Most looked unsure how they should act, and they couldn’t even attempt an accent. They didn’t detract from the atmosphere, though; the company had enough employees playing lords and ladies to create an immersive experience, not to mention the servers bringing around trays of the finest wines.

The Valentis danced on and off for two hours. It was easy enough to keep step and quite fun. Dave couldn’t remember the last time they’d danced together. They found themselves separating between the dances, however; he mingled with the other men and glanced across the vast room to see his wife among the ladies. No one seemed out of place anymore. Every last shred of the modern world had disappeared in the ambiance. Truly, the ball had revived the formality and etiquette of a past age.

When the festivities began to wind down, he headed out to the vestibule. He was looking for someone, but he didn’t know who until he saw the middle-aged man.

“Lester,” he called, and the man came at once. “Bring ‘round the carriage if you would. We shall be departing shortly.”

“Yes, my lord.” Lester bowed his head and hurried out.

Mr. and Mrs. Valenti bid their farewells. Outside, their beautiful, black horses shined in the moonlight. The couple climbed into the carriage and set forth upon the cobblestone and then dirt roads.