Chapter 80 – Different Kinds of Spring Ball
Everybody here had attended a Spring Ball at least once in their lives – except Jade. Using her “lost memories” as an excuse, she began asking around about what such an event typically involved.
To her surprise, the answers varied. More precisely, people of different social standing celebrated it differently.
“Wyrnfield Spring Ball was the first one I attended. I went with Mr. Barry when I began my life here,” Josh said, tilting his head slightly. “I don’t remember how my parents celebrated it, but my uncle and aunt definitely didn’t care to bring me along to any feast. I remember sneaking out once while they were away and managing to get myself a sweet pie at the festival. But I quickly rushed back, so I didn’t exactly go to the ball.”
Mr. Barry was the old watchman who lived in the gatehouse of the textile factory. He wasn’t a generous and kind-hearted man; Jade had heard he was a grumpy fellow who was generally considered unapproachable. Yet he allowed Josh to stay with him when the boy was working at the factory, despite never formally adopting him.
Jade had met the man once in private after taking Josh as her apprentice. Strictly speaking, she should have visited him before the tea ceremony, but she had forgotten as she wasn’t used to the procedure – it was rare for a master to get an apprentice in the modern era before Jade died, and perhaps only those who read widely, as she had, would even briefly remember such a ceremony. The man had merely given her a long, measured look before offering a brief nod. He said little, but Jade guessed he was quietly pleased the boy he had once helped was no longer stuck in that wrenched mudpond of a life.
Josh still visited him from time to time. They remained on good terms, and he was the only person Josh willingly shared his exam result with.
“Mr. Barry took me to the feast for a few years,” Josh continued. “Father Rochester would ring the bell, lead the prayers, and then the feast would begin once the musicians started playing… Oh, not violin or piano, but more like flutes, drums, and singing. Families or groups of friends would perform carols, and we’d dance in the square, eat good food, and drink beer. It’s one of the rare times we get sweets; some rich households donate them for everyone to share. It’s a blessing to others and a prayer for good luck.”
Jade nodded, already bracing herself for an overwhelming amount of sugary food. Not her preference – her highest praise for dessert is “not too sweet”.
They’re not going to put sugar in the oat porridge, right…? Then again, in a time when sweetness was a luxury, it made sense that people would add sugar whenever they could as a way of displaying wealth… Still, I really don’t want extra sweet porridge… Jade mused, and turned to Clara.
“When Papa was still alive, we attended balls hosted by the guilds,” Clara explained. “We pay a subscription fee, and the association would hold several balls throughout the year in the public hall. Papa and Mama would attend these balls to catch up with the news; Papa would use the occasion to meet new clients, and Mama would dress up nicely and dance with her acquaintances.”
Oh… networking and gossip huh, Jade nodded in understanding. And perhaps to find Clara some husband candidates. The housewives’ network is definitely important here.
“The Spring Ball was one of the few occasions when children were allowed to attend,” Clara continued. “The adults would gather in the main hall, while we children were sent to a smaller side hall. We would play, imitate the dancing and singing, and enjoy ourselves. The lighting, the perfumes, the elaborate decorations, the elegant carriages, the delicate desserts… and ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finest, speaking with perfect manners…”
Jade got the picture immediately. Right, a budget version of the Disney princess ball. Got it.
“Were there any prayers?” Jade asked.
Clara tilted her head, thinking for a moment before shaking it. “No. I only remember the host given a short speech before the ball began. I don’t recall any clergy leading any prayers.”
For Clara, the Spring Ball had been nothing more than a joyful occasion, something for play and making friends, with little else worth noting. It was, in essence, the perspective of a solicitor’s daughter from a comfortable middle-class family.
Miss Arrowot, on the other hand, offered a far more complex view.
She did not answer immediately. Instead, she studied Jade for a moment before asking, “Miss Jade, why do you wish to know about the Spring Ball? I would have thought the clergy’s explanation sufficient.”
“Yes, but I’m just curious,” Jade replied. Her expression was open and sincere as she had nothing to conceal. “Clara and Josh gave me very different answers. I guess the Sisters’ reply would be similar to Josh’s, so I was wondering if yours might be more like Clara’s.”
Miss Arrowot always moved at her own pace. Or, more bluntly, she was slow. She picked up her books unhurriedly, ate with measured calm, and set down her cup with deliberate care – just as she was doing now. Unlike Jade, who had to consciously act like a proper lady when she was serving tea to Mr. Rich Sponsor, Miss Arrowot carried herself with effortless composure.
Well-bred. That was the most fitting term Jade could think of, it was a term she had picked up from the serialised stories in old newspapers.
“The Spring Ball, though commonly regarded as a celebration of spring’s arrival, is in truth an opportunity to expand one’s casual network,” Miss Arrowot said, “As the daughter of a Knight, I may not have been raised among the aristocracy, but I was still part of the gentry.”
There was none of Clara’s lightness in her town. From Miss Arrowot’s perspective, the Spring Ball carried weight.
“Unlike Miss Whitcombe, whose family belongs to a profession, I attended by invitation,” Miss Arrowot continued. “The nobles of the region would confer – or rather, weigh their interests – to decide who should host the ball. And the invitations – who is included, who must be excluded – are matters of great importance.”
As Jade listened, scenes from C-court dramas and C-historical novels began to take shape in her mind.
“Whom you may befriend, whom you must avoid,” Miss Arrowot went on, her expression remained calm and composed. “Who has brought disgrace upon their family, who has severed ties with their kin. One might be compelled to flatter another due to differences in rank. Dances may be arranged – or forced – if a family seeks to encourage a match. Children may be made to apologise for faults not their own. News must be kept current, for ignorance invites scorn…”
Her voice remained even, but the weight of her words deepened. “The undercurrents are unseen beneath the glittering facade, yet they are very real. One misstep, and a young lady’s reputation may be tarnished – her prospects ruined, her family shamed, and the entire future of the house affected.”
Yup, sounds exactly like those C-court historical stories, just set in a different background and era. Jade nodded to herself. Well, not that she could fully grasp the lived experience Miss Arrowot had, but she understood the structure well enough through the numerous stories she had read.
“I have met several gentlemen at such balls,” Miss Arrowot said, lowering her gaze. “We were from the same region. I knew their true characters, and I did not consider them good suitors.”
Jade did not understand the finer distinctions of rank and title; to her, such things belonged more to stories or news articles than to a reality happening right beside her. What she did understand was that for the daughter of a Knight to end up teaching at a ragged school in a domus… that was definitely unusual.
From what Jade gathered throughout the days interacting with Miss Arrowot, the position at the ragged school was merely a stepping stone for the new teacher; Jade could not imagine a young lady with such posture remaining in such a low position for the rest of her life. Jade dared to assume that Miss Arrowot would eventually become a governess, or secure a post at a reputable boarding school. From there, Miss Arrowot might meet suitable gentlemen of rank and, in time, marry back into the upper class.
The True Heroine! Jade exclaimed inwardly, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Miss Arrowot. Not the Cinderella-and-prince-charming sort, but the kind who carved her own path through thorns and rocks!
“Miss Jade?” Miss Arrowot looked puzzled. Jade’s reaction was nothing like she had expected, and that bright, almost gleaming look in her eyes was… very weird.
“Don’t worry, you’ll definitely have chances to meet good men here… well, not at the parish Spring Ball, since you’re with us for the domus’s feast and aren’t attending any other balls. Now, listen,” Jade said enthusiastically, lowering her voice. “You know what the students are preparing for, right?”
“The charity bazaar? Yes, I am aware,” Miss Arrowot replied, her brows drawing together slightly as she tried to follow Jade’s line of thought.
Jade smiled knowingly. “It’s organised by a Dowager Countess. That means the invited guests – especially those attending the auction evening – will be from the better households, and I suspect half of them will be from the upper status. I’ll put you in charge of presenting pieces during the auction evening.”
“... Pardon me, Miss Jade,” Miss Arrowot said, clearly confused. “You wish for me to handle the presentation? But it should be you; you are more familiar with the art pieces than anyone else.”
“But this is a perfect opportunity for you to meet suitable gentlemen!” Jade said eagerly. “You see, it’s a proper setting; people will introduce you around. With your posture and manners, and once we dress you up nicely, you’ll make an excellent impression. And when they learn you’re the daughter of a Knight, they’ll take notice of your accomplishments, and you might even receive invitations to balls for further interactions!”
And I’m gonna be the Fairy Godmother element for this not-so-Cinderella heroine! Jade mused with a grin.
Miss Arrowot parted her lips slightly, astonished by the suggestions. This was clearly an important path to broaden one’s network and, for anyone aiming to climb the social ladder, a critical opportunity! Yet, Miss Jade simply let it go… Could it be a test? Or a trap?
But before she could respond, Jade smashed her fist into her palm. “Oh yeah! Could you also train the girls in etiquette? Some of them want to enter service, and I plan to have them guide customers during the bazaar. They’ve learned a little from Mr. Anderson, but I think you could teach them better. And if they accompany you at the bazaar, you’ll definitely look marvelous!”
Like roses set against leaves, a nicely dressed Miss Arrowot would stand out when surrounded by plain, polite students! As Jade watched the new teacher nod, albeit somewhat hesitantly, she cheered, already moving on to the next idea.
She counted her fingers. “I’ve told them to prepare name tags and to wear their best outfits. Now that I think of it, I’m the one who should provide the clothing – standardized, a uniform. Yes, I should get them a uniform… Our students’ fund should be enough for aprons. Yes, can’t afford a full set of clothes, but I can get them a good apron!”
And just like that, Miss Arrowot watched the respectable yet unpredictable Miss Jade hurry off, her steps light with enthusiasm. Miss Arrowot remained where she was, watching until the silhouette disappeared around the corner, her expression musing.