"Well I suppose if he must wait to make the announcement then I have no choice but to accept it."
Georgiana left the room leaving Steerforth both proud and puzzled by her reaction. Pehaps she had not read the article.
**********************************
The following day the township of Bearton was buzzing with excitement as afternoon quickly passed into evening. The sun descended over the countryside with a host of carriages and motor cars lining the drive.
As soon as Steerforth arrived Dr. Beartholomew caught his attention and introduced him to Dr. Bearpaws before rushing off to attend to his guests.
She was as exotic and beautiful as the articles written about these rare bears. Dressed simply in antique lace and pale blue silk she smiled warmly.
"Mr. Steerforth it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." her words floated on air with a subtle accent.
"My apologies for my impertinence but I must excuse myself from this affair as something of great importance requires my presence at the University. I appreciate your willingness to escort me to this evening's events but now you are free to mingle with friends. I bid you adieu."
And with that she curtsied and left the room.
Steerforth bowed as she took her leave.
A wave of relief filled his fuzzy heart as now he could spend time supporting Georgiana. Although she was handling her disappointment well he knew that her heart was breaking over the delay in something of which she had hung her hopes for so long.
"My dear fellow, so sorry about the confusion. I must say I was disheartened at Dr. Bearpaws early departure. I just learned about it myself. I suppose I will have to make the presentations on my own." and with that he rushed off to greet more guests as they entered the main hall.
The first to arrive was Mrs. Ester Bunny and her daughters, Clara and Zell.
Mrs. Bunny was well respected in the community based largely upon her marriage to the Colonel; however, she was known to be something of a busybunny.
Steerforth escorted Georgiana into the ballroom, her taffeta skirts rustling like fall leaves on a country road.
Victoria Bearwell made her entrance donning a stunning lace gown by Carlotta.
Burl and Pearl were the next to arrive. Pearl was wearing something of a new style with layers of lace that swayed freely like tall grasses in an autumn breeze.
The one anticipated yet dreaded guest did not make an appearance much to everyone's surprise.
There was no sign of Harietta Rabbit, niece of Mrs. Ester Bunny.
However, despite her absence it was not long before the drama began...
