The Fall of Prejudice

It did not take Frank long to realize that he did not like Mr. Way. He constantly felt Way’s two hazel eyes trained on him, attempting to find fault in the younger man. Frank quickly learned that it was best not to make eye contact and to avoid any conversation.

While the four men and Madeline sat in the parlor, James and Mr. Toro continued to make friendly conversation. As Frank did not want to entertain Mr. Way after the scene at the stream, he sought out a book and decided to leave the other gentleman to his own devises.

As he read on, he could still feel Mr. Way’s judging eyes on him as Way attempted to seem interested in James and Mr. Toro’s conversation. It was not long before Madeline looked up from her needlepoint and interrupted James mid sentence.

“You should hold a ball, Mr. Toro.” Madeline smiled at the the thought of another excuse to dress up and dance with all matter of people.

“You cannot force a man to hold a ball, sister” Frank sighed, not looking up from his book, “nor can you invite yourself to said ball.” Madeline looked slightly embarrassed at her brother’s condescending tone.

“A ball sounds like a wonderful idea, my dear!” Mr. Toro interjected, trying to ease the slightly uncomfortable situation. “You shall name the date!” Excited again at the prospect of a new dress, Madeline smiled and went back to her needlepoint.

Frank finally looked up from his book and saw that Mr. Way was now looking down at his own hands with a slightly pained look on his face. Frank assumed that since the other man did not enjoy dancing or the country society, he would not be overjoyed at the idea of holding a ball.

“Perhaps, if we are very lucky, we shall even get old Way here to take a turn on the dance floor!” Mr. Toro now seemed very set on the idea of a ball. At his friends comment, Mr. Way looked up to make eye contact again with Frank. He quickly blushed and looked back to his hands.

~***~

Two weeks later, a ball was held at Mr. Toro’s home. Since the meeting on the pathway, Mr. Toro had often been to the Iero Lodge to see James, Mr. Way was always in tow. Often, James would walk the grounds with Mr. Toro, leaving Frank to converse with Mr. Way. During these times, Frank did all he could to make out his character but he could tell very little.

Frank was able to find Bob very quickly at the ball. They bowed to each other and made their way to the refreshment table. Frank tried to ignore the fact the no matter where he was in the ballroom, he could hear his mother tell everyone she could find about the advantageous proposal she expected very soon from Mr. Toro.

Frank looked around the room and say what Mr. Way was also watching his mother but wore a look of distain. Frank felt embarrassed when his mother changed to an even less savory topic: her wish that he had a kinder friend to bring to the house than Mr. Way. She, however, did go on to say that his lack of humor and somberness were some good qualities in a chaperone.

After his mother’s rant, Frank took a moment to really look at Mr. Way. He wore a sliming suit with a crisp shirt and cravat that made him look more put together than his usual clothing. His hair had been cut to a more fashionable length and was brushed back neatly. Despite his dislike for the man, Frank could not help but think him handsome.

He was thinking so diligently on the new length of Mr. Way’s hair that he did not notice the very same man approaching him.

“Mr. Iero,” Way stood a tad bit closer than manners provided for as both men bowed, “could I have the honor of the next dance?”

Frank was so shocked at this revelation that all he could manage was a slight nod of his head. Mr. Way stuck out his elbow for Frank and they made their way to the center of the room. Looking over his shoulder, Frank saw a very confused Bob in his wake.

They stood down the row from James and Mr. Toro who were preparing for their third dance together. As the music began to play and he stared to spin in Mr. Way’s arms, Frank looked to his brother.

“They look so happy together.” He commented, watching his brother laugh at something Mr. Toro had said.

“Yes, it is a shame.” Frank, shocked at Mr. Way’s statement looked up and was a little off put by the closeness of their faces. He backed away slightly but was held firm in place by the arm around his waist.

“A shame? I don’t see how two people being on the verge of love could be such a thing.” Frank was beginning to recover from the shock and was becoming angry with Mr. Way. The only explanation he could fathom was that Mr. Way must think the Iero family so below his own status that a marriage between the two would be an embarrassment.

“You misunderstand me, sir,” Mr. Way stopped dancing but still held Frank, their faces a mere few inches each others. His eyebrows knit together as he tried to read Frank’s expression “Raymond is already engaged.”