Written In Stone

slightly.
    "Mr. Stone, may I introduce my companion, Mrs. Waterston?"
    " Mrs. Waterston." Gavin took the older woman's hand and kissed it politely. "If I had known you were here, I would have brought another cup of punch. Please accept mine while I fetch another."
    "Thank you, Mr. Stone." Mrs. Waterston accepted the cup and beamed at him. He bowed once more and went back to the refreshment table.
    Mrs. Waterston waited until Gavin was out of earshot then said, "Isn't he a handsome one? How do you know him, Angie?"
    "I don't know him. He just introduced himself then went for punch." Angie rolled her eyes at the mischievous grin on Mrs. Waterston's face.
    "Stone, hmm." Mrs. Waterston looked thoughtful for a moment. "Oh my! Gavin Stone? I believe he is the son of Gavin and Matilda Stone, if memory serves me. That family is money, Angie. Lots of money!"
    "How wonderful for them," Angie said dryly, not really paying attention.
    "It's time you started looking for a husband, young lady. Your Jonathan has been gone for over two years. There is no reason you shouldn't remarry."
    "Yes, there is, Mrs. Waterston. I have no desire to marry again. Now hush, Mr. Stone is returning."
    "Please sit down, Mr. Stone," Mrs. Waterston said, her eyes sparkling.
    "Thank you, Mrs. Waterston. Mrs. Elliott, would you honor me with a dance?"
    "She…" Mrs. Waterston cut short when Angie pinched her beneath the table out of Mr. Stone's sight.
    "I am perfectly capable of answering for myself, thank you. I'm sorry, Mr. Stone, but I do not feel up to dancing just now. Thank you for asking."
    Gavin glanced from Angie to her companion, and back, then nodded. "It was a pleasure meeting you both, and I do hope to see you again." With that, he bowed and disappeared into the crowd.
    "Why were you so rude?"
    "I was not rude, I was honest. I do not wish to dance."
    "You could have explained why you do not wish to dance."
    "It is none of his affair, Mrs. Waterston. This is why I rarely go out. You seem to think it is your duty to inform everyone of my disability or to seek out a husband for me."
    "That is simply not true. I care about you and your welfare, Angela. I only want what is best for you." Mrs. Waterston appeared close to tears, and Angie felt guilty for being the cause. Mrs. Waterston cared for her like a mother, and Angie was glad for it. Her own mother simply did not have the fortitude for the task. Mrs. Waterston had been a godsend at a time when Angie truly needed a miracle. She hadn't meant to be harsh, but these functions always seem to bring out the worst in her.
    ~ * ~
    Suddenly, the sound of screaming, with people running in every direction, filled the room. Some tried to push and shove their way toward an exit while others seemed to head in the opposite direction. Angie and Mrs. Waterston looked at one another then found themselves pushed backward by the crowd. Angie grabbed Mrs. Waterston and held on tightly.
    "What is going on?" Mrs. Waterston said, with obvious alarm in her voice.
    "I don't know but remain calm. There is nothing we can do by becoming hysterical," Angie told the older woman, trying to reassure her.
    "I need to get you out of here before something happens to you!"
    Angie nodded. She knew if the mêlée continued the hysterical mass might very well injure her. "See if you can make your way outside to the carriage, and get Ben in here to help me."
    "I can't leave you alone!"
    "You must for now. Just hurry!"
    Mrs. Waterston stood quickly, gathered her skirts, and ran toward the door. Angie pushed herself back against the wall. Perhaps, if no one noticed her, she might be all right until Mrs. Waterston returned with Ben.
    Everyone around her shouted, trying to get out of the room, but Angie couldn't tell what the problem was or why everyone seemed in such a panic. Finally, Mrs. Waterston reappeared after having pushed aside an elderly man, with Ben just a step behind her.
    "I am going to wrap my arm around your waist and you put yours around my neck," Ben instructed. "Mrs. Waterston, you get on the other side and we'll get this girl to the carriage and out of this mess."
    The going was slow, but eventually, they made their way to the side doors, and Angie felt the fresh evening air against her face and took a deep breath . Ben and Mrs. Waterston managed Angie into the carriage. While Ben climbed into the driver's seat, Mrs. Waterston seated herself next to Angie and quickly shut the door. Ben slapped the reins against the