A Tale of Two Choices

Edmund was struck by this woman's beauty. Her hair was the darkest brown and she had a clear, tan complexion. She looked like royalty, but she was not familiar to him.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" Edmund asked.

The woman stood up silently and with exquisite grace. She nodded once and allowed Edmund to lead her to the floor. The music was a familiar waltz from The Merry Widow, and Edmund and the woman glided effortlessly around the room with everyone's eyes upon them.

"May I ask your name?" whispered Edmund.

"Ella," replied the woman

At that moment...