Why am I falling, falling in love with you tonight?
Why am I dreaming, dreaming that we could turn out right?
-from "Why Am I Falling?" sung by Ramin Karimloo
   
When Marie announced that Edmund had invited her to the ball, everyone was happy for her. Angenette and Cossette even arranged to get a gown for her. Marie tried it on when it arrived; blue with elbow length sleeves and square neck. She was surprised that it fit her, but then she didn't get very big from her pregnancy. Angenette gave her a wonderful gift to go with it; a choker with garnet beads and red velvet ribbon. She said her husband had given it to her when Enjolras was born.
The night of the ball came, and Marie looked at herself in the mirror. She noticed how well the choker blended with the gown. Her hair was done up with a black ribbon and she wore a black shawl; indicating that she was still mourning. She had never been this dressed up before. She wondered if Edmund would think she was beautiful. She knew some people at the ball would know about her. What would they think; a young, grieving mother seeing another man? Was she ready to see Edmund so soon? All nervous thoughts disappeared when he showed up to take her to the ball.
Edmund took her hand and helped her out of the coach. He led Marie into the ballroom. They danced for a while, and they couldn't help smiling at each other. But Marie still felt nervous. Edmund introduced her to a few people. Marie had never been to such a party before; she felt so out of place and she needed some air. She walked onto the balcony; breathing in the fresh night air; the air was heavy, and the sky had been covered with dark clouds; it was going to storm soon. Edmund appeared beside her, placing his hand on hers.
"Are you alright?" he asked softly
"Yes, I just needed some fresh air."
"We can leave if you want; my house isn't far from here."
"That sounds fine. I'll go with you."

    They took a coach to his house, and he brought her inside. He showed her around the house and took her into the garden. They talked until the heavy rain came and forced them inside. Marie and Edmund were drenched and he took her upstairs to dry off; a large bedroom with a brass bed.
    "This is was my parent's room; my mother's things are on the dressing table if you need them." He said, leaving her alone as she untied the ribbon of her hair.
    Marie brushed her hair out and dried herself off.  She went to go back down stairs and saw Edmund in a side bedroom. She noticed that he had taken off his jacket and vest and had loosened his white shirt so it hung on his strong arms. He turned and saw her and smiled.
    They went down stairs to the sitting room and sat down by the fire. The rain didn't look like it would stop for a while, but Marie didn't mind. She was so happy being there with him that she fell asleep on his shoulder.