One Look

Chapter 32

It always amazed me how quickly Clara could tame my wild golden curls and create the most perfectly elegant up-do. This evening she had part of my hair plaited to twist around the bun that was already present. She had left some of my wild curls free to fall and frame my face, something that I always found quite lovely.

"Do you not think we should be putting more of an effort in to make a regal hairstyle", Elaine sighed, forever the pessimist. She looked at my face which was currently wearing a frown. "I'm not trying to be horrid, it's just, do you not think that buns are a bit plain especially since you are trying to win the prince?"

I blinked. Did I want him to choose me? Was I suddenly in the running now? I stared down at my gown of white with silver specks throughout it, my head spinning. How was I supposed to act around him now, I had felt dizzy just by looking at him earlier? Was this how it was to be now? Him the perfect image of calmness and composure, while I stood there a shaky, fumbling idiot.

"My hair is perfect Clara", I whispered, and placed my hand gently over the young maid's hand which was placed on my shoulder.

"Fine, but do not come complaining to me when you see all the other debutantes", Elaine mumbled. "And do not be surprised when the prince doesn't ask you to dance". I ignored the bitterness in her tone and let Clara do the finishing touches on my appearance.

When we were finished, I stood up and thanked Clara before I made my way to the door.

"I can do this", I whispered so quietly that no one heard me. I repeated the mantra in my head the whole way down to the ballroom. When I caught sight of the other debutantes, I felt my eyes widen. Elaine had not been lying when she spoke about the other ladies. In fact, she hadn't even overexaggerated. I caught sight of Isabella that looked like she had a whole bird's nest sitting on top of her head, there was even flowers and berries woven into it. Maria was by her side and it looked as if they were discussing important matters, though her hand kept subconsciously landing on the hair which was pulled back so tight into elaborate twists that it looked as if her forehead had stretched and her eyes had widened, making her look a little too shocked.

"I knew we should have done something extra", Elaine muttered, as she eyed up the debutantes and their elaborate hairstyles.

"I should have worn it down, that would have got everyone staring", I teased. Elaine let out a little sigh, but I was shocked to spot the formation of a smile on her face. That was until the debutantes began to be announced into the ball. Elaine and Margaretta disappeared, and it was only then that I wondered about Margaretta's silence. It didn't last long as then my name was called and I entered the lavishly decorated ballroom. It shocked me how decorated it was today. It was clearly done up to be a winter wonderland theme, even though spring was in full bloom outside. There was an ice sculpture of a swan placed in the centre back, that had me wondering two things: first, how did they create that? and second, how did they expect it to last the whole night? My eyes had been so focused on that swan on my entrance that I hadn't noticed the ball of fire make its way to me until it was too late.

"Eloise", Amelia squealed in delight as she threw her arms around me.

"I have missed you", I whispered, as I hugged her back just as tight.

"Don't you look the part", Amelia stared, at my gown. I had thought it was a little too much for me but as soon as I had put it on my ladies in waiting and Clara and all agreed that I must wear it. It had a sweetheart neckline and I had worried that it was too tight, but they denied and said it was perfect. The white material went out slightly at the waist and mixed with sheer netting throughout the skirt. Silver specks covered the bodice and also sparkled throughout the skirt.