The Débutante Ball

Chapter 2

Hey again sorry it's a nother short chapter i haven't really got used to writing long ones, anyway i'd love some more feedback because i think there might be a bit too much description in this one. :S

Anyways thanks for reading :D

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It felt wrong to call it a dress. It was breathtaking. It was sleeveless; a must according to my mother as depending on what sort of man I attract for my husband I may never be able to show so much skin again.

The top of the gown looked so clean, so perfect. So dainty that I didn’t even want to touch it nether-the-less wear it. I was scared of ruining it. Tiny, glittering diamonds adorned the edges and spiralled down the chest in amongst, delicate, intricate hand embroidery. It was designed to accentuate a smaller bust, which I, most definitely needed.

The skirt was perfect. I wish there was a better less frequently used word for it. It was almost a numinous experiencing just seeing it. “ It really is amazingly beautiful.” I said to Lauren gently. Though it was only 1889 and the decade hadn’t finished yet, this dress had been voted as the best debutante gown from this last nine years. The skirt would skim the floor and the train would extend for at least two metres behind me. It would be amazing even for a wedding dress. The pleats in the skirt were expertly symmetrical and angular. I had never seen anything so spectacular.

I looked out the corner of my eye to see Lauren smiling at me, to stop me marvelling at the dress anymore than I already had I removed my nightdress. “Lets get ready then.” I spoke optimistically, the smile faltering for not even a microsecond. I was getting good at pretending.

A few hours later I was finally ready and Lauren finally let me look in my elegant, ebony full-length mirror which also matched my bed.

“Wow…” was the only thing that escaped her lips.

“Does it look okay?”

“Have a look for yourself.”

I turned to the mirror.

“But, that, that isn’t, it can’t…”

“Yes that is you.” Lauren smiled “do you think I’ve done a good enough job for your mother?”

“I think it’s perfect.” I grinned then took another look in the mirror. The skirt skimmed the floor gently, my dainty heels covered. My long black hair curled into shiny ringlets that tumbled like mini waterfalls down my shoulders. The petite, slender frame in front of me was complimented beautifully by the slimming bodice and the pleated skirt. I am not usually this big-headed but I must admit that I looked pretty good.

“Well don’t you look a picture.” My mother said from the doorway. I spun quickly to see if she was genuinely impressed. Relieved with her smiling response I spoke.

“Lauren has done a marvellous job hasn‘t she mother?”

“She actually has.” I was surprised to hear the tiniest hint of disbelief but it quickly disappeared. “You can go now Lauren and I’ll take Elizabeth to the carriage for the ball.” Lauren quickly curtsied and left the room.

“Now I want you to be careful tonight,” she said “ there will be many fine bachelors at this event however not all of them are suitable for a girl such as yourself.” I stayed quiet and nodded not wanting a lecture.

“Now are you ready?”

“Yes mother.” The trip from my bedroom to the carriage was a tricky one, I had to hold be dress up over my knees in the most unladylike way, in order to negotiate the stairs and enter the carriage.

The trip to the ballroom was quick. I hadn’t even had any time to think about how to get out of going before I had arrived. “well…” I said to myself “as I can’t get out of it, I may as well make the most of it.” So I walked inside; ready to face my inevitable fate.