The American and the Duke

Chapter 4 Katerina

“Roselyn, where did you find the fabric,” I said. Looking at my reflection in the mirror. I had a gown of deep blue. So blue, it brought out the red in my hair. The gown had sheer designs decorated all over it. My bodice had silver lace sewn into it. My corset was so tight that it exposed my breasts properly. I had the same sapphire pendant around my neck. It was amazing what she had done. Her mother had truly outdone herself.

“My mother made the fabric. I thought that with your hair, it would be a perfect match, you will draw the eyes of every man,” she said. I smiled and turned to see my reflection. She was right. Though Aunt Julia would not be happy. Yet I could not find it in myself to care.

''Thank you, it is so beautiful,” I replied. Roselyn let my hair down, and let it fall in curls down my back. She braided a few strains so it framed my face. Excitement filled my heart. Tonight was the first ball I would ever attend.

“Kat, I may be the queen’s favorite. But you will surely catch everyone’s eye this evening in that gown,” Talia said, appearing at the door. I turned to meet her gaze. Talia was dressed in a red gown in a similar fashion to mine. It made eyes sparkle in the light. She had her hair like mine, except that she had small tiara in it.

“Me? Talia you are a true vision in that gown. Every man will want to dance with you this evening. And now that you are the queen's favorite,” I replied. She rolled her eyes and laughed.

“The only man I wish to dance with is your brother,” she admitted. Her cheeks, going red. I stood up and walked over to her. My eyebrows arching in curiousity.

“Why Talia, are you smitten with my dear brother James,” I asked with a raised eyebrow. But before she could answer, James appeared behind her. Looking ever so handsome in his evening attire. 

“You both look beautiful. Katerina, maybe papa was right and you will find a husband here in London. For all the men in London will want you,” he said. I laughed at that notion. 

“Aunt Julia will sooner die than allow me to marry anyone here. Especially if it is a member of the nobility,” I said. I could hear her words this afternoon. How she wanted Talia to marry the new Duke of Kent. Even if Talia had no wish too.

“My mother has no business in your marriage prospects. It is up to your brother, since he is legally your guardian here,” Talia replied. I looked up at James and he nodded in agreement. 

“I agree with Talia, ignore our aunt. I am the one the suitors have to get past. Though I am sure you will run them off. With a mind like yours, dear sister,” James said. He gave me a smirk. I rolled my eyes. He knew me too well.

“Well I am sure that my mother is waiting for us downstairs. Let us go,” Talia said after a few moments. We all left my rooms and went down the stairs. My aunt and uncle are already waiting by the door. A look of irritation on her face. What makes her so emotional now? My aunt’s emotions came and went like the ocean waves.

“Well you both look absolutely stunning,” my uncle said. He kissed us both on the cheek. And Talia looked at her father lovingly. It reminded me of my own papa. Which made me frown, wishing that my own papa was here to see us tonight.

“My thoughts exactly, uncle. Everyone will be watching them tonight. Everyone would want to dance with them,” James replied. The thought of dancing made me excited. It had been so long since I danced and went to a good party. Though I wondered what a ball would be like. If it would be similar. If there would be laughter and conversation.

“Come, let us go, or we will be late,” my aunt snapped in irritation. She clearly wished for me not to attend. But I was not going to allow her to spoil this evening.