Tudor Roses & Romance

Chapter 3: Joy

The rules for a debutante's first soiree of the new season are similar to those of a patient pre-surgery. No food or drink eight hours prior, including avoiding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. If you have children, arrange for childcare. Be advised to keep your scheduled consultation for any last-minute changes. Wear adequate attire and make sure your affairs are in order. You never know what could go wrong in a wink of an eye or a clink of a drink.

With the big event comes many trials and no wiggle room for error. Now you can't choose your family, but you can select your friends. It pays to have a trusted companion in a world ruled by bloodlines, bank accounts, and all things beautiful. Luckily for one particular Princess, she has two companions and a sly little sister in her corner.

As soon as the jogging duo returned from their outing, they headed into Mary's large closet. A bit of drama erupted over the right dress. The Princess wanted a short one, and Fiona thought she'd look better in a long gown. The deciding factor sleepily walked into the room and flopped herself on the big bed. Ginger looked at the two dresses they were arguing over and said, "I vote for the long, tiered one."

Mary huffed a breath of annoyance, "You're both conspiring against me. But fine, I'll wear the black floral one. Besides, it's not like it makes a difference what I wear. The photogs always seem to capture everyone else but me. I'm only seen on page six if I'm caught doing something embarrassing."

With an unconvinced expression, Fiona reminded her, "Remember what your mother says. What you wear is very important, especially to the older women in attendance. It is a way of saying who you are and what you're all about without speaking. So it's worth doing well. And the best thing you can wear is confidence and a smile, along with this beautifully embroidered dress."

Mary acquiesced, which made Fiona happy, and the chestnut-haired girl began pecking away on her phone. Ginger sat up crosslegged and asked, "What shoes are you wearing? And where exactly are you going to all fancy-schmancy?"

While hanging the dress over the door, Mary explained the black-tie fundraiser that evening. Fiona set the phone down, saying, "Done! Your team of makeup and hair artists will be over at four. I've booked you a spa treatment at one o'clock because you need it after jogging and to keep you relaxed for the evening."

Ginger agreed, "Yes. Mary, you definitely need some relaxafication. You already seem tense and haven't even interacted with your father yet. On the bright side, you're not addicted to drugs or liquor. So, unlike several ladies of the upper nobility, you've got that going for you."

Turning to her friends, Her Highness gave in to their antics. "What spa am I booked for," she wondered.

Fiona, whose phone pinged again, looked up from typing and told her, "Peace & Quiet, five doors down from the office. I just arranged a mani-pedi with them at noon as well. So, let's see..."

She trailed off, looking over the schedule, then spoke again. "As of now, it's almost nine, and your afternoon is fully booked. There's just enough time for you to review the photo layout for Dagger and the new webpage design for Her Grace. But first, food... you need food."

Fiona jumped up and rushed out of the room, leaving Mary and Ginger behind. Inclining her head, the Princess had to know, "Who's addicted to drugs?"

With a smile, the redhead regally sniffed and declared, "A lady must never tell her real age or gossip on Sundays. Luckily today is Tuesday."

Ginger began to divulge secrets regarding certain wealthy ladies, and if Mary was surprised before, that was nothing when she found out her friend's intel. Never underestimate your enemy, especially when they come with secrets. What's gossip without secrets, and these could work in her favor at a later date.