Rise of the Death Eaters [3]

Chapter 62: The Crème de la Crème

My mother's assistant, Clara, was waiting for us in the lobby of the Four Seasons upon our arrival to the big apple.

Two weeks had passed since I was in Paris dress shopping with my grand'mere and mother. Now the first of the two balls was incoming and I couldn't have felt less excited. 

"Luncheon with the ladies begins in two hours," she explained, walking abreast with my mother as we headed for the elevators. A bellboy was following behind with two service elves in red pinstripes levitating our luggage after us.

"And cocktail hour is at 8 at the Charleston, however, it's expected the entire couple and daughter attend." Even from behind my mother, I could see the way she pursed her lips at the news.

My father wasn't going to be in attendance for this event. Something I was relieved to hear about even if it was unaccustomed to have no father at a Debutante ball.

"I already made inquiries and technically it is an optional event," Clara went on, reading her boss's face like a second daughter would. "I said I would give them our numbers once you and Ava have had time to rest following your travels."

The bell to the elevator rang and the two art deco-styled doors were opened for the three of us plus the bellboy to enter.

"Room 1571 on the west wing," the bellboy snapped to the service elves stopped right outside the elevator doors. One just managed an audible "Yes, Mr. Avery," when the doors closed shut on them.

There was a pause amongst us as I watched the elevator numbers go up from 1 to 15 before another bell rang and the doors opened soundlessly to our left.

"Mr. Fountaine will be indisposed until the 21st, so I would ask you send the committee our regards on the matter but we will not attend. I worry for Ava's sleep schedule before the ball. State something about the girl being very excited over the ordeal."

"Very well."

I managed to cast my mother a passive look that she ignored. The bellboy stopped at our room and unlocked it  with a flourish of his hand. My mother and I were already touring the three rooms we would be staying in as he continued to explain details about a nearby spa lounge.

"Thank you, that will be all," Clara said at an opportune pause in his chatter. She handed him something in one palm that he took nonchalantly and then tapped his hat before leaving us to our dwelling.

"You will find I have placed out a few dressing options for this afternoon," Clara began, as she turned back to us. "They should all match each other interchangeably for mother-daughter-"

"Yes, thank you, Clara," my mother cut in, as she dropped her bag onto the entryway table. "Have you heard anything from WBE-"

I let my mother's conversation drown out as I entered my new bedroom. Three differing outfits of light blue, navy and cream lay on the bed for me.

"Ava-" I looked up to see my mother had entered with a large envelope in one manicured hand. She held it out to me as she came closer to the bed.

"For the Parisian ball. You will need to choose an escort from the file."

I took the envelope automatically and opened the seam.

"I just choose someone?" I questioned, pulling out a stabled packet with my name written on the top page.

"Every debutante has a select number of escorts to choose from. Your mother and father have limited the list to these," Clara explained from the doorway. My mother already had her back to me and was opening the twin doors linking her room with mine.