Rearrange Me

III

Eleanora

"Eleanor, do you wish to play a game of with me?"

"No, Adela. I do not wish to play anything at a time like this."

I have had a whole eight-and-twenty days to prepare for this moment. Yet, I do not believe I will ever be ready.

I am to marry a stranger, in two days. Then, I am to live with this man- without my Mama, or my siblings. What shall I ever do without them?

We will not even begin to address the fact that this man will have to see parts of me, that no man ever has, at some point in our marriage. Maybe I shall unfortunately fall ill and then be with my Father once again.

"Mama! Mama!"

I nearly crash into my mother. "What is it dear?"

"It is Father. Come quickly."

"Eleanora." Mama's voice snaps me out of my now worst memories.

"I beg your pardon?"

Her eyebrows were lifted. "I asked what you are going to say to him when you meet?"

"Oh... Whatever comes out of my mouth, I suppose." 'Tis true, I have no self-control when it comes to speaking. It appears that my mouth moves faster than my brain can process- which makes for awkward situations at times.

I look out the window when the view of the Palace of Versailles appears in front of us.

The Palace was... Marvelous.

I had never seen gates quite that size. My knee bounces up and down anxiously as the carriage trails all the way down the path until stopping in front of the large golden gates.

The footman, whose name I may have already forgotten, pulls the door open and Adela steps out first, taking his hand as she steps down.

I follow suit, taking the gentleman's hand for assistance as I step out of the carriage, "Your hand is much appreciated.", I say and he bows.

I stare up in awe at the gates above us. If they were this beautiful, I could not even imagine what the Palace would look like.

"To think, you are going to live here." Adela quietly squeals beside me.

My brother stands beside me, putting his elbow out for me to take ahold of. I do so, as Adela loops her arm through Mother's and they begin to walk in front of James and I.

I wore a black silk gown. It was decorated with lace and black bows. Still fancy enough for this occasion whilst honoring and respecting the importance of the fact that I am in mourning.

My long brown hair was only halfway pinned up, all in all, it was in tight curls. I had on a matching black bonnet that sat on the back and crown of my head. I wore black lace gloves that stopped at my wrists.

It was unusual for a mourning dress to be this.. Well, dressy.

A man dressed like a Butler appeared in front of the glass doors that we had stopped in front of.

"Your Majesty, Your Royal Highnesses.", he bowed for each of us, "It is a great pleasure that you are here. I am Maurice, the Royal Butler.", a very thick French accent filled Maurice's voice, making me smile.

"Good day, Monsieur," Adela says with a bright smile.

"His Majesty shall be joining us shortly. For the time being, what do you say to a cup of tea, in the Peace Room?"

"That would be lovely, Sir. We appreciate your kindness."

Maurice nods. " 'Tis my greatest pleasure."