When We Meet Again

Chapter 2 - Gossip

The three young ladies went into the parlor and sat down. Molly brought out the tea, and each of the ladies grabbed their share.

       They all drank their tea and filled each other in on the gossip they had come across. Victoria was always the one with all of the interesting gossip, and filled the other two in.

    "Did you two hear that Priscilla Partridge is expecting?" Victoria said, reaching a mocha-colored hand over to a teacup and picked it up.

  The other two gasped, and looked at each other in disbelief.

"But isn't she still unmarried?" Emily asked.

Victoria gave a devilish grin, and replied to the innocent question. "Yes, she still is. But it was found out that she was messing around with Mr Samual Johnson."

"Poor Priscilla," Diana remarked, "I cannot imagine what this will do to her and her family."

"I'll say!" Victoria responded, "this may be the last we see of a Miss Priscilla Partridge for a long time now."

"Oh I sure hope nothing like that ever happens to me!" Emily spoke.

"Well if you find a suitor tonight at the ball and are able to marry him as soon as possible, I assure you, you will be safe from this ever happening to you!" Victoria remarked, "That is what me and my husband Benjamin did."

"I hope to find a love like you and Benjamin's tonight!" Emily said, "Preferably one that is tall, dark, and handsome."

The girls laughed and then the other two stared at Diana.

"What about you, Diana?" Victoria questioned, "What are you looking for in a man?

Diana, at a loss for words, sat and pondered about this question for a moment. She hadn't really thought about this recently, so this was a tricky question for her to answer.

"I would like a man who is patient, and also devoted," she slowly responded, "And perhaps understanding, as well as compassionate. Also, if he had the same interest as me, that would be nice as well."

The other two looked at each other and sighed.

"We weren't talking about his personality, Diana, we meant his looks!" Emily remarked, adjusting the bun the kept her gingerbread-colored hair in place. "Though both are equally important, I suppose."

"Oh!" Diana said, embarrassed, "Well, I guess a man that is taller than me wouldn't be a bad thing."

The other two gave a dreamy look at each other, and grinned.

"Well I hope you both find the men of your dreams tonight!" Victoria smiled.

The ladies all chatted and drank their tea for awhile, and eventually went to roaming around the property, reading to each other from the books in the library, and snacking. It was around 1:00 when Mrs. Lewis, who was Diana's mother, and Molly found them lounging in Diana's room, still chatting.

"I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid it may be time to send Emily and Victoria home." Her mother spoke, "It is time to get ready for tonight."

The three women hugged, and Emily and Victoria went home, where they would also be preparing for tonights ball.

Diana sat up and looked at the dress that her mother laid out in the bed.

"Must we begin?" Diana sighed.

"Yes, we must." Replied her mother.

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Diana stepped into her most expensive chemise and drawers, before also slipping on a pair of ornate stockings with floral embroidery on the sides. They were kept in her place with silk garters, and Diana then slipped on her silk slippers as well. Molly then helped her lace up her nicest corset, and made sure her crinoline was put on nice and even. Molly then helped her put on multiple petticoats, followed by the actually gown itself.