The Whiskey Journals

Chapter 12: The Beaumont Bash Continues

Victoria stepped out of her bathroom, exhaling. Tonight was the night. She stood in front of the mirroring finishing up her makeup when there was a knock on the door. "Victoria, guess what time it is!"
"Time to impress?" she asked with a smile as she turned around...Maxwell stood quiet. Like, this level of quiet from him was surprising. "Maxwell? Is everything okay?"
"you look fantastic, Victoria! Way to represent House Beaumont."
"Well, its a big night and I have no problem getting myself ready."
"Oh, I'm sure" he said, "But I'm here to make sure everything goes smoothly. Just think of it like I'm your assistant and personal trainer all rolled into one."
"Well it does feel more like Princess boot camp sometimes."
"Exactly," he laughed, "Well, you're ready so let's get to it. Bertrand wanted me to escort you."
"Escort me...where?"
"It's a surprise!" He offered her his arm and led her through the halls to the ...boutique.
"The boutique? But what-"
"I need to oversee a few adjustments to the ballroom decorations. Be your charming self in here."
and then, he was gone. she shook her head as she sighed when the side door to the dressing room opened where Liam stepped out. "Liam!"
"Lady Victoria, what a coincidence running into you."
"It's interesting. I was told to wait here..even though I'm already dressed."
"I think perhaps someone is trying to give us time alone together."
"Well, I'm not complaining. I like the results." she said
"Me too." he looked her over, "You look like a princess."
"You know what they say dress for the job you want."
"I couldn't think of a better look for one."
"Is this what you're wearing tonight?"
"I was just deciding that now..."
"Since we are hosting, you could dress to match me." she said with smile
He shrugged, "That would cause quite the stir."
"True but it'd be a public way to show how close we are..."
"It would...but it'd also be a rather bold move."
she moved up to him smoothing out his jacket, "I happen to be a fan of bold moves, so I insist. People can blame me for the fallout."
He placed his hand over hers. "Alright" he smiled back, "I'm game. Wait just a second.."
A short time later, he comes out of the dressing room in a white tux with a blue bowtie."Wow, you look great Liam."
"I can't deny this is one of the finest suits I've ever worn... and the fact that you like it makes it even better." He ran his hands down her arms gently as they looked at their reflections, "We look so cute together." she said, looking at their reflections while her heart pretended the man holding her by the waist at the moment was not Liam but his best friend.
"I'll see you tonight for the party, Lady Victoria. Until then."

As he left, Maxwell entered from the other room. "Whew..those were some adjustments that needed overseen."
"Uh-huh. Maxwell... was that just an elaborate ploy you and Bertrand put together to get me alone with Liam?"
Maxwell stepped back in fake shock, holding his heart.."Whaaat? Usss?" he grinned, "It's not like we're sponsoring you to win the Prince's hand or anything. That'd be silly. By the way, I noticed our Prince Charming matched our Cinderella... You two look good together."
She turned her head away to hid her sad smile, "Thanks."
"Now I actually do want to escort you to the ballroom. The party's starting soon and as hosts, we should be there to greet everyone." Victoria walked into the ballroom where the luxurious cloth draped tables have been neatly arranged and decorated with candles and flower bouquets. The plates and silverware gleamed under the lights and soft glow of candles. "Wow, it really came together."

"I'm sure Bertrand's pleased with the work..moderately, at least." As they passed the head table there was an open binder with a diagram of the room inside. "Maxwell, is that the seating chart?"
"Sure is. Bertrand must've arranged everyone already. He's already put you next to Liam, the King and Queen. so that is ready to go."
Her finger trailed the names, stopping on Olivia's. "You know..through all the hustle of yesterday, I never had the chance to give the seating arrangement my..um, approval."
"Ohhhh, that approval. I remember what Olivia did to you back at her estate. A little payback wouldn't hurt. Let's see, she's currently sitting with Madeleine, Penelope and Kiara. Bertrand wanted to cut her off from Prince Liam, but respectfully leave her up front with the other noble ladies."
"Hmmm" Victoria thought about what she should do and what she wanted to do. "We should leave her be. You know, its the end of the season and I am done over what she did. She can sit in the chair facing the head table and watch Liam, with me...all night. Maybe serve her drink last?"
Maxwell laughed, "Lets not push it too far I think what you are doing is just and decent plus watching Liam's eyes lit up over you will drive her crazy...but Bertrand will thank you for keeping the peace."
"No, he won't."
"Well, I'm thanking you on his behalf."
The clock struck the hour and the staff begin opening doors. "I suppose that is our sign." she looked up to see Bertrand joining them, "but I am glad to see you so uncharacteristically happy."
"Why wouldn't I be? we're showing off the splendor of House Beaumont and fortune willing, its also our chance to show the court how well the Prince and Lady Victoria are suited right before the Coronation...If everything goes well, tonight will be a grand accomplishment." he clapped his hands together, "Places you two! Guests are being let in and we should greet them!"