Flutter

Flutter: Vingt - et - Une

Nora French braided her still damp hair into one long braid that hung down her back. Done fixing her hairdo, she gave herself a quick once over. Nora found herself satisfied with her shorts, top, and suspenders. The outfit was loose and airy - perfect for the day of fun she had planned.

Upon waking up earlier, a wonderful idea had come to mind as she opened her eyes to the daylight. The sun had been shining into her bedroom and it looked considerably warm outdoors. After opening the window, Nora found that her suspicions were indeed correct. It was an unusually warm, balmy day - even for autumn. Nora figured that she would enjoy this Indian summer and Tifa would be her companion. 

It had been a quite some time since Nora had taken the children out and about. Quinton had expressed all those weeks ago that he would not have her walking outside of the property without supervision. So, Nora figured, if Tifa was here for good, why not take advantage of the situation? There was no reason Quinton would object to her spending the day with the children, since Tifa was by her side. The day would go splendidly! 

Nora heard someone approaching and gathered that it was Mary.

"Come in, Mary." Nora said, right when Mary stood outside her door.

"Good morning, Nora." Mary said, upon entering the bedroom.

"Good morning to you too, Mary. How are you?"

"Very well. How was your sleep?"

"Restful. Ready to face the day."

"That is good to hear, dear. You must be wondering why I am here."

"A bit curious, yes. Is something the matter?"

"No. Not at all. I am actually here on an errand. Do you have a couple of minutes to spare?"

"Yes. For what exactly?"

"Well, darling, in due time you will officially be mistress of Gillians."

Nora sighed, tired of constantly being reminded of such a sore topic. 

"And I am aware that you will have to attend the conference soon, and several other functions. So I would like to take a couple of measurements, and have your input on a couple of fabric selections that I have brought with me here."

It was then that Nora noticed Mary was carrying a large bundle of supplies underneath her arm.

"I mean, I suppose you can."

"Great. If you could stand in front of me, feet together and hands at the sides."

Nora did what she was instructed to do and Mary placed her materials on Nora's bed, before standing before her with a tape measure in hand. 

"Now I'm just going to measure you. Afterwards I'll sent your measurements to the tailor so that he can begin on your wardrobe."

"That's all very well, Mary, but why do I need more clothing? I have plenty of things to wear."

Mary began taking Nora's height.

"Why, it is custom! As the late Mr. Reeves instructed me, the mistress of the beta and the beta himself are to have a series of outfits designed specifically for their unveiling at the ball. It must be so! It has always been so."

"Tradition." 

"Indeed it is."

"So, I could not say no even if I wanted?" Nora asked as she raised her arm so Mary could place the tape about her waist.

"Well, you could , but does this truly pose such a tremendous problem to you, to the point that you would refuse?"

"....No. I suppose not."