Shine your light upon me

Chapter XV: The Birthday Ball

The maid was adjusting the corset on Nieves' body, who was holding on to the hairdresser's seat with one hand. Esther had insisted on helping her put the dress on, but Nieves thought it was rather embarrassing to show herself in her underwear in front of her. In any case, it would have been Mrs. Gregoria and her mother who would have confidently dressed her, but they had not turned up even when Esther and Aunt Isabel claimed to have sent the invitation.

Nieves nodded with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Although she was used to balls in her village, this event in the city had a different feel. The bright lights, the elegance of the mansion, and the expectations that accompanied the celebration had her in a state of trepidation.

"You look beautiful, Miss," the maid told her as soon as she put on the long dress.

Nieves smiled.

"Thank you," she sighed.

"Nervous?"

She nodded.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. More because you'll be with Miss Esther, she's good fun."

"Yes" she whispered forcing a smile as she looked at herself in the mirror.

She looked at the bottle of perfume on the dresser and wondered if it was really okay to put it on her body. After all, she wouldn't do it for Horace, she was sure he liked the fragrance and would wear it for his own tastes.

"Will you pass me the perfume? Please," she said.

"Let me spray it on you" she said and sprayed twice on each side of her neck and once on her cleavage.

The maid finished arranging the dress as soon as they heard three knocks at the door. It was Horace, who was stunned to see Nieves in that gorgeous white gown.

"Nieves, you look... beautiful" Horace hesitated, his eyes reflecting awe.

She smiled shyly, but when she noticed him, she returned to her usual seriousness and said:

"Thank you, you look very nice yourself."

Horace wore a formal dinner jacket, black and fine with a white collared shirt and white jack. Nieves thought he looked particularly handsome that night, but she would have preferred to see him with his hair tousled as it was when he returned from being away from the mansion all day.

Recovering from his momentary surprise, Horace extended his arm towards Nieves.

"Come on, we don't want to be late."

***

"Well, the truth is, it was supposed to be a surprise party, but you see my cousin is rather bad at keeping secrets," Horace said to the group of burghers who burst out laughing.

Nieves felt uncomfortable in the atmosphere. Horace had one arm around her shoulders and in the other hand he held a glass of champagne. It was obvious that he was enjoying the conversation with these men and women who were strangers to Nieves. She did not know how to leave the place, she had in mind that she had to give a good image to her husband, however, she was not meant to be among the refined crowd. She preferred the little children running around her village hall, the music of the area and the dances of yesteryear.

She spotted Esther in the distance with a group of girls around her age, this was her chance to escape. He gently pulled Horace's arm away, drawing the attention of the people around them.

"If you'll excuse me," she forced a smile, nodded her head and walked away.

Nieves slipped through the elegant crowd and made her way towards Esther and her group of friends. As she approached, Esther greeted her with a smile, oblivious to the discomfort Nieves was experiencing.