The Gentleman of Greenstoke

X.

Hours had passed since the lunch and the party was still very much enjoying themselves – except for the aforementioned Prussian, who was still wearing a frown while sitting in the corner. After the dances, they were having their tea party and Marguerite could not stop her mouth from forming a smile. Days ago, she had contacted the seamstress who had taken care of her and Miss Honda. Although the latter had not found a dress that tempted her enough to buy it; Marguerite had made plans with Elizabeta almost a week ago. Both had agreed to surprise the Japanese with a perfect gown that would flatter her form – in addition to that, they had ordered other dresses. The two women had met the seamstress who still had the measurements of Sakura, to create the clothing. Marguerite stood up eagerly, leaving the room in order to find Elizabeta; she had hidden the dresses and waited for the shy female to call for her.

"I will not accompany you, Miss," Elizabeta told her, giving Marguerite the box with the dress. "The other boxes will be put in Miss Honda's room."

Miss Jones nodded and did not question her cook's choice of staying far away from the drawing room. Of course she had no time – she was still preparing the rest for supper – but aside from that, her face was showing light annoyance. The Hungarian was aware of the General Gilbert Beilschmidt's presence and did not want to provoke a scene. She had also been told that another guest from Austria had arrived; a certain Mr Edelstein who was related to the Prussian. Some have already told her that their bound was not very strong and both were having rows every time they met, on meetings, in the street and on social assemblies.

"I understand, you are excused," Marguerite spoke softly before re-entering the drawing room where the Japanese was engaged in a conversation with Arthur. She shortly told Sakura about her and Elizabeta's attempt of giving her a present and showed her the box which contained the beautiful dress.

Sakura opened the box – after searching Arthur's eyes for reassuring herself – and was presented with a gorgeous gown. It was a muslin dress coloured in brilliant blue. The seamstress had added some flowers, gloves, a fan and a cloak to complete the outfit. Sakura, at first curious of the box, was now extremely surprised and thankful by their actions.

"Oh my . . . Y-you did not have to do this," she said softly, touched by her and Elizabeta's present. "Thank you very much. B-but what is the price of the gown?"

Sakura hated to accept gifts which were expensive; she did not want to burden anyone. Only her Godfather – her lawfully caretaker – was paying for her items.

"Do not worry about it," Marguerite commented, her small smile indicated her pleasure for making the Japanese feel happy and surprised. She had the feeling that the Asian would stay longer on the English isle than she had anticipated.

Since the beginning of Sakura's visit, Marguerite had accompanied her as a chaperone and friend; there were several rules which had to be respected woman in that era. Marguerite had spent a lot of time with Sakura and wanted to bring her joy with this present. It would be her gift for the first ball Miss Honda would attend in England. The study of dancing had been accomplished days ago, with the help of the youngest Mr Beilschmidt.

"Oh Sakura, dear, what a fine dress," her uncle spoke upon seeing how content his niece was.

"Yes, it is a – " she eyed her friend who nodded as a sign of approval, "a wonderful gift from Miss Jones and Miss Héderváry." Sakura's smile widened; she was so delighted to have found such friends as Elizabeta and Marguerite in such a short time.

"Before I forgot, I have ordered other dresses for you."

That indication caught Sakura's attention again and her widened expression was not left unnoticed by their other companions. "I already have given orders to the servants to take the rest of them to your room," Marguerite added.