Heart of Rose

The Gown

Chapter 8: The Gown

Gideon glanced at Rose one last time before giving her a smile and telling her he would see her at dinner that night. Rose just stood there, staring after Gideon. She slowly raised her hand to her lips, remembering the kiss. She closed her eyes, lost in that moment of bliss she had experienced earlier. Finally, she remembered that Desmond was still standing there, staring at her.

“Rose, are you all right?” he asked.

“Of course,” replied Rose, blushing.

Rose walked to Desmond, kissed him on the cheek, and ran out of the garden towards the castle, anxious to talk with Marie.

When Rose reached Marie, she grabbed her arm and practically dragged her up to her room so she could tell her in private about Gideon’s invitation to dinner. Marie just stood there, shocked. In all her years, of knowing Gideon, she had not known him to invite a girl to dinner. This was definitely a first for him.

“I am so happy for you, child. You, amongst all, deserve to go with him tonight,” Marie said, meaning every word she spoke.

Marie was lost in thought wondering about Gideon until Rose interrupted her.

“Marie I have no gown! I have nothing that is in the least bit appropriate for tonight’s engagement!” Rose shrieked, beginning to panic.

Marie thought for a moment, slowly pondering where she could find a dress for Rose. Her eyes suddenly lit up and she grabbed Rose’s hand and led her down the hall way to an old room that wasn’t used anymore.

Entering the room, Rose was suddenly invaded with memories of her childhood. She remembered playing on the floor at the foot of the bed while her mother dressed for the day. Tears filled her eyes as she wished she could have lived a normal childhood with her parents.

Marie noticed her tears and wrapped an arm around her shoulder walking her to the wardrobe. When Marie was opening the doors, Rose realized why Marie has brought her here: to show her the gowns.

“I kept these gowns, and everything else in this room in hopes that you would return one day,” Marie whispered softly to Rose.

“They are beautiful, Marie. Thank you so much. I do not know how I will ever repay you for all the kindness you have showed me,” said Rose, wiping a tear from her eye.

“Well, hurry child. Pick out a dress so we can have it cleaned and pressed for you.”

Rose slowly walked up to the wardrobe, running her hand along the fabric of the beautiful gowns. She was not sure which one to choose since they were all such beautiful dresses. She finally chose a beautiful midnight blue dress. It had an elegant—but small—train that draped down the back. Black lace lined the sleeves and trimmed the bottom, as well as the top of the dress.

Marie took the gown from Rose and rushed her off to her room to prepare herself before that night’s dinner. Rose scurried down the hall to her bedroom, thankful she had time to bathe.

A few hours later, Marie stepped into the room with the dress pressed and ready to wear. She helped Rose curl her hair and pinned up half, leaving the rest to fall around her shoulders. Rose wanted to look at herself in the mirror but Marie would not allow, until they were finished. Finally, Marie helped Rose step into the dress, after what seemed like hours of preparing.

Marie slowly turned Rose around to face the mirror. Rose just stood there in awe. She barely recognized the woman staring back at herself.

“Gideon should be waiting at the end of the staircase for you,” Marie said quietly.

Rose turned to Marie and grabbed her hands, which Marie noticed were shaking. She chuckled and cupped Rose’s face between her hands and told her to calm down.

“Everything will be fine, child. There is no need to be nervous.”

Reassured, Rose walked the rest of the way down the hall with Marie and when they reached the top of the staircase, Rose gave Marie a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you, Marie for everything you have done for me today,” Rose whispered kindly.

Rose descended the staircase with her head held high, and with as much dignity and grace she could muster. When she reached to bottom, she looked around for Gideon, but couldn’t find him. What she did see, however, made her feel extremely nervous. Everyone in the room was staring directly at her. Rose was about to give up searching for Gideon when she heard someone come up behind her. She just stood there, frozen, waiting for them to speak. She heard them draw in a breath and someone softly whispered in her ear, “Where have you been all my life?”