Beauty's Mirror- Paranormal Regency Beauty and the Beast

Chapter Eight

Bella looked in the mirror in her dressing room and smoothed the gown. It had been a rush order for the dressmaker in the local village, but it was the most ornate gown she had ever worn. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

This night was to be a dinner and small ball with neighbors. Leo had asked her to act as hostess, and she had spent many hours, when not hunting for magical artifacts or reading the books for clues on how to end the curse, planning the evening with Mrs. Potter. Even more so, she would be blind to not notice Lord Morgan's interest in her. It flattered her, and she could hardly conceive that she had gained the notice of a peer and future duke. The mirror in front of her was not Leo's enchanted one, but when Bella looked in the mirror, she now saw a lady who had faced dangers and peril and came out stronger. She saw a woman who had the love of several friends instead of the mere necessity of her family. No, her physical features had not changed in the least, but Bella finally felt comfortable in her own skin.

"Oh, Miss Beauley," Jenny sighed as she put the final touches on Bella's hair.

"My brother will not be able to keep his eyes off you," Mrs. Hammond had joined her and offered assistance.

Bella blushed. "Lord Morgan is very kind and civil."

"Civil? I have never seen a man more smitten!" Mrs. Hammond gave the maid a conspiratorial look, "I think he may have selected his future duchess."

"Me?" Bella jaw's dropped to the ground. "Impossible!"

"He would be a fool to not see your worth."

"Alice," Bella said as Mrs. Hammond had asked her to call her last night after dinner. "I am nervous enough this evening."

Alice nodded her head and allowed the subject to drop. "You are lovely, everything perfectly in place. You certainly look like you could be the real mistress of this estate. Surely that gives you some confidence?"

Bella smiled. It was nice to have an older woman to discuss matters with again. Alice was nearly old enough to be her mother but was more like an older sister. "It does."

"And you could never claim to be ignorant. You will do splendidly!"

Toying with a necklace from Leo's vault, Bella blew out a deep breath. She had managed her father's household and her siblings. She had survived confrontations with a vengeful ghost and a trap intended to kill her. A dinner party and dancing she could navigate with her eyes closed. "I should check on matters again. You are certain you do not need my help, Alice?

"Jenny will be perfect. I will see you soon."

The lady left, with the maid following after her. Just before leaving the room, the door connecting to Rosie's nursery squeaked open. "You're so pretty!" Rosie said in awe.

"Thank you," Bella stooped down to speak with her on eye level.

Rosie shifted her weight from foot to foot. "Papa asked me to give this to you," she held out a small box.

Bella took it and looked at it in wonder. Leo had already given her so much. His selflessness seemed unending.

"Lady Rosalyn?" Maria called from the nursery.

"Go now, love. Mrs. Potter has promised to send you up some of the sweets. Tomorrow I will tell you all about the ball."

Rosie scampered off, and Bella opened the box from Leo. A note rested atop.

"A diamond does not compare to the sparkle of your eye. The finest jewels in the kingdom do not compare to the beauty of your soul. An enchanted ring for an enchanted beauty. Turn this ring and it will take you to your heart's desire."