Love's Counterpart

Chapter Ten

Annabelle was exhausted from the drilling needed to prepare for her presentation. Her arms ached from carrying the yards of fabric to simulate her train that she would need to carry in her left arm and her legs were wobbly from the numerous times she had to practice her court bow, forward and backward.

"Once more, Annabelle," her Aunt instructed.

Annabelle sighed and started to mentally cheer herself on, but it did not have much of an effect. Again, she curtseyed the court curtsey which was so deep that her knees nearly touched the floor.

"Hold," her Aunt said, "and reach." Annabelle did so and took the Queen's hand, the part being played by Ms. Pratt, and placed upon it a kiss.

"Perfect," her Aunt said tiredly and Annabelle turned to look at her Aunt. The concern she felt crept back into her features. Ever since the night that Mr. Harris had argued with her Aunt she seemed... unwell.

Annabelle walked over to her, placing the fabric she was using as her train aside. "Aunt Augusta, I do believe I have it now. Why don't we just for today, take some time to relax?"

"But you must be prepared. There is the presentation and then your ball and once you are presented you know there will be a flurry of invites."

"All the more reason to take this moment now," Annabelle urged. "For there will be little to no time to do so later. Just one day...please?"

Lady Cantrell relented. "We do have an appointment to pick up your gown. I suppose we could make a day of it."

Annabelle squeezed her Aunt. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Do you hear that Ms. Pratt? We are going on an outing," Annabelle said, clasping her hands together.

Ms. Pratt, eyes widened. "Certainly, Miss you do not mean for me..."

"And why not? You have worked just as hard as I in preparing me for this event. And it would be good, to have another opinion, a sharp pair of eyes to make certain the dress and all other details have been properly overseen."

Ms. Pratt looked nervously over to Lady Cantrell. "Oh for heaven's sake grab your coat, and ask the cook to prepare us a light lunch. We can have a picnic in the park," Lady Cantrell stated. 

Ms. Pratt's face lit up she looked suddenly years younger. "I shall, Marm. Thank you, Miss." And she scurried off to do as instructed.

"I am worried about you, Aunt Augusta. You haven't been yourself for over a week now."

"It is nothing, child. Stop your fussing. I'm fine. This little outing, I have no doubt, will rejuvenate all of us. You have been working hard, and deserve this respite more than any of us."

Annabelle blushed at her Aunt's praise.

It was quarter past the hour when the three women were bustled inside the carriage for a day of shopping and fun. Ms. Pratt had a basket full of goodies for their picnic. They were off first to Jermyn Street to pick up her dress, which Madame Charron had informed them was finally ready.

The modiste was thrilled to see them. "Lady Cantrell, Lady Bentley, welcome," the woman said. "Come, come. This way. The dress is complete and she will be a vision in it."

"Of this, I have no doubt," said Lady Cantrell.

"Come have a seat," she ushered Lady Cantrell to a comfortable cushioned chair, and Annabelle was promptly marched off by Madame Charron's assistants who helped her dress.

Ms. Pratt stood dutifully by Lady Cantrell's side while Madame Charron chatted away amicably and had some tea and cakes served while they waited. It took some time but was worth the wait as Annabelle truly was a vision. She stepped through the curtain, dressed all in white satin."