Fancy's Not My Name

The Midsummer Dance

She didn't recognize the girl standing in front of the mirror. She was beautiful. Captivating. She looked like a proper adult. Beth came up beside her and laid her hand gently on her daughter's shoulder.

"You're ready."

It was a simple statement—full of love and confidence. It was said in such a way, that Dottie knew this was it. She wasn't a little girl anymore. She'd become her own person; an independent woman who could make decisions by herself.

She was still staring at her reflection in awe. She looked so mature, so much like her mother.

Her hand ran absentmindedly over the soft silk covering her body. She'd never worn something so fine. Beth squeezed her shoulder.

"Come on, dear. I have a few last touch ups to do."

Dottie tore her gaze away from the mirror and walked over to her mother. She was getting very good at walking in her new shoes. She was only worried about walking across the field in them.

She sat in front of her mother and closed her eyes as Beth applied a few last minute details of makeup. She felt closer to her mother in that moment somehow—despite the fact that this might be a sort of goodbye. Beth had told her some of the rich folk—if they notice her—might offer her a job.

Working for the rich here usually meant moving into their house; living in the servants rooms.

If she took a job, she wouldn't see her family often since they wouldn't be able to go with her. On the other hand though, servants get paid fairly well in New Orleans. Definitely more than what Marie's could offer. She'd be able to support her family better.

"There. All finished." Her mother announced.

Dottie had to admit, wearing makeup felt strange. Her blue eyes were lightly shadowed over the lids. Her eyelashes were darker and longer, and her mouth was painted a deep red. Beth had joked that with how often Dottie's face flushed around Jake, she wouldn't need any blush tonight.

Nevertheless she'd added a small amount so her face didn't look so gaunt. Beth had braided her hair rather elaborately and for a bit of decoration, she'd slotted a delicate white flower from the field into the top of it.

She'd also lent Dottie the necklace she'd worn when she'd married her father, as well as the accompanying bracelet, and a ring that used to belong to her grandmother. All in all, Dottie looked like she could belong in high society.

"Here he comes." Beth stated with an excited smile.

She was watching out the window—as she had been periodically while helping Dottie get ready—to see Jake walking across the field.

Dottie followed her gaze and could feel her cheeks heating up already. Jake was dressed handsomely in black slacks, a white dress shirt with a black bow tie, and a dark jacket to go over it all. Dottie's heartbeat quickened at the sight of him.

A sense of pride welled up in her chest because this wonderful man, was hers. Beth exited the house to meet him on the porch with Tommy on her hip. Dottie took this moment to take deep, calming breaths. She mentally encouraged herself, trying to calm her prickling nerves. Tonight would be fun.

Finally she rose from the kitchen chair and slowly made her way to the door. She could hear Jake and her mother laughing about something outside. She put a smile on her face as she grabbed the doorknob and pulled the door open.

The conversation stopped and Dottie bit her lip. Jake stared at her, a smile creeping across his lips.

"You look amazing." He said as he strode over to her.