Once Before

11 - The Ashford Ball

Daisy knocked softly on the door of Gertrude's bed chamber, her head peaking slightly through the gap of the double door as she announced herself and her intention. The humble white box with a silk bow wrapped around it was big enough that it took her two arms to carry it, before she placed it down gently on Gertrude's bed.

She backed away as Gertrude let out a shriek of delight, skipping towards the bed before turning her head towards me. "Go on! I want to see it!". From the corner of my eye, Daisy also held the same anticipation as she craned her neck for a better look.

I slowly slid the ribbon off of the box and took off the lid, feeling a slight resistance as it came apart from the perfectly fitted base. Inside, a pale teal dress made from the finest silk and lace that looked as if it was woven from pure gold was folded neatly, almost glowing against the afternoon sunlight.

Someone let out a raspy gasp - but whether it was me, Gertrude, or Daisy, I had no way of telling.

"Shall I help you put it on Miss Atwood?" Daisy finally broke the silence.

"Please do!" Gertrude answered for me in haste, "I need to see her in it!"

Daisy wasted no time in handling the dress with utter care, sprawling it down from behind me as to put it on me, and I watched from the reflection of the golden framed mirror. I was still at loss for words, even as I felt Daisy tighten the dress around my back and waist.

It was like being wrapped by a dream - surreal and beautiful. It was there, but the fabric was very light that I forgot how intricate the layers really was. It hugged my figure perfectly, with the grip of the empire style waist sitting snugly just below my breasts, giving my figure the illusion of a long and elegant silhouette. 

"My goodness," Gertrude murmured, "You're beautiful!"

"Try not to sound too surprised," I rolled my eyes jokingly, to which she simply slapped the bare arm where Daisy hadn't slid the gloves in.

"Finish Miss!" Daisy exclaimed, stepping back to admire her handiwork. She had a proud gleam in her eye, and I couldn't blame her. I could hardly recognize myself from the reflection of the mirror as a stranger dressed in the most beautiful gown stared back at me.

Without any further delay, I was ushered out of the room by both Gertrude and Daisy, claiming that Arthur was already waiting downstairs. I barely had time to gather my thoughts when I stopped by the door, hands clasped on the frames.

"Gertrude, thank you very much for letting me get ready in your chambers," I smiled. Though at first I suspected she might have sided with The Countess Dowager and grew to resent me, I soon realized that I could rely on Gertrude to not be swayed by anything she didn't agree with. It made me respect and care for her even more.

She searched my eyes for a second before grinning widely. "You're like a sister to me," She whispered, "And hopefully you will be!"

I was taken aback by her statement, fearing that she might have hoped for more than what was possible, but I had no time to ponder through it as Daisy pulled me along with her through the hallway, our footsteps echoing around us, before stopping in front of the staircase that led downstairs to the foyer.

"Have a lovely time tonight Miss!" She grinned.

To her surprise, which I felt as she jolted for a second, I leaned in to give her a quick hug. It wasn't just for the day she had spent helping me prepare, but for all the time she had been there for me, guiding me through this era in which I found myself in. She was to me, more of a friend than anything else people might've deemed otherwise.