The Necronomicon

Chapter Two

As Meredith sat up in her bed, the day's light streaming through the open window, she smiled - for today the Middlesbrough's were having a party! After last night's debacle she'd feared that she wouldn't be allowed to go - but Eleanor knew enough about society and parties - and through past experiences - to realise that if Meredith didn't go, the men would come here instead. Meredith was the belle of the country - making her an easy target for most of the men's affections. It took a few days to travel from one end of the country to the other, but hundreds of men did this just to see Meredith; it astounded Eleanor.

Yes, if Meredith wasn't at the party, there would be an uproar. Eleanor was going through punishments she could give, each less cruel than the last, for though she had expected Meredith to accept the proposal, she understood that Alfred's wealth was not enough to support her frivolous daughter. One day, Eleanor thought, Meredith will regret turning him down - for though his wealth may not be great, his kindness is unbeatable and his generosity is lavish.

With the lilting sound of birds chirping in her ears, Meredith stood from her bed, and began to take out her clothes for today from her chest of drawers. She found it hard to contain her excitement, and before taking out her dresses she jumped around the room, squealing. She did not care if she woke the others up; she could not contain the happiness only within the cage that was her heart, and had to let it free. With a happy sigh, she examined her dresses. There was the red silk, which accented her figure, but the colour was not the best for her complexion. Then - the orange-toned one, a garish colour, but it looked most beautiful on her, and it flared so nicely. If only it was a softer tone! She picked up another gown, with lace crowning the bodice, and held it against her body.  It was of a pale blue colour, and it had a tight waist which she hoped would thin her hips. It suited her, and she thought it would look perfect next to the men's dashing uniforms and suits. It was soft, too, and she could imagine dancing all night in it, imagining everyone's gaze on her, and only her. 

Of course, Alfred would be there. That could be sufficiently awkward, but not if she played her cards right. She'd have to really turn on the charm today - good thing she was already doing her hair in a tight updo, and feeling the smooth satin of her dress as she laid it on her bed. It had a court neckline, and Juliet sleeves - both would reveal her features nicely. She turned her attention towards her face, and picked at a rogue blackhead on her nose. With nimble fingernails, she drew out the dirt, and quickly washed her face with the tap water beside her bed. Staring at her features, she smiled. It was so good to be beautiful. 

Pulling her dress from the bed, she slipped into it, smiling at herself in the mirror. It fit her perfectly. Even the skirt, which she'd suspected might be too short, was a faultless length. She spotted a glamorous handbag which almost perfectly matched the shoes she'd just picked out. Overall, Meredith was a happy girl. She had everything she wanted to wear for today, everything except perhaps a necklace. She dug through her jewellery swiftly, pairing items and discarding others, throwing them to the floor. Even her mother's old, expensive pearls went to the floor in favour of a pendant, which Meredith clasped around her neck with delight. 

Eleanor popped her head around the door to see Meredith staring wistfully at herself, her hands at her sides. For a few moments Eleanor stayed silent, observing her daughter. After noting her step-mother in the mirror, Meredith turned lazily to her.

"Don't I look beautiful, Eleanor!" She gushed. Not wanting to intensify her stepdaughter's ego, Eleanor's response was a mere sigh - not good enough for Meredith, who turned her nose up at her step-mother. Inwardly she gasped - Meredith looked stunning. Her step-daughter was such a beauty; Eleanor wished she'd looked that way when she was younger. She could've found a husband more quickly, instead of marrying a widower at an age where she was considered an old maid. Thankfully, society hadn't scorned her - probably because her husband was an Elder. And, after all, there were different reasons that she'd married Elder Hawthorne...