One Look

Chapter 3

This evening was a whirlwind of dresses and accessories flying everywhere. My ladies in waiting had arrived this morning and since then we had been getting ready for the debutante ball tonight.

"I dislike the colour green on me", Elaine whined her eyes on the dress her mother had chosen for her. I watched her from the corner of my eye as she glared at what I thought was a stunning gown. It had small diamonds encrusted around the waist and the most beautiful satin green ribbon at the back. The detail on it was exquisite and yet not too much to take away from the debutante's gown. I could tell that once she put the dress on it would highlight her black hair and striking blue eyes which right now narrowed as she studied her dress.

My ball gown was already on as my ladies in waiting had helped me into it earlier. It was off the shoulder with short sleeves that had lace cut-offs. There was also lace detailing around the neckline which really meshed well with the royal blue gown I was wearing. This gown had prints of flowers along the skirt of it. I felt like it was too beautiful for me. Clara had tamed my wild mane by placing rags in it the night before, so it now cascaded down my back in long golden ringlets. She had made a soft plait across the top of my head, and I had ensured my mothers necklace was safely around my neck.

"Elaine, please stop complaining and I'll help you into your gown", Jane scolded from beside me and a small giggle escaped my lips. Jane was my favourite cousin who I persuaded my grandmother to invite as one of my ladies in waiting. I had allowed her to choose Elaine on the one condition she would allow Jane to accompany me. Jane's light hair was pulled up into a pretty bun and she was wearing a light blue ball gown with ruffles throughout it. She had a scowl on her pretty round face as she glared at Elaine.

"Honestly girls hurry up", Margaretta hissed from the other side of the room. She was my third and final lady in waiting. She had on a dreadful yellow dress which reminded me of infant vomit, and yet she had not let one complaint out. Her brown hair was tied in a long plait which had then been rolled into a low bun. She was watching me, a thoughtful look in her wide brown eyes. "How are you feeling?" she asked me gently and I let out a little puff of air. Right now, my stomach was swarming with butterflies which felt like they wanted to burst out.

"A little nervous", I giggled and took a shaky breath.

"You will be fine", Jane called from fixing Elaine's dress.

"You look beautiful my lady", Clara said kindly and I gave her a warm smile.

"Well I pray I am not left standing alone on the side-lines", I giggled as my ladies joined me at the doorway. Clara swung open the door for us and I stepped out in front followed by Jane, Margaretta and Elaine.

We all headed down to the ballroom, and as we approached the ballroom I couldn't help but strain my eyes as I looked for Amelia among the sea of other debutantes who had also gathered around in a mass of frills and skirts, but I could not catch sight of her fiery hair anywhere. I spotted Henrietta who was always scolding her ladies in waiting about staying behind her. Her dark brown hair was swept into an elaborate hairstyle at the top of her head, while her bright golden ball gown with ruffled sleeves made my eyes slightly hurt.

"Do not fret we will be here for you all night", Margaretta stated, mistaking my sigh of disappointment at not sighting Amelia for one of nervousness.

"Thank you", I replied and took a deep breath as we stood by the ballroom doors. All the debutante's names were called out and then they descended the stairs. My ladies in waiting stood back and I took a deep breath.

"Lady Eloise Thompson". My name rang throughout the room and I straightened out my shoulders as I descended the stairs a small, amused smile snuck onto my face. I looked out into the sea of nobles and met a pair of blue eyes accompanying brunette young man. He gave me a small little nod when our eyes met, and my smile grew wider. When I made it to the bottom of the steps, I finally spot my fiery friend. She was by the food stand, already biting into a croissant.