One Look

Chapter 4

"The weather is fabulous", Jane sighed as we followed the line of debutantes and their ladies in waiting towards the beautiful gardens. Princess Mary-Anne walked alongside her mother; her poise more elegant than I had ever noticed her being before. She had really grown up over the past two years. I longed to push by all the other girls and join her in a conversation to find out how she has been.

"We shall not stay out here for long, the outdoors is no place for a lady", Elaine complained, a slight frown on her otherwise perfect face. I rolled my eyes, of course Elaine would find something to complain about.

"Shut it", Margaretta hissed at her. "Do not let the Queen hear you". I looked out at all the beautiful roses, tulips and other flowers that were blooming during this time of year.  My eyes landed on the maze which was slightly of the path. The sudden urge to take off and run for it, stopped me in my tracks.

"Eloise", Margaretta hissed. "Why are you not still walking?"

"Foot cramp", I groaned. "You all go on ahead, I will catch up".

Elaine narrowed her eyes slightly at me but flicked her black hair over her shoulder and continued walking.

"Okay you rest", Margaretta sighed and linked Janes arm. They hurried to catch up with the other girls as I sank into a bench. I waited until they all had turned the corner and I was no longer in their sight before I took off at a run towards my favourite place in this whole palace. The feeling of the air rushing past me was extraordinary and made me long for the fields back home. When I reached the maze, I let out a few shallow breaths before I entered it. From the many times of completing this maze at the multiple entries I still remembered how to get to the centre, no matter where I began. I ran my fingers along the hedgerows and plucked a couple of flowers as I walked past. It felt truly terrific to be back here. When I turned the final corner, I stopped dead in my tracks. In front of me stood Oscar and another debutante who looked all too familiar with each other.

I let out a little giggle which caught both their attentions. Oscars gaze met my own amused one and a guilty smile took over his face. The girl on the other hand looked terribly worried, her cheeks flushing pink.

"Sorry Prince Oscar, I did not mean to interrupt you and...?" I grinned as Oscar scratched his head uncomfortably.

"Bethany", she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Well I am completely scandalised", I gasped as I mockingly put my hand against my forehead. Poor Bethany's eyes widened, and she looked close to tears.

"Eloise", Oscar warned, but the crinkles around his eyes showed me he was trying his best not to laugh.

"I'm joking, I saw nothing", I laughed over my shoulder as I left them both. I giggled to myself as I exited the maze. Only Oscar would hide a girl in there.

I bumped into a hard shoulder as I squinted at the brightness of the sun.

"Ouch", I sighed, rubbing my head as I looked up into his crystal blue gaze.

"I'm sorry Miss Eloise", Charles apologised as he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"It is okay", I said and flashed him a smile.

"Well will you accompany me on a walk around the gardens?" he offered, holding his arm out, for me to link.

"That would be delightful", I giggled and placed my arm in his. "I thought the men would be out riding horses".

"We are all taking part in that tomorrow, though Nathaniel, Oscar and I will be heading out later today", he explained, and I looked at him curiously.