The Greatest Thing

There Was A Boy

Estelle Devereux stood in the hall, waiting for her turn to be announced. Queen Charlotte's Ball was something she'd dreamed about since she was a girl. This would be the night she'd be introduced to society. However, lately she felt as though she was a prized animal on her way to be sold to the highest bidder. She bit her lip, bouncing on her toes slightly. A hand came out to squeeze hers and she looked at the owner affectionately.

"It's alright to be nervous, Elle," her best friend, Annalise, told her. "But, remember that it's just a party."

They heard the heralds sound the trumpet, signaling the arrival of Queen Victoria on the opposite side of the doors.

"A very elaborate party," Estelle replied sardonically.

Annalise nudged her with her elbow and she cracked a smile.

"That's more like it, Elle. Besides, who knows who might be on the other side of that door," Annalise grinned.

"Queen Victoria," Estelle smirked.

"Besides the Queen," Annalise said with a roll of her eyes. "You might meet the one. Or, at the very least, some entertaining people that may become your friend."

"I wish I had your outlook on things, Anna," Estelle said wistfully. Ever since her mother died, her father had been urging her that she'd have to make a good match. She never quite understood why. After all, her parents had married for love. Why couldn't she? She shook herself from her reverie as the doors opened. Gently, she smoothed over the fabric of her green dress. She smiled softly at the gown her mother had designed before she died, specifically for her debut. To see it come to fruition made her happy. Her heart clenched at the thought that if only her mother could see her now, with her frilly sleeves and floral pattern beaded into the fabric. She supposed she looked beautiful. The line of ladies started to move and one-by-one they were introduced to the queen next to the cake.

"Your majesty," Estelle said with a deep curtsy to the queen.

"Devereux..." the queen murmured. "Tell us, are you of any relation to a Margaret?"

Estelle respectfully looked down. "Yes, your majesty. She was my mother."

"We are sorry for your loss," the Queen said with a small smile, lifting her hand so that Estelle would straighten herself out. "Your mother made quite the impression during her social season. We look forward to watching your experience."

The Queen nodded at Estelle, letting her know she was dismissed, and the line continued on. Estelle made her way into the crowd of partygoers. She scanned the room for the familiar flash of pink dress that was Annalise. With a smile, she made her way over, but she stopped in her tracks when she noticed who her friend was with. Christian. Her face broke out in a smile as she tried to get there as quickly as possible without making a fool of herself.

"Elle, there you are!" Annalise beamed when she turned to her friend. "How did your introduction go?"

Her words could have fallen on deaf ears as she watched Estelle and Christian regard each other. However, Annalise, ever the trooper, kept going.

"My introduction went fairly well. I figured I'd get a glass of something to drink and wait for you. While you were occupied, I met Mr. Thompson," Annalise explained. "Mr. Thompson, this is my friend-"

"Ellie," Christian beamed at her.

"Oh, you two know each other," Annalise remarked.

Estelle's eyes never left Christian as she responded. "We were friends a long time ago. It's been ages since we've seen each other," she murmured.