Chapter 10
“Make it a little tighter, please.” Tessa turned her head toward Elise who was adjusting the fit of her corset.”
“How’s that? Can you breathe okay?”
“That feels about right.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to pass out or anything.”
“I’m good. Now, if you and Shondra can help me with my dress, I can take care of everything else.
” Tessa turned around and faced her friends.
“I don’t know how women survived these clothes.
All these damn layers are ridiculous: pantaloons, slip, chemise, corset.
Not to mention the uncomfortable shoes.”
Her dress was a blue watered silk with an off-the-shoulder fitted top adorned with a thin black trim, and a full skirt. She’d styled her braids into a bun at the back of her head with silver teardrop earrings and matching bracelet.
“I know, right?” Shondra asked as she checked her appearance in the mirror. “I’m glad we got these fans.” She flicked hers open. “This is gonna get a workout this evening, I’m sure.”
“Same, girl,” Elise agreed.
“I’m glad I decided to go with these fancy slippers. They’re pretty comfortable.” Tessa sat to put them on.
“Your slippers are an exact color match to your dress,” Elise told Tessa. Her own dress was a dusty rose color with cap sleeves, and like Tessa, she’d opted for slippers, but hers were silver.
“That was a happy coincidence. I just happened to go into a vintage shop and found them. They were in their original box and according to the sales person, they’d never been worn.
“You both are lucky. I had to go with my own shoes, because I couldn’t find anything to go with my dress.” Shondra was five feet tall and was almost always in heels. With a size four shoe and often had a hard time finding what she referred to as “grown woman” shoes.
“Well, if you weren’t so tiny, that wouldn’t be a problem,” Elise joked.
“Shondra’s not tiny, she’s ‘fun sized’ like the miniature candy bars you buy in the bag.” Tessa laughed. “At least you never have problems finding clothes.”
“There is that.” Shondra agreed as she checked her appearance. Her gown was a dark golden color, similar in style to Tessa’s but with white lace trim.
“Tessa, where did you get that necklace? It’s beautiful.” Elise lifted the heart shaped blue stone to take a closer look.
“You know, I can’t remember. It is nice though, and it goes well with this dress.”
“If you do remember, let me know. I’d be interested in seeing what else they have.”
“I will. In the meantime, what do I do with this dance card? It’s too big to fit into this drawstring pouch that’s supposed to be a purse.”
“You’re supposed to loop the attached cord around your wrist.” Shondra informed her.
“Thanks, Shondra.” Tessa slid the card around her wrist and put on her mask and gloves. Grabbing her purse and fan from a nearby table, she was ready for the evening ahead.
“You’re welcome.” Shondra looked at Tessa and Elise. “Ren just texted me and said they’re waiting for us in the lobby. You beautiful ladies ready to go downstairs?”
“I’m ready to go and I’m ready for a drink.” Elise answered.
“Me too.” Tessa agreed with Elise on both counts.
“I hope the snacks are good,” Shondra said as she opened the door to leave.
“Not too good. I don’t have a lot of room in this dress.” Tessa followed her into the hallway.
“None of us do. I guess we’ll have to stick to a liquid diet tonight, won’t we, ladies?” Elise laughed as they walked to the lobby.