Frills and Frocks
1 6
“I think the blue.” Valarie’s birdlike voice flutters out from the other side of the screen. “It suits your features more than the copper one.”
They’re at one of the modiste stores on Mayfair choosing gowns for the upcoming ball at the Ascendancy in two days’ time. Daisy wanted a new gown for the ball, so Kora invited Valarie and Alice to join them.
Kora’s hidden behind one of the wooden screens. A young modiste girl is fastening the tiny buttons on the blue gown Valarie insisted she try on. Kora does have to admit that this colour looks wonderful on her. It’s a duller shade reminding her of ripened blueberries.
“There you go Miss.” The black-haired girl behind her smiles through the mirror as she lets go of the gown. “It’s stunning on you.”
Kora grins back at her through the mirror, lifting the skirt off the floor before coming out to show her friends.
Valarie’s face lights up with delight as soon as she steps out from behind the screen. Alice stares at her, stunned, as if Kora’s alight with flames. Her eyes are wide like usual.
Daisy nods in validation of Valarie’s choice. “I agree. The blue is definitely more your colour. The copper will clash too much with your hair.”
“See. I think it looks gorgeous. Every man will want to write their name on your dance card.” Valarie chimes before winking at Kora .
“I don’t know about every man.” Kora runs her fingertips over the smooth fabric. It’s silky and shiny with tiny silver embellishments framing the bodice. Her corset digs slightly into her skin underneath.
Daisy scoffs, tossing her hand through the air. “Kora, every man will stare at you. Just accept it, you’re strikingly beautiful. Now,” she changes the subject by lifting the two gowns, “which will suit Alice more?”
Alice bites her bottom lip as she stares between the red long sleeve gown and the emerald dress with the puffy short sleeves that cover delicate shoulders.
“I say the red.” Valarie pipes up, standing and bringing the dress up to Alice to envision it on her.
Alice blushes.
Kora wishes she wasn’t so quiet and easily embarrassed. “I agree with Valarie,” Kora announces. “Try it on, Alice.”
“I should?”
One of the modiste’s assesses Alice, eyes studying her as she ponders. “Believe me, the red will make you shimmer like fire. All gazes will be on you.”
Alice winces, and Kora wraps an arm around her smaller shoulders. “You don’t have to buy it if you’re not entirely comfortable wearing it.” Reminding Matthew’s younger sister.
She nods at Kora, a dainty smile growing as the modiste takes the gown and Alice follows her behind a screen to undress.
“What about plum?” Valarie suggests as she spots one hanging from a rack beside Kora. “Plum suits auburn hair.”
“The plum is pretty.” Daisy agrees with her. “You should try that one as well, Kora.”
Valarie’s eyes flare as she nods excitedly.
“All right.” Kora takes it down from the rack. “It is quite lovely.”
“Go on then. ”
Kora changes into the deep purple dress. The cuffs hang off her shoulders loosely. The skirts flowing elegantly down from the bodice. It looks beautiful on her.
Returning to the main room, Valarie and Daisy both gasp from the velvet wrapped seat when she reappears. “I think I’ll be writing my name on your dance card as well, Kora.” Daisy murmurs with an entranced smile.
“I think the Elders would be beside themselves if you two danced together.” Valarie says through a giggle.
Kora’s cheeks widen. “Which do you prefer?” questioning them, because there’s no way she’ll be able to walk out of here with both gowns. She’s lucky enough for Clarence to give her money for one.
“Plum.”
“Definitely.”
Kora’s face relaxes as she looks down at the material covering her. “Agreed. I’ll purchase this one then.”
“Why not both?” Valarie asks with a tilt of her head.
Kora’s lips part as Daisy stands from the upholstered bench she’s perched on and clasps her hands together loudly, “Come on, Alice, I am dying to see that gown on you.”
Garnet eyes come to settle on Kora as Daisy gives her a gentle look. Kora immediately knows that Daisy is aware of their financial situation, even without her needing to voice it aloud.
“Yes, come on, Alice. We are all out here growing beards waiting for you to change!” Valarie chirps loudly.
Kora and Daisy frown at her.
Valarie shrugs. “I heard my father say that once when I was late preparing for a ball. I thought it was funny.”
Kora snorts a laugh. “You do realise that only men grow beards, right?”
“I’m aware. I just liked the saying, that’s all. ”
Daisy shakes her head before approaching Kora. Her fingers touch her gown as she stares at her best friend. “I have money for both if you-”
“No. It’s not necessary,” Kora cuts her off. “You’re a good friend, Daisy, but I can’t let you do that.”
She nods in understanding before resting her dark hair against Kora’s head. “If I grow a beard, please be the first to tell me.”
Kora pushes her off lightly as Daisy cackles a laugh. Valarie stares at them before Alice nervously walks out from behind the screen.
Her long wavy brown locks frame her youthful face. Burning green eyes like Matthew’s set on the three of them as her hands awkwardly fall to her sides. The scarlet gown clings to her in the right places. Puffy transparent sleeves show the outline of her shoulders and arms, while the corset sits tight against her flesh. It’s a deep rose red, reminding Kora of Mortal blood. She looks older dressed like this, and exquisite like a princess.
“Divine.” Daisy gasps out, rushing to grab a hold of Alice’s hands and squeezing them tightly.
Valarie shows her teeth in a wide grin as Alice nibbles on her lip. “Please get it.”
Alice nods before ducking back behind the screen, already over the small amount of attention she’s received.
Purchasing their gowns, the four girls leave the modiste with wrapped boxes in their grasp. Alice and Valarie gush over their dresses together as Kora and Daisy walk behind them, listening to their excitement.
“Do you remember when we bought our first ballgowns?” Daisy breaks the silence without looking at her friend.
Kora laughs, nodding at her. “I believe you chose a pink one with black bows on it. And mine was a dark green covered in shiny orange beads. What were we thinking? ”
Daisy shakes her head as a smile creeps onto her face. “I can’t believe the modiste allowed us to walk out with those.”
“I think she just wanted the money.”
“We looked ridiculous in them.”
Kora chuckles, lowering her face to the ground as they walk. “Clarence’s shocked face is burnt into my memory.”
“Mine too. When he saw us together and burst out laughing, I knew then that we had made a mistake.”
“Matthew teasing us also didn’t help.”
“I’m glad we never went back to that store,” Daisy admits.
“How could we after she let us wear those hideous things?” Kora’s voice rising with disbelief.
Her friend laughs beside her when a male voice calls out to them from the other side of the street. Peering up, Matthew, Lewis and Jordan are approaching them, weaving in and out of moving coaches.
A horse almost tramples on Matthew. The driver yells down at him, but Matthew just gives him an apologetic wave before carrying on.
“Where have you girls been?” Asking once they catch up to them.
Daisy holds up her box. “We got our gowns for the ball.”
“Oh,” he exhales, “exciting.” His emerald eyes flaring with sarcasm.
“It is exciting, Matthew.” Daisy bites back. “You just don’t understand because men can wear the same outfit at every event. Women, however, get scorned at for appearing in the same gown twice.”
“It’s expensive being a woman then.” Jordan says and Matthew snorts in agreement.
Daisy blanches, “You have no idea...”
“What colour did you choose? And please tell me there aren’t any bows on it this time. ”
Daisy rolls her eyes so hard Kora thinks she feels the vibration through her bones. “No. There are no bows. That was six years ago. We know how to dress ourselves now.”
“Well, thank the Angels for that.” Matthew breathes out and Daisy shoves him away playfully.
“They weren’t that bad,” Kora protests, even though she disagrees with herself. They were that bad.
“Yes, they were. But I’m glad you’ve moved past black bows and orange embellishments. I’m so proud of you two,” Matthew says, pretending to wipe a tear from his lashes.
Kora shakes her head at him, hiding her smile, “Did you chase after us just to harass us about our gowns?”
“No, we came to ask if you’d come to the Chiswick’s this evening for a night of games.”
“Oh, we’d love that.” Daisy says with a twinkle in her eye.
Jordan grins at Kora before looking at his sister, who is making eyes with Lewis beside her. “Did you choose something nice as well?”
Valarie glares at her older brother. “Of course I did. I have great taste. I even helped Alice choose something to wear.”
Matthew frowns at his Alice, who is half hiding behind Valarie’s body like a shadow. “You bought one as well?”
“Yes.” Her voice is so quiet she’s like a mouse.
The gleam on Matthew’s face is overpowering. He reaches out, bringing Alice into his arms. “I’m so glad. You deserve a pretty dress.” He looks up to Kora and Daisy, mouthing them a thank you.
They both nod.
Kora and Daisy have taken Alice dress shopping once before, but she couldn’t decide on which one she liked. She has always come to events in old dresses Daisy has handed down to her, never once complaining about wearing used gowns. But with Valarie here, Kora hopes she’ll be able to bring Alice out of her shell finally.
“I think you’ll adore it.” Valarie chimes, stroking a hand over Alice’s dark hair .
Kora swears a tear almost falls from Matthew’s lashes as he beams down at his little sister, who’s smiling widely.