Chapter 10
***
The next day. After her usual breakfast, Aubrey got ready to head out to the garden. She also needed to pick up the apple pie she'd requested from the Chef last night. But the moment she heard the words, her little plan for the day was forgotten.
"I-I'm invited to a party?"
"Yes, Aubrey. You've been invited to an evening party at the Paddingham’s."
Aubrey stared blankly at Barbara's lips. She couldn't believe it. No, it was unbelievable. If this was a party at the Paddingham’s, it was exactly what Emily had been looking forward to. But why would they invite her (Aubrey)? How did they know her (Aubrey)?
"I don't know, but there were a lot of people wondering about you. And that's just as well. I've always wanted you to go to a party."
Barbara couldn't help but laugh at Aubrey's gaping mouth, like a dumbfounded person. And when she asked with those wide eyes, ‘Are you serious?’ She couldn't help but hug her tightly.
"It's real, Aubrey. You're going to the party."
At those words, Aubrey swallowed back the scream that was rising in her throat. She knew she couldn't dare venture into this territory with her status. So she didn't wish to.
Or, more accurately, she didn't try to be greedy. She just took vicarious satisfaction in seeing Emily in her gorgeous dresses and jewelry and princess-like makeup, because she thought that was the only luxury she was allowed. She never expected to be invited to a party.
"Wait a minute, Auntie. There's something wrong with this, and I don't understand why they would want to invite ...... a girl like me to......."
It was indeed strange. Why would a family of dukes invite her, an insignificant patron, to join them?
"There must be a misunderstanding......."
"I just saw your name on the invitation and I'm here to tell you."
Barbara laughed as she said it, but at the same time, her brow furrowed slightly as she remembered her last argument with her husband.
“Why on earth did they invite Aubrey?!”
“It's already all over social circles, and the fact that you're keeping her hidden away like that only adds to the unnecessary gossip. Didn't I tell you?”
Jeffrik was extremely reluctant to bring up Aubrey. He was afraid of what she might do to his reputation. A girl whose origins were unclear.
A girl who had been found unconscious by a stable hand. Jeffrik seemed to think Aubrey was a small blot on his life. Barbara knew him well enough to know how to handle him in this situation.
"Jeffrik. Think about it, she could meet a nice gentleman at a party, and besides, it's a Paddingham party.”
The Paddinghams were famous for their parties because of the ballrooms they built. The extravagance and opulence of the ballroom, built solely for parties, quickly won the hearts of the ladies and gentlemen. Some people would send gifts to the Paddinghams all year round just to get an invitation to their parties.
“If she makes her mark at the party, Aubrey will be noticed. Haven't you always wanted to marry her off? Are you going to pass up this opportunity?”
And Jeffrik gave her a convinced look, much to Barbara's surprise. But even as she said it, she felt uncomfortable. It sounded like he was in a hurry to get her off the market.
"I can't believe it, how could I....... This isn't a dream, is it?"
As she watched Aubrey blush, Barbara realized she'd done a good job of convincing Jeffrik to let Aubrey go.
"It's a clear reality, Aubrey."
Barbara stroked her head, which had finally calmed down.
* * *
In the corner of the rose garden, a small burst of joy erupted.
"Oh my God, is that true?"
When Boris heard that Aubrey had been invited to the party, he rejoiced like it was his job. He even took her hand in his and gave her a big, burly dance.
"Congratulations, young lady. You're finally getting out of this mansion."
Aubrey twirled in his gesture and let out an awkward laugh. Then she sighed.
"But I'm so worried."
"Worried about what?"
"I don't know anything about going to a party like that and not knowing what to expect......."
Yes, at first it was great, she was giddy and excited to receive a big, unexpected gift, but as time passed and she thought about it, fear took over. It was the same when she first came to the mansion. She had to be taught the etiquette of eating and walking around.
Plus, according to Emily, it's a place full of fancy people. For sure they must have their own rules.
"We're all clumsy at first."
Boris's deep voice still had a way with people.
"No one talks and walks from birth. If there's a man who laughs at a man who's lost because he's new, consider him very childish."
Boris laughed warmly, but not without a hint of unease. When Aubrey laughed weakly, Boris gently touched her shoulder and said,
"Now all we have to do is wait to see what handsome gentleman will ask our lady out on a date?"
"What?"
"Because I heard that my master also fell in love with the Countess at the festival and confessed to her."
Boris smirked and winked as if he were telling her a secret.
* * *
That night. Aubrey was sitting by the window overlooking the garden, looking out as usual.
"Because I heard that my master also fell in love with the Countess at the festival and confessed to her."
Boris's words, and Trin's private inquiries, confirmed that the Count Ravant and Barbara had indeed set eyes on each other at a festival in the capital. While the streets were bustling with the festivities organized by the royal family, Barbara had made a brief stop in the capital city of Mablun.
It was love at first sight for Jeffrik, and he followed her all the way to Herwaldi, where he courted and they became husband and wife.
As a result, Barbara, the second daughter of a Baron of Herwaldi, became the Countess of Ravant. Aubrey loved the conclusion. It felt like the only thing that would save her from the anxiety of being cast out at any moment. Aubrey stared down into the night garden. She curled her scarred hands into fists.
* *
The preparations were quiet and quick. It was now five days until the party. Every day at noon, Barbara took Aubrey and her maid, Trin, out to Marlborough.
For the first time in her life, she was measured and fitted. All sorts of dress designs were laid out in front of her, and she could choose anything she wanted. Aubrey knew what this secret outing meant.
"Doesn't Emily know I'm going to the party?"
Barbara frowned when she asked. Barbara said she'd talk to her later, but Aubrey knew deep down that her daughter wouldn't be happy to have her along. And so the big day arrived.
Aubrey ate a light lunch and then locked herself in her room for the rest of the day. The visit was business as usual, but inside was a new world.
A large, gold-rimmed mirror, a dress made just for her, and an assortment of jewelry and trinkets. The dress designer, who was said to know the capital's fashions, was even in the room, leading her maids.
"Wear your hair in a thick braid, so that your slender neck can be seen."
The maids dutifully followed the designer’s instructions. Aubrey sat in front of the mirror and watched her transformation unfold.
"I think the blush should be a little bolder. Same with the lips. A similar color, but darker."
After a while the working maids’ hands stopped, and the designer smiled with satisfaction.
"What do you think, young lady?"
At her question, Aubrey slowly rose to her feet. She took a good look at herself. The young woman in the mirror was wearing a purple dress that showed off her rounded shoulders and a sliver of the top of her white breasts. Luckily, she couldn't see the markings on her wingbones.
A long necklace with a small ruby pendant hung around her thin, white neck. Even her tiny ears glistened with rubies the size of pinky nails. She was a perfect lady, so perfect that no one would ever think she was a slave from Crysis.
"I wanted to make it fancy for you, since this is your debutante's party, but the Count of Ravant is far from fancy."
The designer's lips curled into a wistful smile.
"You like it?"
"I like it, but....... I'm not sure how I'll look in other people's eyes."
At that moment, there was a knock on the door and Barbara entered the room.
"The preparations are going well......."
She swallowed hard at the sight of Aubrey's face, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"Mother, I think I'd rather have this than that diamond."
And a cheerful voice called after Barbara.
"What's wrong?"
Emily asked, her face turning white when she saw Aubrey.
"What the hell...... is that?"
At the same time, Barbara hastily closed the door and disappeared.
"What was that, mother!"
A shout from beyond the closed doorway. Aubrey sat down in the chair. Calm down. Maybe I won't make it, so...... don't get your hopes up. She was used to always thinking the worst. Aubrey closed her eyes and waited.
She listened to Emily's yelling outside the door, as if it were her verdict. Soon enough, the door opened again. Maid Henna spoke, her usual nonchalant expression.
"The Lady asks you to come down."
If she wanted me to come down, then everything is alright?
Aubrey couldn't tell.
"Go ahead, let me help you."
Trin leaned in and whispered. Aubrey cautiously left the room and walked down the hallway, her mind racing. She descended the corner staircase she always used. In the lobby hall, Emily, the Count and Countess, and the rest of the household were gathered.
"Please don't introduce her as a Ravant. I really don't want to be disappointed further."
Emily, her back to Aubrey, shot her parents a cold glare.
"Emily, why would you go to all this trouble to......."
"It's a scam, she doesn't have Ravant blood in her!"
With that, Emily stormed out of the lobby. Sighing heavily, Barbara and Jeffrik caught up with her.
"Miss."
Turning at the faint call, Trin pursed her lips and rolled her eyes. It seemed to cheer her up, and Aubrey smiled a little. She hesitated and stood in front of the Count, feeling Jeffrik’s gaze on her. Aubrey kept her head down, unable to meet his eyes.
"Will you be okay?"
Barbara asked, and Aubrey nodded slowly. Neither of them wanted her to be seen but that party that might just decide her future. Because she wanted to be there.
"The Atherton's will help you, so don't worry too much."
Aubrey looked up at those words, and before she knew it, there was a strange man standing in the doorway. He had yellowish-blond hair and sky-blue eyes, just like Jeffrik’s.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sandalwood."
***
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