The Prince Returns
The dance was being held in a fortnight and the town was in apprehension for the day. The maidens had their dresses ready for weeks awaiting the chance to meet the prince that had returned from studying in a foreign country. All were surprised that the prince wasn't engaged to one of the royalties of the other country. Rumors flew about how beautiful princess from other countries were and that the prince had found one he lover among them. But that was not the case, the prince had finally returned and unwed, ready to find his bride among one of them. For the next few days the grand event was sure to preoccupy the minds of all the eligible maidens and some who were already taken.
It was a much different case for the many young gentlemen of the town. The arrival of the prince meant greater competition for the maiden's attention. They also wondered why the prince hadn't married a foreign princess and left their maidens alone. A rumor of different nature arose among the gentlemen. They had heard stories about the prince leaving maidens of other countries so in love with him that none wanted to marry the gentlemen of their own towns and swore never to marry.
This uneasiness was only for the young. For the parents and guardians they were making everything possible for either the prince to fall for their beautiful daughters or for the prince to get along with their sons and their sons being accepted in court. Both gave prestige to the fortunate family.
There was one household that also participated in this hopeful thought. The family consisted of a widow and her two daughters. The widow Odelia Kael, had lost her husband only four summers ago when the sea claimed his life while on a business trip. The cargo ship never made it to shore and the only survivor was a young cabin boy. The death of her husband left her with two daughters. The eldest daughter was from her first marriage but her second was her step-daughter from her latest husband.
Upon hearing the news the doctor advised bed rest for Mrs. Kael. Her health suffered greatly as she now was widowed for the second time in her life but this time she was left with a child that was not hers. Many criticized her decision for keeping the child when it had no blood relation to her, but Mrs. Kael had grown to see her deceased husband's daughter as her own. Mrs. Kael continued to live and raise both her daughters.
After four years both young maidens were unmarried and had been out for some time. They were both beautiful and well off. Lalney was the eldest; she was beautiful with long red hair that reached to her waist. She was tall, and had been since she reached the age of fifth-teen. She always held her head up high no matter what the situation. For many maidens, Lalney was a threat but for the young men of the town she was a prize that many sought to gain.
Sadie was the youngest and stepdaughter of Mrs. Keal. She was also considered beautiful, but not as much as her sister. Sadie had long brown hair that curled at any possible moment. Her face was also smooth as Lalney, so much that it gave off the look of porcelain. Despite her beauty, she was not a treat to the maidens, for she did not flaunt it. Sadie did not like attention and rather spend her time with her childhood friend and confidant Octavia.
The relationship between the two sisters was that of real sisters if not better. At first they had despised each other but after both developed a bond which emerged from a common goal. Both girls had become jealous of their parents new life with a new spouse and had learn to rely on each other. They began to cause trouble to their governess as she tried to teach them Latin and French and other languages they did not see the purpose of knowing. They loved each other and were each others best friends and support. The night that the news of Sadie's father came, Lalney stayed up all night with Sadie as she cried herself to sleep. Lalney was the only one who truly knew how Sadie was and the reasons why Sadie did not like attention.
"Sadie, what do you think of this fabric? Mr. Gardner had it delivered just today while I was in the shop and I snatched it before anyone could see. Wouldn't it make a beautiful gown for the dance?" Lalney was dancing around the parlor while holding the fabric close to her body. The fabric was beautiful indeed and brought out the green in Lalney's eyes. Sadie lifted her eyes from the book and saw Lalney prancing like a fairy. Sadie laughed at how Lalney could always be happy with the smallest things.
"Lalney the dance is in a fortnight. I hardly believe that Mrs. Ross will be able to make yet another gown for you to wear. You already have three, at this rate you will have to change every ten minutes to wear all your gowns for the dance. The prince will hardly have time to see you between your changing." Lalney stopped her fairy dance and smiled at Sadie who already had set her book down to enjoy the dance her sister gave. Sadie stood up and walked towards Lalney who was now holding the fabric and just staring at it as if it were to dissolve. Sadie placed her had on top of Lalney's and looked up to face her. "But it is a beautiful fabric. I believe you will look stunning in it and the prince will hardly be able to take his eyes off of you."
Lalney smiled and resumed her dancing until they heard their mother coming down the hall. Lalney folded the fabric and placed it back into the paper wrapping. Seconds later Mrs. Keal entered the room as if a fire was burning in the room next door. Mrs. Keal sat herself on the couch and began to fan herself franticly. "Honestly, I am a widow and an old one at that. Why do they try to court me? I am already eight and thirty, they should be going after you two girls, you two are young and are better suited to be brides than me."
Mrs. Keal continued to fan herself as her two daughters began to laugh at the situation their mother seemed to be placed. It had been one month since the neighborhood had welcomed its new comer, Mr. Rosenbloom. Mr. Rosenbloom was a man of five and forty. He was a stout man whose only concern in the world were any the quantity of pheasants to hunt. He had seen Mrs. Keal one time walking around the town square. Mrs. Keal was kind to him at first hoping he would offer himself the one of her daughters but when his interests seem to go toward her, she stopped all civility towards him. Mrs. Keal was not interested to marry anymore than interested in having another child.
"Honestly mother you should give Mr. Rosenbloom a chance. He does seem much found of you", Lalney managed to say despite her giggling.
"Oh, hush child! What type of ideas you have. I shall never respond to Mr. Rosenbloom. The idea of me marrying before my two grown daughters is preposterous. You two should be more connected of your wedding than mine."
Sadie stopped laughing and in a serous tone went to Mrs. Keal. "Does that mean you will accept his offer if Lalney and I wed?" Sadie and Lalney resumed laughing as they saw Mrs. Keal face twist with this comment. Mrs. Keal stood up and walked to the other side of the room and poured herself a glass of wine. After drinking a sip to calm her nerves she walked back to the couch and faced the two maidens that continued to laugh.
"I will say this to you, I will never wed that man. I have no intention of losing another husband. My heart can not handle it." This seemed to be the medication to stop both girls from laughing. Both stood silent as they watched their mother. "True that in both marriages I gained beautiful daughters but I don't think I can handle one more heart break. Now do both of you understand my resistant to accepting Mr. Rosenbloom's offer? Fine, now get ready girls we are going into town to buy some things before the ball. Let's go."
Both Lalney and Sadie rose off the couch silently and exited the room leaving Mrs. Keal alone with glass of wine. "Honestly those two" mumbled Mrs. Keal as she sipped the last of wine that was in her glass.
That night as the Keals women were going off to bed Sadie stopped on top of the stairs and faced the Lalney. "What is it? Say it. You have been seeing me with that face since we came from shopping in town. What is it?"
Sadie moved the candle close to Lalney's face enough to see Lalney's features. "It is true what Octavia said about you"
"What did she say?" Sadie just smiled and continued to walk towards her room. She quite enjoyed teasing her sister. "Sadie Keal come back here and tell me what Octavia said to you about me."
Lalney began to walk quickly trying to catch up to Sadie. She barged into Sadie's room without so much as knocking and pleaded Sadie to tell her what Octavia said. "Fine, I will tell you. She said that when you walk down the street every man no matter young or old they always turn to face you and admire you beauty. That is all she said"
"You are lying. She told you something else, I know it. Tell me." Lalney was growing impatient seeing how Sadie was enjoying the moment. After two more minutes of begging, Lalney stood up to walked out of the room ready to retire for the night.
"Lalney wait. I'm sorry, but that is what she said. That, and something totally ridiculous. But the ridiculous part was on my expense, so do not worry."
"What did she say? If she hurt you I will go up to her tomorrow and tell her to leave you alone." Sadie began to laugh again making her brown eyes water with all the laughing. "Sadie, do not laugh. Honestly I will do that for you. You are my sister and I will protect you as much as I can."
"I know, sweet Lalney. I know you will protect me but it was not that bad." Sadie grabbed Lalney's hands and led her to sit next to her on the bed. "It's just that Octavia said that I am so afraid of attention that I should wait and see that I will marry someone who will put me in so much in public view that is possible. The only possible way for that to happen is if I marry royalty." Sadie began to laugh at the idea of marring royalty but stopped when she saw how serious Lalney was.
"Oh, Lalney I know what you are thinking. Do not worry, I wont take your precious prince from you. It doesn't matter because you have more charm than anyone in the country and a beauty that can't be compared. Even the sun is envious of you."
"I am not worry. If the prince does choose you…"
"He will not. Lalney you are more suited for him than I will ever be."
"Sadie, is it that bad to imagine marring the prince? Sadie don't turn you head. Look at me. You are beautiful too and do not worry what people say about you. It does not matter the horrible words..." Lalney went closer to Sadie and held her as Sadie began to sob. "Sadie I know you were hurt of what people said when your father died. But mother did not listen to them; she kept you not like a maid but as a daughter. Not all attention is bad attention. Cry all you want, just cry."
That night Lalney stayed by Sadie's side like she had done four years ago. She stayed comforting her sister no matter what.
Two days were left before the grand ball, inside and outside the palace people were rushing about preparing. Sadie seemed to be the only one to being taking it calmly. The dance was not important for her, she was only going because of her mother wanted her to attend. She already had her dress prepared. The dress was made from a light silver fabric that Lalney had brought home nearly a week ago, since then Lalney had found two more beautiful fabrics to be dresses. For Sadie it was time to enjoy having a stroll with Octavia. Octavia was the same height as Lalney, meaning she was two inches taller than Sadie, but unlike Lalney, Octavia had blonde hair and brown eyes.
Octavia and Sadie continued their walk as Mrs. Keal and Lalney continued to shop. Both Octavia and Sadie joked on how the town was reacting to the prince's return. It reminded both of chickens without their heads or Mrs. Keal running away from Mr. Rossenbloom at the last church service. The townspeople were scurrying to get the fabrics for the gowns or shoes or trying to find an available carriage to get to the palace that night.
"Frankly I don't see what the whole fuss is about. He is only a prince and the chance of anyone getting him as a husband is scarcely small. Just the other day I heard the Logas sisters talking about how they will win the prince's heart and then started arguing with Miss Marks about her not looking as handsome as them. Honestly everyone has gone mad over this event." Sadie spoke as they walked by two women haggling over the price of a lace.
"Come on and enjoy the moment. It is not every day that the king or queen hold a ball that is open to everyone"
"Everyone? Ha. The dance is still a private one. I can name three fair families that are mad for not being invited to the dance."
"Sadie you know the reason for that. The Leyvas were such cruel terms with the royals. If it hadn't been for Miss Leyvas offensive production last winter, I am sure they too would have been enjoying a fine evening of dancing."
"That is exactly what I mean, my dear Octavia. Just because one does something that is not right to everyone else they get unwanted attention and scorn for it. Society is so cruel at this; Miss Leyvas did not do anything that I consider bad. Yes a little misguided but what was the poor girl to do."
"Misguided? Misguided indeed, she tried running off with the stable boy."
"She did not want to marry that old man. She had no choice. I would have done the same thing to escape from marrying Lord Port. That sickening old man."
"Hush your tongue, Sadie. What if someone were to hear you just now? I know Lord Port is not the best man to consider as a husband but Miss Leyvas was wrong in trying to escape. If she were a considerate daughter she would have deal with the misfortune and married him. Now her family cannot regain the respect that they lost and the rest of the Leyvas children have lost their chance of marrying into good families. Miss Leyvas should have thought of her sisters just as I am thinking of mine."
The two girls had walked quite a distance away from the crowds and were along the trees and stream. "What do you mean Miss Leyvas should have thought of her sisters like you are? Do not tell me Lord Port has inquired about you?" Octavia smiled a sad smile that said the whole sad truth. "Oh my dear precious Octavia that is horrid news. When did it happen?"
"Just last week. I was out in the gardens with Marie and father was in the parlor looking over some papers when the maid told father he had a visitor. Father thought it might be Mr. Roger with news about fathers work but it was Lord Port. From what Ms. Luex said, Lord Port barged into the parlor as if he owned the place and sat without consent from father. Father was irate to say the least but calmed upon hearing Lord Port was inquiring about me. Next thing I know is that after the walk about the gardens father summoned me to the parlor to tell me the news.
"Thank God, Lord Port had already left because I began to cry. Father assured me that if I didn't want to I didn't have to." Sadie tried to reassure Octavia as the tears began to flow from Octavia's eyes. "But then father said that I should think of the family when I make my final choice. Father wants me to marry Lord Port because it would mean that my family will be in a higher circle of friends."
This situation was one that Sadie had always wanted to escape and yet here was her dearest friend. Sadie did not know what to say that could possible make amend to the misfortune that Octavia was experiencing. Octavia and Sadie finished their walk in silence and made their way back to town. Occasionally Sadie could hear Octavia weep as she tried to calm down.
Both ladies were sitting having tea as they awaited Mrs. Keal and Lalney. Neither spoke of Lord Port or Octavia's possible future marriage. It was a taboo for both ladies and neither was willing to break the silence.
Mrs. Keal and Lalney at last arrived with their shopping. The carriage loaded with two bundles and a box that caught Sadie's interest. Mrs. Keal offered Octavia a ride home stating that the sky looked as if it would start raining and Octavia being without a carriage would surly would get caught in the rain. Octavia politely refused but after some persuasion she admitted defeat and boarded the carriage.
In the carriage all the ladies continued to discuss among themselves about how the dance would be. Only Sadie remained quiet as she thought of all that she had learned that afternoon. She wondered how she would react if she were in friends state. Would she act like Octavia or act like Miss Leyvas?
After they had left Octavia home, the Keals were home looking over what they had purchased that day. Sadie sat quietly looking at everything they had bought but was waiting to see what was in the box. Finally Lalney open the box. "Sadie, you must see this. It is the most amazing thing that you have ever seen."
Lalney pulled out an emerald colored dress from the box. The dress was beautiful and seemed to cost a small fortune. It was quite splendid and shone with the light that was coming from the window. "Isn't it the most amazing thing you have ever seen?"
"Where did you get it?" Sadie was mesmerized by the dress but could not understand how they could afford something so splendid. The ribbon that was around the waist alone would be beyond the budget of the household.
Being to excited Lalney didn't hear the question and continued to talk about the dress. Before Sadie could further push her questionings, Lalney left the room to try on the dress.
"Mother…"
"Yes Sadie?"
"How could we possible afford a dress as that? Our means cannot extend that far. That dress alone could cost…"
"Don't worry. It didn't cost us anything."
"I beg your pardon. That dress…"
"You heard me. That dress was given to Lalney this afternoon." Mrs. Keal did not look up from her book but clarified after hearing the earnest in Sadie's voice. She set her book down and continued in a soft voice.
"This afternoon as Lalney and I were walking pass Mr. Gardner's shop Mr. Gardner called out to us. I assumed that he wanted to show a new shipment of fabrics and we declined. He assured us that that wasn't the reason for his calling us. He said that a box had been left and that it needed Lalney's immediate attention.
"Well, hearing this I knew that we needed to go see what it was and to our surprised this box was there. Nothing else, all it had, was a letter with the words "Miss Lalney Keal". We asked Mr. Gardner who it was from, but he said that it was in the front door when he opened the shop."
Before Sadie could protest about the gown Lalney came down showing off her dress that was for the ball. Lalney looked so beautiful that it silenced any remark that Sadie was going to make.
