Prologue
"That one is quite dull, isn't it?" The small woman scrutinized the piece of silk with a 'trained' eye.
"Yes, it is plain, but I like the color," Another woman of a slightly taller stature twirled the dark blue ribbon around her finger whilst admiring the multitude of options around her, "and it's very smooth too. Not like the old velvet ones—they are so worn, I fear they may fall apart in my hand." The woman adorned a soft smile.
"Yes _f/n_, but it's so dark, it would be unseemly to wear it to any of this season's balls." The shorter lady gave an unlady-like chortle and turned her attention to an array of pastel-colored fabrics.
"Then I shall save it for the colder seasons, and get the rose and lavender ribbons as well—all of society knows I need them." _f/n_ ran a slender finger along the now drab blue-gray that held her _h/c_ hair in a tattered bun—she hadn't put much effort into maintaining her appearance for the day, and only imagined the lecture she might have received from her mother. A frown creased her soft face as she fished a few coins from her purse, the selected ribbons in hand.
"Really, you must come out shopping with me more often. While you are brilliant on the piano forte, how do you expect to show off such talent to a potential suitor when you lock yourself away, practicing or reading, every day of the week? That and I do miss your company." Her companion stated while draping a delicate textile over her arm.
"Please Mary, you are always welcome to visit me—though I know it is not the same. I promise to go out more now that the weather has improved. This winter was terribly cold," The coins fell into the shopkeeper's hand, and a pleasant greeting was exchanged, "come my dear, I still need to visit the dressmaker to pick up a few things. I am sure you'll delight yourself in seeing them."
Mary followed closely behind as the two exited the small space and into the bright afternoon sun.
"_f/n_, did you hear that Lord Henley of Etonbury and his wife are hosting a spring ball that is to take place within a fortnight? I'm certain your family was invited—seeing as it is a private event, you must check with Mr. _l/n_. I will attend, so I expect to see you there," Mary lifted her bonnet over blonde curls, "Miss Thorne informed me that there are to be several eligible and well off bachelors to meet and dance with.
"Yes, quite. " She was already distracted by the many noises surrounding on the main street. The horses, children running and screaming, a dog barking here, and chickens clucking there—
"_f/n_, pay attention!" Mary yanked the daydreamer from her daze as a passing carriage driver yelled to 'Watch the road!' The young _h/c _ shook her head, slightly startled by the pull back to reality.
"So sorry, I don't know what came over me, but yes, I will see you at the ball," _f/n_ said in hardly a mutter, causing Mary to scoff.
"You must be more careful, but please, enough of that; I must see these new dresses—preferably before the next winter arrives!"
Key:
f/n = first name
l/n = last name
h/c =hair color (ex. brown/brunette)